Economic Development Manager

Overview

This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job posting may be removed at any time without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.

• We LOVE De Soto
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  - We lift up our community
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  - We take ownership of our collective performance
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  - We value and respect all employees
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  - We empower employees to grow

This position is responsible for directing, coordinating, and administering economic development efforts, targeting new development efforts, retaining and expanding existing businesses, and facilitating programs to enhance economic development and job growth under the direction and supervision of the Economic Development Director.

• Develops market research objectives to help the organization meet its strategic goals;
• Communicates and coordinates with real estate professionals, developers, and business owners interested in establishing or expanding businesses in DeSoto;
• Markets and promotes the City of DeSoto to various business and development interests;
• Acts as backup to the Economic Development Director, providing leadership and oversight of Economic Development operations during the Director’s absence;
• Regularly communicates the progress of developments, programs, and initiatives with the Director and Economic Development Board as assigned;
• Oversees retail, commercial, industrial, and tourism-related development programs, and projects, and supervises staff assigned to the activities;
• Researches and reports trends by conducting research, generating reports and studies, maintaining site inventories, develops and maintains databases, maintains current demographics, and researches trends on target industries;
• Engages with national, state and regional organizations and industry representatives to promote the City to targeted industries;
• Performs other assigned duties.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Public Administration or other related field;
• Five (5) years of related work experience;
• Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), Certified Economic Developer (CED), or equivalent preferred;
• Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and
• Valid Driver’s License.

• Knowledge of City policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Knowledge of business and economic development;
• Skill in analyzing and implementing economic development marketing concepts;
• Skill in public relations involving the exchange of information and negotiating and resolving issues with companies and development partners;
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to work independently in an entrepreneurial environment;
• Ability to travel up to 40% time; and
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with City administration, other employees, and the general public.