Assistant Director of Economic Development

SUMMARY

The position of Assistant Director of Economic Development is an exempt position that reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Under direct supervision the Assistant Director of Economic Development implements and evaluates strategic and tactical plans that align with the economic development strategic plan. The Assistant Director of Economic Development will be responsible for successfully promoting the economic expansion and diversification of communities in the Rio South Texas region. This individual participates in achieving established objectives of marketing, outreach, hosting, business recruitment, and lead generation, and Sponsor Recruitment. This individual will work closely with other staff to increase participation, engagement and ensure coordination of effort on all economic development programs affecting respective strategic plans.

The Assistant Director of Economic Development must be an effective communicator with the ability to champion and share the values, mission, services, and regional impact with all stakeholders of the organization. The Assistant Director of Economic Development will support the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Economic Development in building relationships and developing sponsor prospects to support the organization’s strategic plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General and Administrative:

1. Works alongside the Chief Executive Officer and the team to support operational and reporting needs.

2. Attends and presents at Staff, Sponsor, and Stakeholder Meetings.

3. Interacts in the daily activities of Economic Development by planning, organizing, prioritizing, scheduling, and monitoring the process and job function workflow.

4. Assists the Chief Executive Officer with generating leads for Sponsor Recruitment.

5. Implements strategies to generate leads, attract business, RFI completion, and enhance regional economics.

6. Participates in preparing the economic development programs and budgets to support activities that align with COSTEP’s strategic plan and budget.

7. Participates in marketing efforts with data facts & reports for traditional, online, and social media placement.

8. Participates in outreach and hosting activities via in-person and virtual inbound and outbound efforts.

9. Reads, studies, and attends professional development programs and conferences to increase industry and analytical knowledge.

10. Perform other related duties when requested or directed and always maintain confidentiality regarding contact information, records, and operations matters.

Economic Development:

As Assistant Director of Economic Development, he/she shall perform the following:

1. Participates and reports to the Chief Executive Officer on progress, as required, to ensure that established goals are achieved. Ensure the conduct of business is held to the highest ethical standards established by the organization and the industry.

2. Participates in developing and implementing new programs that align with the mission and strategic plan of the organization.

3. Work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the Team to implement strategy for Leads, Prospects, Multipliers, and Partners in targeted industries.

4. Cultivate and manage relationships with Leads, Prospects, Multipliers, Sponsors, and Partners in targeted industries via email, social media, virtual events, and in-person meetings at outreach (conference, tradeshow, etc.) and hosting (FAM Tour & Quick Tour) events.

5. Write and/or coordinate Project Requests for Information responses as needed.

6. Participate in the preparation of incentive applications and supporting documents.

7. Maintain a CRM database of Leads, Prospects, Multipliers, and Partners in targeted industries.

8. Participates in analyzing and reporting data from primary and secondary sources on key regional economic indicators.

9. Curate and analyze listings of regional commercial and industrial real estate.

10. Curate and report data on developments, trends, and forecasts for target industries.

11. Participates in marketing efforts with data facts & reports for traditional, online, and social media placement.

12. Present reports on economic development activities at public events.

13. Present reports on regional economic indicators, regional commercial & industrial real estate, as well as developments, trends, and forecasts for target industries at public events.

14. Collaborate with outside entities (for example, trade offices, industry associations, and partner organizations) to achieve strategic and tactical objectives.

15. Serve as Brand Ambassador, representing the organization at industry events, community events, legislative events, and with the media. Advocate for pro-trade and pro-border policies.

16. Maintain a broad and deep knowledge of current best practices, rules, policies, guidelines, and procedures related to economic development activities.

The tasks listed above are considered essential functions of the job. However, there may be other related duties. All assignments are subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other considerations.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

1. Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics, or equivalent degree required.

2. Professional Development: Completion of a Basic Economic Development Course, EDI and/or other IEDC courses preferred.

3. Experience: Requires two or more years of experience in Economic Development or related role.

4. Skills:

• Requires the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, partners, and prospects. Multi-lingual capabilities are preferred.
• Must possess a high degree of analytical, strategic decision-making, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Have the ability to make quick decisions while working in a multi-task environment with stringent deadlines.
• Proven and consistent track record of developing relationships and cultivating prospects required.

5. Willingness and availability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.

6. Requires the ability to travel domestically and internationally and cover upfront travel expenses that will be reimbursed upon returning from travel.

7. Physical requirements include: driving an automobile; visual acuity, speech, and hearing; occasionally lifting/carrying 15-25 lbs.; hand and eye coordination to operate a computer keyboard and other essential office equipment; and typically several hours per day of sitting, standing or walking, with frequent movement and interruptions in an office setting. May sometimes be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends, in order to meet deadlines.

8. Requires a valid Texas Driver’s License and an acceptable MVR for the previous three years.

NOTE

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or another legally protected status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• The work area covers three counties: Webb, Zapata & Jim Hogg, with the most concentration in Laredo, Texas. The home office for COSTEP is in Mission, Texas. Do you have the ability travel at least once a month to the home office?
• This is an Exempt, Full-Time position with a schedule of Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. It also requires attendance to some evening networking events or industry presentations. Are you available to attend these events?

Language:

• English and Spanish (Required)

Location:

• Laredo, TX (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: Remote

Salary : $65,000 - $68,000