PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Economic Development (ED) Director plans, organizes and implements economic development functions from conception to completion, including business retention, business attraction and incentive programs, research and planning and organizational capacity and facility development; performs a variety of responsible administrative, professional, and technical tasks. Implements economic development goals and objectives for the city, interfaces and coordinates with the development community, local businesses and various City departments and staff. The ED Director engages with, but not limited to, the Industrial Development Commission, Extra-Territorial Zoning Commission, Street Committee, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, Border Plex, Chamber of Commerce, and other economic development and related workforce development organizations that will drive business retention and attraction. The ED Director is also responsible for the development and coordination select grant proposals, and administers funded grants related to ED. This position serves under the general direction of the City Manager.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general direction of the City Manager.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Supervises assigned staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assume management responsibilities for all services and activities of economic development including attracting increased capital investments and expanding and diversifying employment opportunities; establishes and maintains a private/public partnership for positive long-term economic change and implementation of City’s Strategic Plan and 2045 Comprehensive Plan, including:
· Support Entrepreneurship Development
· Workforce Development
· Business Retention and Expansion
· Business Recruitment and Marketing
1. Development of short and long term economic and community development plans, as well as the gathering of information and preparation of studies, reports and recommendations to achieve such goals.
2. Analyzes existing economic situations relative to business attraction and expansion; review modern techniques for business attraction and retention and negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; monitors program performance and provides reports to the City Manager and City Council.
3. Becomes familiar with the existing inventory of available buildings, real-estate, and businesses in the City. This will include both public and private buildings and land areas.
4. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of various economic development programs and efforts.
5. Manages the development and implementation of economic change through retention, expansion, attraction of commerce and light industry and the creation of incentive zone/programs.
6. Develops infrastructure (industrial parks, shell buildings, utilities, transportation, etc.) to support business growth and expansion.
7. Represents the City at appropriate civic, cultural, charitable, business and community activities as well as serves on boards, commissions, committees and organizations related to the areas that are critical to the City’s goals and interest.
8. Prepares and presents annual budget for approval by the City Council and City Manager.
9. Maintains a liaison with various local, state and federal agencies, coordinating projects with agencies as deemed necessary and appropriate.
10. Provides information and makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the public on economic development issues, programs, services and plans.
11. Develops and oversees the administration of the City’s economic incentives, such as future enterprise zones, tax credits or others.
12. Identifies workforce skill needs of the business community and coordinates action with educational and training institutions to develop and provide the appropriate training and educational programs.
13. Provides project management direction and oversight.
14. Handles grievances maintains, department discipline and the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel.
15. Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
· A strong communicator who expresses him or herself well and builds positive working relationships with other staff members, partners, consultants, funders and community members. Presents and conducts themselves with high ethical regard and does not engage in negative or unprofessional behavior, a servant attitude, and champion of truth.
· A solid background in leadership, management, budget oversight and supervisory experience.
· Must have demonstrated experience successfully completing time-sensitive and/or high-profile projects through collaboration, consensus and creativity.
· A goal-oriented thinker who can set clear priorities among multiple tasks and focus on project benchmarks and deadlines.
· Comprehensive knowledge of economic and community development issues, principles and techniques, including state and federal policies and programs, capital improvements programming, applicable regulations and regulatory devices, associated data sources and information systems.
· Knowledge of grants proposal writing and administration.
· Ability to establish an effective working relationship with community associates and the public.
· Knowledge of marketing and/or public outreach principles.
· Research methods.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
· Bachelor’s Degree in a related economic development or business field and five years substantial experience in planning, economic and/or community development, business or related field OR equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
· Experience managing projects and people in a nonprofit, public agency or private company.
· Direct experience developing close working relationships with governmental groups at the local, state and federal level, and constituents/stakeholders which might include elected officials, board of directors, employees and other business and community support organizations.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES
· Valid Driver License
ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL FACTORS:
· Work is primarily in an office.
· Field work may be required.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,750.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Prescription drug insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
