ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Under general direction of the County Administrative Officer, develops, implements and manages the economic development activities of the County; provides technical assistance on a broad range of economic development matters to developers, businesses, prospective industries and the general public; acts as a liaison and coordinates economic development activities between city and county departments, business owners, regional agencies, state/federal agencies, and local organizations; represents the County to outside groups and organizations; and performs other related duties as required.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in business development and will have successfully implemented programs that expand business, especially in county unincorporated areas.  The Economic Development Director should possess a thorough understanding of local agencies and programs related to economic development at the local, state, and federal levels as well as local business climate and business attraction and retention.  Experience working with regional councils of government and regional economic development organizations is highly desirable.  The position will be the lead on applying for grant funding to expand the local economy and must know how to comply with grant and loan application processes, disbursement practices, reporting, and compliance procedures.

The Economic Development Director is an at-will senior management position that reports directly to the County Administrative Officer and is responsible to implement the Board of Supervisors’ goals and priorities related to economic development.  The position supervises a half-time Administrative Assistant who helps with office operation, research, and other support functions.

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NOTICE: All correspondences, notices and invitations to test and/or interview will be via e-mail through Governmentjobs.com/NEOGOV.  Please be sure to set-up your inbox to receive them or check your junk-mail to make sure you are receiving Sutter County's recruitment communications.  The following duties are normal for this position and are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other related duties may be required and assigned.
 

1. Assesses the economic development needs of the County; creates, recommends, plans, directs and implements the economic development strategy and activities of the County including, but not limited to, industry and business attraction, retention and expansion, marketing and promotions, business relations and outreach, business recruitment efforts for development areas, etc. 
2. Manages and coordinates data collection, research and analysis; maintains and develops data on business climate, business clusters and composition, growth and opportunity sectors; creates mapped data for use with business relocation decisions, staff analysis, and land use decisions; and maps data for marketing purposes, sales tax analysis, and other various analyses.
3. Develops professional relationships with economic and workforce development providers, partners, regulatory agencies and governments within the County's region; builds and maintains positive working relationships with those contacted in the course and scope of employment including co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
4. Provides technical assistance on a broad range of economic development matters to developers, businesses, prospective industries and the general public; explains County development rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and assists with permitting and other required processes.
5. Acts as a liaison between city and county departments, business owners, regional agencies, state/federal agencies, and local organizations on matters relating to economic development; coordinates economic development activities with those of other County departments and outside agencies and organizations; 
6. Evaluates proposals containing incentives to help broaden the County tax base, generate or attract new capital, increase business activity, produce employment and diversify the County’s economic base; and recruits entities and/or representatives to be included in technical team meetings to review specific proposed projects.
7. Prepares and administers the economic development budget; prepares and submits grant applications and manages grants received for economic and community development projects and programs; develops requests for proposals, negotiates contracts and manages work of consultants. 
8. Plans, arranges, and coordinates workshops, information sessions, special conferences, and public hearings regarding economic development and business retention programs and services.
9. Prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; responds in writing and verbally to inquiries, general complaints, and suggestions relative to the County’s economic development programs, activities, and events; prepares reports, newsletters, studies, and other informational documents.
10. Makes presentations before legislative bodies for the purpose of obtaining support and assistance for County economic development programs or legislation considered necessary by the Board of Supervisors and/or the County Administrator.
11. Represents the County to outside groups and organizations; attends and participates in various community functions, meetings and events; speaks at workshops, panel discussions, and other events regarding County economic development programs; and participates in professional organizations and conferences that enhance the County's profile.
12. May supervise department staff, contractors and/or volunteers.

Knowledge of:  principles, practices, and techniques related to economic development, business financing, employment development and related programs; programs and methods of improving the economic development climate within the County; federal, state, and local ordinances, policies, and procedures related to economic development; applicable County rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies and procedures; principles and practices of governmental budgeting, contract management, grant programs and fiscal planning; community and economic development programs and principles including business recruitment, expansion and retention; real estate principles; the development process, including general planning, zoning, and permitting processes; project management; business, community and neighborhood outreach and processes; research techniques and data analysis; preparation and presentation of informational and promotional materials; the roles of local, regional, state and federal jurisdictions in the development process; rules, regulations and ordinances pertaining to economic and land development; principles and practices of contract administration; computers and computer applications including word processing, geographic information system (GIS), data management, spreadsheets, and proprietary applications as needed.

Ability to: develop and implement economic development programs related to business development, real estate development, and employment development; analyze information such as financial statements, marketing studies, economic studies, plans, specifications and bid documents; negotiate and coordinate a range of public/private business partnerships including leveraging, deploying and managing public assets, and real estate development; organize work, set priorities, and exercise sound judgment; develop goals and objectives; interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, laws, and ordinances; evaluate program effectiveness and make appropriate recommendations; communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing; speak in public and before a wide diversity of groups; work with a high degree of independence and professionalism; establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers, other County employees, elected officials, and outside agencies and businesses; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner; and prepare, clear, concise and complete reports and other written materials.
 
Education and Experience: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and four years of progressively responsible experience in government and/or private industry involving economic development, business attraction and retention, development and management of public/private partnership projects, job creation, business incentives; real estate development, planning, economic development or other aspects of economic development; or any combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and ability required for the position.Special Requirements:  
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work requirements:
 
Requires the ability to maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of exercising sound judgment and rational thinking under varied circumstances; exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; hear and communicate orally; sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as using a computer, typing, filing, data entry, and/or use of other office equipment or supplies; ability to operate a motor vehicle.
 
Other Requirements: This position requires the individual selected to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
 
License or Certificate:  Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California driver's license.  

Recruitment Process
The recruitment process for this position includes completing an application and participating in oral interview(s).  Please notify the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date for this position if you believe you have a disability, which would make it difficult to participate in any portion of the recruitment process and would require reasonable accommodation. Sutter County reserves the right to require medical documentation concerning the need for accommodation. Offers of employment are contingent upon investigation of employment history, references, drug testing, medical review/exam and fingerprinting in addition to other appropriate requirements of the position.

NOTE: Sutter County utilizes E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the United States.

The County of Sutter is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Sutter County encourages both incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Salary : $128,856 - $172,037