Director of Economic Development
West Columbia, City of (SC)
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Job summary
The City of West Columbia is seeking a strategic leader to direct its economic development program. The role develops and implements marketing strategies to recruit new business, evaluate incentives, and coordinate with local/state partners to maximize investment opportunities.
Reports to the Assistant City Administrator of Public Affairs. Requires a bachelor’s degree, 5+ years in related fields, and a valid SC driver’s license. CEcD preferred and public affairs collaboration is emphasized.
Qualifications
- Requires bachelor's degree in business, economics, planning, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, commercial real estate, or public administration.
- CEcD designation preferred; active membership in IEDC and SCEDA encouraged.
- Valid SC driver's license required.
Responsibilities
- Plans and directs the City’s economic development activities and strategic initiatives.
- Develops strategies to attract new businesses and investments and promotes a business-friendly environment.
- Evaluates incentives and resources to support recruitment and redevelopment projects.
Skills
Education
Job description
Under limited supervision, provides strategic leadership and direction for the city of West Columbia’s economic development program. Develops and implements marketing strategies for the recruitment of new business and industry; provides a wide range of information and assistance to local, regional, national, and international firms considering relocation or facilities expansion; evaluates properties for potential development; and performs related administrative and professional work as required. Reports to the Assistant City Administrator of Public Affairs.
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, generally. Requires schedule flexibility to accommodate occasional responsibilities outside of regular business hours.
- Plans, coordinates, and directs the City’s economic development activities and strategic initiatives to promote business attraction, retention and expansion, redevelopment, and private investment, and implements economic development initiatives consistent with the City Council’s goals and priorities and adopted plans.
- Develops and implements strategies to attract new businesses and private investment, retains and supports existing businesses, and promotes a business-friendly environment within the City. Cultivates relationships with businesses, developers, investors, property owners, brokers, site selectors and other stakeholders to identify and advance economic development opportunities.
- Evaluates potential economic development incentives and resources available to support business recruitment, expansion, and redevelopment projects; provides recommendations to City Administration and City Council on their appropriate use and potential fiscal impact.
- Meets with prospective businesses, developers, and investors to identify potential sites and development opportunities; facilitates meetings with local and state economic development partners and appropriate City departments regarding utilities, zoning, permitting building requirements, and other matters affecting proposed projects.
- Connects businesses with local, state and federal resources and assists business owners in determining feasibility of locating in the City of West Columbia. Builds and maintains relationships with small business, entrepreneurial, and other economic development support organizations to expand resources available to the local business community.
- Identifies and evaluates properties for potential economic development and redevelopment opportunities. Maintains an inventory of available commercial and industrial properties and markets appropriate sites and redevelopment opportunities to prospective businesses, developers, investors, brokers, and site selectors.
- Coordinates the annexation of properties into the City limits, including communicating with property owners, evaluating proposed annexations, and preparing cost-benefit analyses. Maintains knowledge of applicable annexation methods and legal requirements and coordinates the annexation process with City departments and appropriate local, state, and federal agencies.
- Collaborates with the City’s marketing team to develop and implement marketing strategies and materials that promote the City, available properties, economic development opportunities, and the recruitment and retention of businesses. Represents the City at meetings, conferences, speaking engagements, media interviews, and other forums related to economic development and maintains effective relationships with business leaders, developers, governmental agencies, economic development organizations, and community stakeholders.
- Compiles and analyzes economic, demographic, market, real estate, and other relevant data to support economic development planning, business recruitment and retention, and redevelopment initiatives.
- Coordinates and oversees the work of economic development consultants and other professional service providers; establishes project priorities, coordinates activities and deliverables, and ensures consultant efforts align with City Council’s goals and priorities adopted plans.
- Serves as the City’s Board Advisor for the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and as a liaison/board member for other community groups, as directed by City Administration.
- Attends City Council meetings and other meetings as required; presents economic development matters, reports, recommendations, and project updates to City Council as appropriate.
- Develops Department goals and objectives and implements programs, projects, and initiatives to ensure successful achievement.
- Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields of redevelopment and economic development; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
- Develops and maintains relationships with state and regional agencies, chambers of commerce, and other economic development partners. Monitors proposed legislation and regulatory changes affecting municipal economic development and advises City Administration regarding potential impacts.
- Provides direct assistance to administration on economic development matters, strategic initiatives, and special projects.
- Develops and manages the department’s budget.
- Maintains the absolute confidentiality of all records and information as permitted by law.
- Conducts and attends various meetings as required.
