Economic Development Director

Athens; Athens (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Athens is seeking an Economic Development Director to lead the City’s Economic Development Department and collaborate with the AEDC and City Council on long-range plans for business recruitment, expansion, and retention.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and at least five years in economic development, with preferred Texas certification. You will coordinate with diverse partners to enhance revenues and vitality of Athens’ business climate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in marketing, business, urban planning, architecture, public administration, economics or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in economic development, focusing on business recruitment, expansion and retention.
• Texas Economic Developer certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate the City’s Economic Development Department and AEDC initiatives.
• Collaborate with AEDC Board, City Council and regional partners to attract and retain businesses.
• Develop and implement long-range plans for business recruitment, expansion and retention.
• Prepare and present plans, budgets and program updates to elected and appointed boards.
• Administer economic development programs including analysis, monitoring and reporting.
• Lead recruitment efforts and maintain an inventory of available sites and buildings.
• Provide professional advice to City leadership, AEDC Board and customers; craft incentive packages.
• Coordinate public meetings and ensure minutes are filed; maintain relationships with community groups.

Skills

Economic development

Business recruitment

Expansion & retention

Marketing & promotion

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

GIS mapping

Budget knowledge

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, Economics, or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

GIS software

Job description

The Economic Development Director serves as a member of the city management team by performing highly responsible management work directly related to the Economic Development of the City of Athens. Primary duties include directing and coordinating the Economic Development Department, working closely with the Athens Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Board of Directors and the Athens City Council, developing and implementing long range plans and programs concerning business recruitment, expansion and retention.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinate economic development efforts of the City of Athens, including marketing and promotion, design, and enhancement of retail, service, manufacturing, and transportation-related business opportunities resulting in higher private and public sector revenues.
• Coordinate agenda and packet for all public AEDC meetings and ensure the completion and filing of meeting minutes.
• Collaborate with Henderson County, Athens Independent School District, Athens Municipal Water Authority, Athens Chamber of Commerce and all other organizations committed to enhancing economic development opportunities in the City of Athens.
• Administer the city’s economic development programs, including analysis and monitoring, business development, recruitment, expansion and retention.
• Assists in attracting new businesses and expanding existing businesses to and within the City of Athens.
• Provide technical and professional advice to the City Manager, AEDC Board and City Council.
• Make presentations to civic groups and advisory boards. Provides information on redevelopment, economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community for economic development purposes.

• Spearhead a recruitment team focused on bringing new businesses to Athens.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of availableland and buildingsinthecommunityfordevelopmentpurposes.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development specifically business recruitment, expansion, and retention.
• Knowledge of the state and federal economic development programs and their funding mechanisms.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local law concerning municipalities and economic development.
• Knowledge of budget preparation procedures.
• Knowledge of advertising and marketing methods and techniques.
• Skill in developing business recruitment incentive packages.
• Skill in customer service, communication, and negotiating.
• Skill in researching, analyzing and development markets and strategies.
• Skill with computer applications including Microsoft, Adobe, and GIS mapping.
• Ability to understand business customer expectations.
• Ability to guide and motivate others towards a common goal.
• Ability to organize, plan, develop, and write new programs, develop new concepts, analyze outcomes, and prepare reports.
• Ability to promote awareness of business in the community.
• Ability to oversee projects and programs offered and/or funded for improving vitality of economic environments.
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with others.

• This position requires a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, urban planning, architecture, public administration, economics, or related discipline.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in economic development, focusing on business recruitment, expansion and retention.
• Certification as a Texas Economic Developer preferred.