What are the responsibilities and job description for the Economic Development Manager (Business Attraction) position at Stafford County, VA?
Job Description
The Business Development Manager performs professional and administrative work managing the development and execution of County–wide programs to encourage business attraction, existing business expansion and retention, and entrepreneurial development. This position considers and recommends strategic initiatives and manages economic development programs and projects. Does related work as required. Work is performed under general supervision. Supervision may be exercised over supportive staff.
The hiring range for this position is from $93,184.00 to $128,128.00 based on experience.
The full salary range for this position is from $93,184.00 to $128,128.00 to provide opportunity for growth and development.
Examples of Duties
- Plans, organizes, and manages the County's Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion, and Entrepreneurial Development programs to align with the department’s strategic plan and with a focus on the stated target industries and sectors;
- Provides technical assistance, business resources, and coordinates meetings with relevant county staff to equip businesses with the information they need to be successful;
- Prepares reports for use by County staff and local economic development stakeholders;
- Communicates and demonstrates job creation efforts and economic development policy effectiveness;
- Oversees and manages economic development projects that may include business expansion and attraction projects to include managing contacts with owners and C-level executives;
- Monitors issues identified by current businesses and potential entrepreneurs;
- Manages and addresses project issues with some degree of independence as they are reviewed by leadership;
- Oversees and continues to recommend improvements to department contact, projects, and department filing systems used for development and reporting on economic development program metrics;
- Drafts, secures, and administers grants or other public funding for economic development projects;
- Conducts market research and analysis of economic trends;
- Prepares regular reports on department activities;
- Develops and manages department workforce development projects; coordinates and keeps up to date with other workforce development programs and agency contacts;
- Stays up-to-date on the resources and programs available from local, state, federal, and other agencies to best serve our businesses;
- Works with Stafford County agencies and departments to facilitate County efforts to assist attraction, expansion, and retention of businesses;
- Develops and utilizes a strong relationship with County, Region, State agencies economic development, commercial real estate, development and trade associations, and other agencies;
- Creates, maintains, and updates computerized database files, preparing reports and assignments, coordinating the preparation and maintenance of files and records, desktop publishing and graphics, and providing office support for the Economic Development office as needed;
- Supports the promotion of Stafford County's broader economic development goals to include preparing financial analysis, budgets, and maintaining files and records;
- Coordinates the collection and organization of economic development statistics using a customer resource management (CRM) system for tracking of the organization’s effectiveness;
- Serves as office liaison to one or more of a number of County committees;
- Travels out of town 2-4 weeks out of the year to represent the Department at conferences, site selection events, or business recruitment events;
- Represents the County's development goals and objectives in various public and private forums;
- Performs related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of economic development;
- Thorough knowledge of the Stafford County Department of Development Services and Planning and Zoning, and their roles in business retention, expansion, and relocation projects;
- Thorough knowledge of the business life cycle, steps to starting a business, and solutions to common challenges faced by business owners;
- Ability to develop and manage economic development programs specifically Business Retention and Attraction, and entrepreneurial development;
- Ability to interpret and convey to the public the state and local rules and regulations;
- Ability to draft complex development agreements, negotiate, and manage business development projects;
- Ability to work independently in the absence of specific instructions;
- Ability to balance proprietary business information with discretion and professionalism;
- Ability to express ideas clearly, both vocally and in writing;
- Ability to supervise effectively;
- Ability and willingness to travel in or out-state to support business needs;
- Ability to develop and nurture professional relationships and maintain effective working relationships with staff, County officials, corporate officers, business owners, attorneys, outside resource individuals, and citizens.
Education and Experience
A combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, public administration, business administration, or related degree, and 5 years of experience in economic development or business field, OR any combination of education, training and/or experience to include professional certifications that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. A master’s degree is preferred.
A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certificate from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), successful completion of relevant IEDC courses, or comparable coursework is highly desired.
Salary : $93,184 - $128,128
