GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the supervision and direction of the Director of Community Development, the Economic Development Coordinator is responsible for promoting economic growth, attracting investment, and fostering a business-friendly environment to enhance the communitys economic prosperity.

This role involves collaborating with businesses, residents, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies, programs, and initiatives that align with community needs and long-term economic goals. The Economic Development Coordinator plays a key role in business retention and expansion efforts, marketing the community to potential investors, and coordinating with public and private entities to drive sustainable economic development.

This is not a full list of job duties; additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Lead Generation and Business Attraction/Recruitment:

• Assist in managing, facilitating, and monitoring third-party consultants engaged in business attraction and lead generation efforts.
• Conduct and refine market research to identify and pursue business opportunities aligned with the regions strengths and target industries.
• Organize and coordinate logistics for business attraction/recruitment missions, trade show participation, and meetings.
• Research and draft responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) from state, regional economic development organizations (EDOs), and site selector project leads.
• Assist in planning and facilitating site visits for companies, delegations, and investors.

Business Retention and Expansion Support:

• Collaborate with the local Chamber of Commerce to develop and implement a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program.
• Conduct regular visits to businesses, organize roundtables, and coordinate events to identify business needs and provide solutions for long-term success.
• Act as a liaison between businesses and local resources, facilitating connections and developing programs to support business operations and growth.

Community Redevelopment and Downtown Activation:

• Work with private-sector developers, investors, City staff, and community stakeholders to advance redevelopment efforts.
• Evaluate and recommend governmental measures related to land use, public utilities, community facilities, housing, and transportation for redevelopment and revitalization initiatives.
• Assist in developing incentive policies and strategies to encourage new investment in key areas.
• Coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce to establish and facilitate a Downtown Stakeholder Committee to support downtown redevelopment, activation, and event planning.

Workforce Development:

• Collaborate with educational institutions, government agencies, businesses, and workforce development offices to create training programs aligned with industry needs.
• Partner with local schools and colleges to enhance workforce training initiatives and address future labor market demands.

Funding and Grant Writing:

• Research and pursue state and national funding opportunities to support economic and workforce development, as well as infrastructure initiatives.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals to secure financial resources for economic development programs.

Community Outreach and Public Relations:

• Promote economic development initiatives through public relations efforts and community engagement.
• Represent the Economic Development Corporation at community events, business meetings, and public forums.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Generate regular reports on business retention, expansion, attraction/recruitment, and workforce development activities.
• Collect, analyze, and present data to measure program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Conduct background research and analysis for contract development, development agreements, incentives, and property acquisitions/sales.
• Perform annual reviews of active incentive agreements to ensure compliance and verify performance metrics.

Other Duties:

• Assist with special programs and city-sponsored events.
• Support the Community Development Director in program development, budgeting, meetings, agendas, events, and strategic planning.
• Provide recommendations for project priorities, required resources, and budget allocations.
• Assist with the implementation of adopted plans, goals, and objectives for the Economic Development Corporation and Community Development Department.
• Prepare and present materials to the City Council, commissions, boards, and community stakeholders as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including additional responsibilities required for City special events.

PAY GRADE: 7 ($45,506.24 - $65,984.04) paid bi-weekly, depending upon experience and qualifications

LOCATION: City Hall

STATUS: Full-time, non-exempt, at-will position, Monday-Thursday, 8:00AM - 6:00PM, and Friday, 8:00AM - 12:00PM.

The City of Cleveland is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We prohibit discrimination in all employment practices on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or political affiliation, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

The City of Cleveland is an E-Verify Employer.

E-Verify is an internet-based system used by employers to verify employment eligibility. It compares

information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, with records from the

U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm eligibility

REQUIRED EDUCATION, DEGREES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND / OR LICENSES

Education and Experience

• Bachelors Degree: a degree in Economics, Planning, Public Relations, Communications or a closely related field preferred. Equivalent experience of a minimum of 4 years in a related field, preferably in municipal government, may be considered in lieu of a degree, provided the candidate has a high school diploma or GED.
• TEEX Basic Economic Development: Completion of the TEEX Basic Economic Development Course is required or must be obtained within one year of hire.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Texas drivers license with an acceptable driving record.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen, physical examination, and background check.