Director of Economic Development

Description

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.

The purpose of the position is to direct all activities and operations of the department by directing employee functions and tasks, presenting and administering all budget activities, serving as the chief spokesperson and representative of the department, analyzing operations, providing consultation and recommendation to management, elected officials, boards, and commissions, and furthering the objectives of management and elected officials. The role requires a proven track record of achievement, working with various disciplines, in having developed a successful economic development program.

The incumbent will identify and present the key attributes of what a proposed model economic development program might provide and may include establishing and enforcing internal controls and processes.

• Plans and directs department activities by establishing priorities and programs; coordinating project meetings; analyzing and recommending staff and resource levels; and monitoring department operations, staffing, and productivity levels.
• Manages staff by directing and participating in recruitment activities; initiating, monitoring and evaluating performance; providing coaching and counseling; establishing and reviewing training activities; and initiating disciplinary proceedings.
• Directs departmental financial processes by developing and recommending budget and program costs; managing budgets for special projects and outside agreements and contracts; responding to financial inquiries; interpreting directives; and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Ensures operational efficiency by configuring and managing resources; participating in strategic planning, technology planning, and results coordination; reviewing and managing responses; and researching and recommending new processes and technologies.
• Analyzes existing programs by developing long‑term economic and marketing strategies for business relations and development; managing the incentive process with local and other agencies; and developing strategies for domestic and international trade, relations, and expansion efforts.
• Identifies clear processes and procedures to organize, plan, and manage a full-scale development program to implement and achieve comprehensive economic solutions.
• Manages media relations, publications, and social media for promotional and information purposes by developing communication strategies; presenting information to civic organizations, boards and commissions, and the public; and collaborating on joint promotion programs.
• Optimizes goals and objectives identified by senior city officials (City Council, City Manager and DDC Board) to ensure business development initiatives are effectively aligned and achieved within budget and on time.
• Performs other assigned duties.

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Public Administration or other related field.
• Five (5) years of related work experience.
• Graduation from the Economic Development Institute preferred.
• Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience.
• Valid Driver’s License.

• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Texas statutes related to incentives, tax increment financing, and municipal hotel occupancy tax.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skill in public relations involving negotiating and resolving issues with companies and development partners.
• Skill in managing staff and department‑level budgets.
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Ability to analyze and implement economic development marketing concepts.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with City administration, other employees, and the general public.