- Performs general administrative/office work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, maintaining financial records, etc.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Requires a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, planning, or related field plus a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, commercial real estate, or public administration, with at least 2 to 3 years in a supervisory or project-lead capacity, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation, or active pursuit of this credential, is preferred. Active membership and participation in the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the SC Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) are strongly encouraged. Must possess a valid SC driver’s license.
Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 10 pounds). Tasks may involve periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes the giving of assignments and/or directions to co‑workers and assistants. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from a supervisor.
Requires the ability to read a variety of policies and procedures, financial documents, statistical reports, technical reports, etc. Requires the ability to prepare strategic plans, financial reports, budget documents, correspondence, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence; and to articulate information to others.
Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to apply influence systems in managing staff; to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in the absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to the to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to counsel and teach employees. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including planning, development, budgeting, economics, marketing, real estate, and contract administration.
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract totals; to multiply and divide; to determine percentages and decimals; and determine time and weight. Must be able to use practical applications of algebra including fractions, percentages and ratio and proportion; and to use practical applications of statistics.
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape and visually read various information.
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment; and operating motor vehicles.
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color; requires the visual acuity to determine depth perception, peripheral vision, inspection for small parts; preparing and analyzing written or computer data, etc.
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. The worker needs to relate to people in situations beyond simply giving or receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.
Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds by ear).
Has a thorough knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Economic Development Departments as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Director of Economic Development. Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the city and other governmental agencies. Has knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances and guidelines. Has knowledge of city policies and procedures. Has knowledge of the theories and practices of various fields as they apply to economic development including economics, demographics, planning, finance, budgeting, fund raising, marketing, real estate, etc. Has knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, implementing and directing various economic development programs and related activities. Has knowledge of principles and techniques of marketing and public relations. Has knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, vocabulary, spelling and grammar. Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology, including the use of computers for word and data processing. Has knowledge of business letter writing. Has knowledge of research methods and report writing techniques. Has knowledge of methods of budget preparation and administration. Has knowledge of methods of grant administration. Has knowledge of basic business arithmetic. Is skilled in the use of computers and a variety of programs for administrative record keeping, data management and reporting. Is able to plan, coordinate, and implement an effective economic development program with an emphasis on creating and implementing strategies to enhance the economic well being of the West Columbia area. Is able to develop and conduct an ongoing public awareness and marketing program designed to support development efforts. Is able to plan, coordinate and/or facilitate numerous special events, meetings, and related projects. Is able to seek, develop, and maintain favorable relationships with businesses, industries, investors, and developers. Is able to gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion. Is able to apply managerial concepts and principles. Is able to plan and develop daily, short- and long-term goals related to city purposes. Is able to exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines. Is able to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Is able to prepare and administer a budget. Is able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Is able to prepare, review, and present reports, recommendations and other correspondence and communications in a clear and concise manner. Is able to establish and maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals, and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Is able to represent the city effectively in meetings with others and make formal presentations to various groups. Is able to perform required calculations with accuracy.
Maintains high standards in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality of deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with which the position interacts.
Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quality of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.
Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintain accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the city.
Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints to establish and maintain goodwill. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.
Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.
Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Ensures that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Plans, coordinates and uses information effectively to enhance activities and production. Knows and understands expectations regarding such activities and works to ensure such expectations are met. Develops and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve established goals and objectives. Effectively and efficiently organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources to achieve such goals and objectives.
Efficiently organizes own work and that of subordinate staff. Ensures that staff members understand what results are expected of them, and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
Works with human resources director and upper management, where appropriate, to select and recommend employment of qualified personnel. Personally directs the development and training of personnel under charge, ensuring their proper induction, orientation and training.
Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to personnel under charge concerning their work performance. Commends and rewards personnel under charge for outstanding performance and takes timely and appropriate disciplinary action as necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward achievement of established goals and objectives.
Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits, and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits, and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has clear and comprehensive understanding of city standards, methods and procedures.
Assigns additional duties as necessary and/or appropriate in order to meet goals, enhance abilities of personnel under charge, build their confidence assist them in personal growth. Has confidence in personnel under charge to meet new or additional expectations.
Exercises discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting functions under charge. Recognizes when a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not foster the desired result, moves decisively and explicitly to develop and implement alternatives.
Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the department and the city. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change that supports the achievement of goals and objectives.
Strives to develop and maintain excellent rapport with personnel under charge. Listens to and considers their suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Establishes a work environment to promote and maintain mutual respect.
Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of City policies regarding the functions under charge and the functions of the organization. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from personnel under charge.
Maintains awareness of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the City and routinely reviews policies to ensure that any changes in City philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated into functions under charge. Recognizes and understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Strives to ensure that established policies enhance the same.
The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The city does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.
DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
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