Economic Development Director

Position Summary

This position coordinates the activities of the City's Economic Development Corporation; responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing programs that promote economic growth and business development within the city. Works with agencies, businesses, and community organizations to attract new businesses, support existing businesses, and create job opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This description is subject to modification as the needs and requirements of the position change.

• Fosters new commercial growth by establishing relationships with prospective businesses, investors, property owners and representatives; generates proposals; creates marketing materials; facilitates negotiations for business recruitment.
• Initiates, develops and maintains programs to encourage the retention and expansion of existing businesses and industries within the city.
• Answers questions from prospective business partners on available properties in the city.
• Implements economic development programs from researching state and federal economic development programs; monitors ordinances or legislations; recommends policy or program changes to the Economic Development Corporation to increase effectiveness and efficiencies of the city's economic development initiatives.
• Partner with City Council to inform the residents of impending strategies or activities that may impact the City of Stafford community; makes presentations to City Council and SEDC, private or public partners to encourage local business development or redevelopment.
• Represent the City at events and functions by networking with commercial constituents, including business prospects, brokers, investors, developers, and property owners.
• Researches, develops and distributes economic development data and reports; prepares and maintains updated statistical data on related businesses & industry.
• May lead negotiations on business partnerships or development agreements for commercial and industrial business development in the City, which may include business development incentives; monitors agreements for compliance with state, local and/or federal regulations.
• Serve as a staff liaison with the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council.
• Serve as a liaison with new businesses and City Departments.
• Perform any other duties and responsibilities as directed by the Mayor & SEDC board.
• Responsible for the overall success of the department by performing other duties as assigned.
• Subject to 24-hour recall: The City reserves the right to require an employee in this position to work overtime including during emergency situations (defined as any natural or man-made disaster that may or may not necessitate the relocation of City personnel or citizens). In the event of an emergency and/or a required evacuation, the incumbent may be required to remain at work to provide needed services or perform essential duties for the benefit of the general public including services or duties different from those performed in the normal course and scope of the position.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: To perform in this position successfully, and individual(s) must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Knowledge of and ability to use market research methodologies and public relations principles and practices.

• Knowledge of common business, governmental, and real estate terminology and practices, as well as current innovations in business and economic development activities.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations relating to economic development.
• Knowledge of long- range planning techniques.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and professional presentation software, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of municipal government functions and inter-governmental relations.
• Skills in performing effectively in professional situations and execution of assigned responsibilities.
• Skills in establishing a rapport and eliciting cooperation from co-workers, the business community, and citizens.
• Skills in effective communication both orally and in writing.
• Skills in effective time management and resource utilization.
  
  

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING (Certification/Licensure): The preferred way to obtain the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position are listed below. The City reserves the right to allow substitutions in the event that a candidate or incumbent exceeds requirements in one area but may be deficient in another.

• Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in Economics, Business Administration, Marketing or a closely related field; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such of those listed above.
• Experience: 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Strongly Preferred: Specialization in smaller communities and redevelopment
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's License
  
  

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Positions in this class typically require stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Incumbents may be subjected to extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises and travel.

The City of Stafford is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Posted by ApplicantPro