Economic Development Director

City of Sapulpa; Sapulpa (OK); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CITY OF SAPULPA seeks an Economic Development Director to lead efforts to attract, retain, and expand businesses, strengthen the local tax base, and improve quality of life for our community.

The role requires hands-on project management, collaboration with the Chamber, schools, and regional partners, and oversight of budgets and staff or contractors. Evening and travel for outreach may be required.

Qualifications

• Understanding of municipal economic development for Sapulpa.
• Knowledge of zoning, planning, real estate, and infrastructure.
• Ability to analyze local economic data and translate findings into strategy.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and public presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with limited administrative support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the city’s economic development strategy tailored to Sapulpa.
• Serve as the primary contact for businesses, developers, small business owners, and site selectors seeking information or assistance.
• Lead business retention and expansion visits, provide support services, and troubleshoot regulatory or permitting issues.
• Recruit targeted industries suited to the community’s workforce, infrastructure, and land availability.
• Manage incentive programs, including local tax abatements, grant programs, TIF districts, or state-level incentive applications.
• Conduct data analysis, demographic research, and market studies to inform decision-making and promote available sites/buildings.
• Build relationships with the Chamber of Commerce, school districts, county officials, workforce agencies, and regional/state partners.
• Coordinate marketing materials, the city’s economic development website, and community branding initiatives.
• Present updates and recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, and advisory boards.
• Manage departmental budget and oversee a small team, interns, or contractors.

Skills

Municipal econ dev

Zoning & planning

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Public speaking

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Economic Development Director
Reports To: City Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The Economic Development Director leads strategic efforts to attract, retain, and expand businesses; strengthen the local tax base; and enhance quality of life within a small-to‑mid‑sized community. The role emphasizes hands‑on project management, relationship building with local businesses, and coordination across limited municipal resources. The position also supports downtown revitalization, small business development, and community marketing efforts to promote a vibrant and sustainable local economy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the city’s economic development strategy tailored to the needs of our community.
• Serve as the primary contact for businesses, developers, small business owners, and site selectors seeking information or assistance.
• Lead business retention and expansion (BRE) visits, provide support services, and troubleshoot regulatory or permitting issues in partnership with internal departments.
• Recruit targeted industries suited to the community’s workforce, infrastructure, and land availability.
• Manage incentive programs, including local tax abatements, grant programs, TIF districts, or state-level incentive applications.
• Conduct data analysis, demographic research, and market studies to inform decision-making and promote available sites/buildings.
• Build strong working relationships with the Chamber of Commerce, school districts, county officials, workforce agencies, and regional/state economic development partners.
• Coordinate marketing materials, the city’s economic development website, and community branding initiatives.
• Present updates and recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, and advisory boards.
• Manage departmental budget and, if applicable, oversee a small team, interns, or contractors.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of municipal economic development appropriate for Sapulpa, including small business support and redevelopment financing.
• Knowledge of zoning, planning, real estate, and infrastructure considerations affecting economic growth.
• Strong ability to work directly with local businesses, often providing personalized assistance and problem‑solving.
• Ability to analyze local economic data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable strategies.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and public presentation skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects with limited administrative support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field.
• At least three years of experience in economic development or related municipal functions or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working Conditions

• Office environment with frequent local travel for business outreach, site visits, and partner meetings.
• Occasional regional travel for training, networking, or recruitment events.
• Evening or weekend work required for community events or public meetings.