ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

General Statement of Duties and Distinguishing Features of Class

Under general direction from the Economic Development Director, and his/her designees, the Economic Development Coordinator is responsible for business retention and expansion of the business community with a high focus on establishing and maintaining relationships; promoting the City to attract new businesses; and supporting the expansion of the existing business base.  Duties include proactively supporting cutting-edge economic development programs and the City’s’ overall vision of being a global city of choice. Responsible for creating marketing and communication materials, maintaining a database of commercial and industrial properties, responding to request from site selectors and real estate professionals, monitoring city tax and grant incentive programs, compilation of grant and other funding applications, and administering special projects.  This position will require you to regularly interact with and provide high quality customer service to local business leaders, all City departments, City Council and members of the community. The workload can be complex requiring interpretive judgment within prescribed standards and complete discretion. The Economic Development Coordinator must independently manage his/her workload and additional duties as assigned.

This is a public service job based on trust, credibility, and competency.  It is a critical requirement of this position that the incumbent displays the desire and ability to perform and behave (on duty, as well as off duty) in a manner that does not damage or endanger the loss of trust with the public, co-workers, and other public safety forces.  Candidates must meet the following qualifications and requirements at the time of appointment.

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)

• Assists with the business retention, expansion, attraction, creation and workforce programs; builds and maintains relationships with the Mason and regional business community as directed;
• Support economic development programs, sometimes led by consultants/contractors, consistent with the City of Mason’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and Strategic Focus Areas.
• Proactively markets the City of Mason for economic development attraction projects and programs both in person and through social media outlets.
• Plans, organizes, administers and coordinates strategies, programs and projects in support of economic development and business development, retention and attraction.
• Participates in the negotiation, preparation, and processing of documents and implementation of such documents as development agreements, owner participation agreements, contracts, resolutions, and requests for proposals, etc.
• Analyzes, formulates and implements policies and administrative procedures for activities, projects and programs within the area of responsibility; and monitors the effectiveness of those activities.
• Monitor key performance indicators demonstrating the City of Mason’s overall economic performance, including vacancy rates, lease rates, employment statistics, relative to the Cincinnati Region and other peer cities.
• Participates in the evaluation of real property development projects that involve public and public private partnerships.
• May provide assistance in the facilitation and negotiation of lease agreements and other contracts with developers.
• Prepares and reviews staff reports for City Council on policy and project matters.
• Prepares requests for proposal for professional services, evaluates bids and products, makes recommendation for selection, evaluates and monitors quality of vendor or contract services.
• Reviews and edits materials, including draft reports and staff correspondence.
• Serves as liaison and facilitates communication between staff and other City departments, community groups and non-profit agencies regarding community-wide economic development initiatives.
• Participates on interdepartmental and intradepartmental teams, committees and boards as required.
• Serve as City Liaison with external organizations as needed.
• Perform other tasks as assigned

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities The following is preferred:

• Coordinate business recruitment, prospect inquiries, handle targeted contacts and location proposals;
• Provide site selection technical support to developers, realtors, site selection firms and development agencies;
• Create and direct business retention programs;
• Provide technical assistance to businesses regarding utilities, transportation, labor and related matters;
• Fulfill state auditing and reporting requirements;
• Conduct abatement analysis and revenue projections;
• Develop marketing strategies, compose, distribute, and release public relations coverage in local and regional media;
• Keep up to date with related technical developments as they apply to the field;
• Establish and maintain an information system database, tracking citywide businesses, facilities and properties;
• Continue to improve knowledge base, professional development, and education;
• Coordinate forums, special events, and other corporate relationship opportunities;
• Maintain a professional relationship with all contacts on behalf of the City of Mason;
• Promote development in existing business parks and of new properties;
• Adhere to City of Mason policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of regional business, regulatory and land-use issues and the commercial real estate marketing the Greater Cincinnati area;
• Results-oriented and sales-focused background;
• Strong project management experience in fast-paced high-volume work environment;
• High level of computer proficiency, working knowledge and experience of databases, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, presentation and word processing software;
• Public speaking and/or presentation experience;
• Demonstrable knowledge of technical and business writing;
• Ability to develop high quality proposals and documents utilizing current hardware and software;
• Able to utilize current technology, including the Internet, for economic development related projects and inquiries;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplined team;
• Operate professionally within a highly respected organization, maintaining or exceeding this image.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of projects and companies – may require some evening and/or weekend work – workweeks may be greater than 40 hours.
• Knowledge of and experience in municipal disciplines: public utilities, public works, engineering, planning and public finance