Chief Economic Development Officer

City-of-Fort-Lauderdale,-Fl; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Fort Lauderdale seeks a Chief Economic Development Officer to guide the City's economic development vision, attract new businesses, and promote sustainable growth. The role involves coordinating large-scale projects, neighborhood planning, and liaising with public and private sectors to spur job creation and investment.

The position requires strategic leadership, collaboration with city leadership, and the ability to secure funding and partnerships that advance equitable economic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, Real Estate, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Finance, or similar area of study.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in community development, economic development, real estate or other relevant field.
• Possess or be able to obtain a State of Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record within 30 days of hire.
• To claim Veterans’ Preference, attach to the application a copy of military separation papers (DD214) and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) to meet eligibility requirements per Florida Statutes.

Responsibilities

• Designs and implement short and long-term priorities of the City Commission including the development of an economic development strategy for the City and efficient and effective resource allocation across development agencies
• Communicates the City's vision for equitable economic development to internal and external stakeholders
• Communicates the City's vision for equitable economic development to internal and external stakeholders
• Provides leadership through broad community involvement which promotes the economic well-being of the community while understanding that a social and environmentally healthy community is vital to the local economy of the City of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas
• Acts as an advisor on economic development to public officials, the private sector and the public at large; serves as an advocate for local economic development initiatives
• Researches, analyzes, develops and implements economic development plans
• Promotes development opportunities and general community attributes to applicable target markets
• Provides advocacy and support to new business proponents, industry, community services and community organizations
• Maintains relations and communications with existing businesses and industry while encouraging retention and expansion
• Proactively pursues grant funding opportunities
• Ensures that the Community Services Director and City Leadership are kept fully informed on all trends, events, economic development initiatives or emerging issues of significance for the City's success
• Steers policy priorities through government and legislative process
• Drafts reports and makes presentations to Mayor, the City Commission and other groups when required
• Develops resources required to support, implement and monitor effective marketing strategies
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with community organizations, residents, business community, non-profit organizations, and government agencies as a representative of the City.
• Represents the City on local and regional boards and attends all City Commission Meetings and other Board Meetings as required.

Job description

The Chief Economic Development Officer plays a critical role in guiding the City's economic development by communicating the City's economic development vision, attracting new businesses, encouraging investment opportunities, increasing job opportunities, promoting leisure and tourism and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth and development. The incumbent assists in streamlining decision-making for ongoing or upcoming large-scale projects and coordinate approaches to neighborhood planning. Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Designs and implement short and long-term priorities of the City Commission including the development of an economic development strategy for the City and efficient and effective resource allocation across development agencies
• Communicates the City's vision for equitable economic development to internal and external stakeholders
• Communicates the City's vision for equitable economic development to internal and external stakeholders
• Provides leadership through broad community involvement which promotes the economic well-being of the community while understanding that a social and environmentally healthy community is vital to the local economy of the City of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas
• Acts as an advisor on economic development to public officials, the private sector and the public at large; serves as an advocate for local economic development initiatives
• Researches, analyzes, develops and implements economic development plans
• Promotes development opportunities and general community attributes to applicable target markets
• Provides advocacy and support to new business proponents, industry, community services and community organizations
• Maintains relations and communications with existing businesses and industry while encouraging retention and expansion
• Proactively pursues grant funding opportunities
• Ensures that the Community Services Director and City Leadership are kept fully informed on all trends, events, economic development initiatives or emerging issues of significance for the City's success
• Steers policy priorities through government and legislative process
• Drafts reports and makes presentations to Mayor, the City Commission and other groups when required
• Develops resources required to support, implement and monitor effective marketing strategies
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with community organizations, residents, business community, non-profit organizations, and government agencies as a representative of the City.
• Represents the City on local and regional boards and attends all City Commission Meetings and other Board Meetings as required.

Minimum Requirements

1. Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, Real Estate, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Finance, or similar area of study.
2. Must possess at least five (5) of progressively responsible experience in community development, economic development, real estate or other relevant field.
3. Possess or be able to obtain a State of Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record 30 days of hire.
4. To claim Veterans’ Preference, candidates must attach to the application a copy of military separation papers (DD214) and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) to meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by Florida Statues. For additional information, please refer to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. (link: https://floridavets.org/benefits-services/veterans-preference/)

Preferences

• Master's degree in Commerce, Economics, Community Economic Development or a related field
• Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC)
• Certification as an Economic Developer (CEcD)

Florida-Based Candidates Preferred

The City of Fort Lauderdale encourages applications from candidates residing in Florida who possess a strong understanding of the state’s economic landscape, regional business climate, and economic development priorities. Familiarity with Florida’s economic trends, business environment, and public-private partnerships is highly valued for this leadership role. Candidates with relevant experience and demonstrated knowledge of Florida’s economy are encouraged to apply.

Special Requirements

Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared emergency. The employee’s Department Head will determine who will be required to work.

Physical Standards Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time but may walk or stand for brief periods of time. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, affirmatively action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.

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