What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director of Economic Development position at River City Company?
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
OVERVIEW
The Senior Director of Economic Development is an integral member of the River City Company (RCC) executive team and is responsible for developing and executing strategy and programs to proactively recruit new businesses, retain legacy businesses, and strengthen existing businesses to further support job growth, entrepreneurs, investment and redevelopment in Downtown Chattanooga.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Evaluate and be knowledgeable about existing economic development policies, programs, and/or incentives, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF), PILOTs, grants and loans, and partner with City and County policy leaders, development authorities and other partner organizations on how tools may be enhanced, created and/or applied to downtown.
Research, identify, develop, and implement new impactful economic development programs and/or incentives for downtown Chattanooga, such as grants and/or low-interest loans.
Establish and maintain relationships with economic development partners and organizations; financial institutions; brokers; and government entities to build strong partnerships and help develop and cultivate a downtown Chattanooga economic development eco-system.
Build positive working relationships with downtown businesses, property owners, and developers to provide support, share information, and assist with problem-solving.
Devise strategies and proactively market downtown Chattanooga, and if appropriate, specific downtown districts or projects, to local, regional, and national developers, brokers, and retailers. Partner with peer organizations as appropriate to collaboratively develop marketing strategies.
Track and monitor existing downtown economic development projects, manage and update the database, and oversee and generate regular reporting, including quarterly downtown market reports.
Maintain an inventory of available land sites and available buildings and/or storefronts for redevelopment and retail recruitment purposes. Share information on available properties and rental spaces with agents, brokers, the Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations.
Assist City and/or County government, property owners, businesses, the real estate and development community, et al with programs, services, data, and information with economic development-related needs.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic and critical thinking
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Planning, organizing, and execution
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Diplomacy and tact
- Multi-tasking and time management
- Energy and initiative
QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Economic and/or Community Development, Real Estate, or a similar related field of study, with substantial experience in business attraction, development, and entrepreneurial business planning. Preference may be given to candidates with a Master’s Degree and/or Certified Economic Developers (CEcD). Minimum of 5 years of experience in business growth and development, economic development or related fields, with a proven track record of successful plan, project, and program management and implementation. Professional experience in non-profit, entrepreneurial, government, or quasi-governmental environment is a plus.
The ideal candidate will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and have a strong desire to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment amongst high-energy and mission-driven colleagues. Candidate must be able to effectively interface with businesses and property owners; local, regional and national developers; River City Company staff and the Board of Directors; City and County leadership; corporate and philanthropic partners; and the Chattanooga community. Candidate must possess a valid Tennessee Driver’s License.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
River City Company’s typical work environment is in a controlled business office with weekday core business hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Due to the nature of this position, the candidate must be able to lead, facilitate, and participate in meetings and events that are outside of core business hours (e.g. earlier mornings, later evenings, and weekends) with proper notice.
There are occasions when to perform the job, employees may be asked to execute tasks within a short radius of the office, including going to locations such as City Hall, partner organization offices, downtown businesses, and events.
There are occasions when to perform the job, employees may have to work in small spaces, high temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and or amongst loud noises or strong smells. In addition, there are times when to perform the job, an employee may be asked to be mobile or standing for multiple hours, bend, reach, and stretch, and/or be asked to lift up to 50lbs.
This position is a full-time, in-office position with competitive pay, PTO, health/life/disability benefits package, and opportunities for future growth. The Sr. Director of Economic Development reports to the President/CEO of River City Company.
*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
