Director of Economic Development(PDF)

Town of Lexington; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 98,591 - 111,432; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

The Town of Lexington is seeking a Director of Economic Development to lead the Land Use, Housing & Development Department. You will shape economic development strategies, supervise staff, manage budgets and grants, and collaborate with boards, businesses, and regional partners.

The role requires a Master’s degree with 5–7 years in economic development and strong leadership, budgeting, and grant-writing skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree, MBA or equivalent plus 5–7 years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development (local government preferred).
• Knowledge of municipal zoning, planning, budgeting, and coding requirements.
• Ability to supervise staff, manage grants, and collaborate with boards and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Supervises Economic Development staff and interns and coordinates with contractors.
• Develops and implements strategies aligned with Town priorities.
• Manages budgets, grants, and permits for economic development.
• Represents the Town in regional economic development organizations and at trade shows.

Skills

Customer service

Written communication

Verbal communication

Staff supervision

Education

Master’s degree/MBA

Tools

MS Office Suite

Munis

Job description

Employment Opportunity

Town of Lexington

We are currently accepting applications for the full‑time position of:

Director of Economic Development
Land Use, Housing & Development Department

Anticipated Hiring Range: $98,591 - $111,432

Excellent benefits package

Summary

Manages Economic Development operations. Develops and implements economic development strategies in coordination with Assistant Town Manager for Development, Planning Director/staff, Property Developers, Property Owners, and other business leadership. Supervises Economic Development staff and Tourism Manager, interns, part‑time and seasonal employees. Supervises contractors. Performs all other related work, as required.

Essential Functions

• Supervises Economic Development staff and Tourism Manager, interns, including part‑time and seasonal employees. Schedules and assigns work. Establishes work procedures and performance standards. Evaluates performance. Supervises contractors conducting special studies.
• Develops and implements economic development strategies consistent with priorities established by the Select Board and Town Manager, in coordination with the Assistant Town Manager for Development.
• Supervises the Tourism Manager, which oversees the Lexington Visitors Center operation and Town of Lexington tourism functions.
• Prepares, manages, and monitors the operating budget and Revolving Fund budget.
• Acts as liaison between the Town and community boards and committees, the Chamber of Commerce, merchants' associations, and public, private or nonprofit groups and associations.
• Assists in the development of new practices. Drafts new policies for boards and committees' consideration.
• Develops grant program and applications. Writes and administers grants.
• Oversees and manages grant funds.
• Serves as permit navigator for prospective new business to assist developers and landlords through the permitting processes.
• Reviews economic development‑related zoning and other applications.
• Provides guidance to the Planning Board on economic development issues.
• Recruits and assists prospective businesses in locating and maintaining business operations. Advises retail and small businesses on strategies to improve their business model.
• Participates in Cultural District Managing Partnership programs and meetings.
• Manages and updates ED website content in‑coordination with Town's Webmaster.
• Attends economic development, and business trade‑shows representing the Town.
• Represents Lexington on Regional Economic Development organizations.
• Drafts Requests for Proposals, manages vendor contracts, and prepares written agreements in coordination with the Town's Purchasing Director.
• Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates.

Supervision

Scope: Performs varied and responsible functions requiring a specialized working knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.

Received: Works under the broad general guidance of the Assistant Town Manager for Development, setting and following department rules, regulations and policies; duties require the ability to plan and perform operations and independently complete tasks, according to prescribed time schedules.

Given: Supervises Senior Economic Development Coordinator, Tourism Manager, and other full and part‑time staff.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience: Master’s degree, MBA or equivalent plus 5-7 years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development (local government preferred), supervision, budgeting, and marketing or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience are required. Computer literacy is required. American Institute of Certified Planners, or Certified Economic Developer certification are preferred.

Knowledge: Knowledge of business and economic development. Knowledge of business retention and attraction methods. Knowledge of business models including for small business, life sciences, retail, restaurant, and tourism operations. Knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure, planning programs, and processes. Knowledge of financial administration and budget management and reporting. Knowledge of information and data used for economic development, including surveys and market analysis. Knowledge and skill with principles and practices of record keeping and reporting. Knowledge of retail and restaurant business principles and practices. Knowledge of administrative office practices and procedures. Knowledge of town government. Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations required for department operations. Knowledge of Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Media Management, Public Relations, and designing digital marketing materials. Knowledge of the lab, bio and pharmaceutical sector. Knowledge of energy efficiency in commercial real estate development. Knowledge of best management practices to supervise staff.

Ability: Ability to interact appropriately and tactfully with customers. Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records. Ability to explain Department regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to work independently. Ability to set and follow detailed timetables. Ability to multi‑task and collaborate. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to perform data entry. Ability to write grants, develop, and administer grant programs.

Skills: Proficient customer service and organization skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient skill with hiring, evaluating, disciplining and terminating staff. Excellent computer skills with MS Office Suite applications. Proficient skills with new and existing computer and software applications supporting departmental operations, including database management. Advanced skills with report generation, the Internet, Munis, and spreadsheets.

Job Environment

• Work is performed in office environment with moderate noise levels, and with frequent interruptions to respond to requests for information or service. Work is subject to fluctuations, and administrative deadlines. Employee routinely attends weekend day and evening meetings, and weekday evening meetings.
• Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment.
• The employee has frequent contact with Lexington based businesses, developers, Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, state organizations and Officials, surrounding towns and cities, committees, boards, vendors, consultants, media, Retailers Association, residents, and prospective businesses.
• The employee has access to confidential information.
• Errors could result in delays or loss of service, monetary loss, and injuries to other employees, damages to buildings and/or equipment, and legal ramifications.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described 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.
The employee is frequently required to communicate, or hear. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and sit. Must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges is necessary. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed.

Pay Equity/Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer

Town of Lexington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town is an affirmative action employer. The Town also provides opportunities for applicants on a non‑discriminatory basis and ensures fair and equitable Employment.