Economic Development Manager

City of Craig; Craig (CO); On-site; USD 72,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401a with employer match

Life Insurance

Long-term disability

Flex Spending account

Cell Phone Allowance

Job summary

The City of Craig seeks an Economic Development Manager to lead efforts to attract new businesses, support existing employers, and advance strategic initiatives that strengthen the local economy.

You will build strong partnerships with community stakeholders, manage programs and budgets, oversee grants, and guide redevelopment, capital investments, and marketing efforts to promote Craig’s long-term prosperity and vibrancy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience; or five years of related experience.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record required.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen, motor vehicle and background check.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate work of contractors and partners to support programs.
• Develop budgets, contracts, and reports for programs.
• Lead EDAC, CURA, and CHA programs and operations.
• Negotiate incentive agreements and redevelopment opportunities.
• Prepare quarterly department reports to City Council.
• Develop and coordinate community marketing efforts and campaigns.
• Plan redevelopment, capital, and infrastructure projects.
• Build relationships with the local business community and regional partners.

Skills

Budget management

Strong communication

Strategic planning

Microsoft Office

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Department:Economic Development

Job Title:Economic Development Manager

FLSA Status:Exempt

Supervisor:City Manager

Salary: $72,173/year ($34.70/hour) - $103,748/year ($49.88/hour)

Revision Date: 6/2026

About Us: The City of Craig provides a wide range of essential services designed to ensure the smooth functioning of daily life for our residents. Key services provided include public safety, infrastructure maintenance such as road repairs, waste management, and water utilities, as well as local government support through licensing, permitting, and zoning. The city also offers community engagement programs, park maintenance, and recreation opportunities. The municipal team plays a vital role in fostering a positive work environment and addressing the needs of the community.

About the Department: The Economic Development Department supports a vibrant and resilient local economy by fostering business growth, expanding job opportunities, and strengthening community partnerships. The department works to attract new businesses, supports existing enterprises, and advances strategic initiatives that enhance Craig’s long-term economic vitality. Through planning, collaboration, and innovation, the Economic Development department helps ensure a strong and sustainable future for the community.

About the Role: The Economic Development Manager leads efforts to strengthen and grow the local economy by attracting new businesses, supporting existing employers, and advancing strategic development initiatives. This role builds strong partnerships with community stakeholders, identifies opportunities for investment, and develops programs that promote job creation and long-term economic vitality. Through research, outreach, and strategic planning, the Economic Development Manager plays a key role in shaping Craig’s economic future and enhancing the community’s overall prosperity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential functions and responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Managing People

• Coordinates the work of contractors, consultants, and partner organizations supporting economic development programs and projects.
• Provides direction and establishes expectations for contractors and consultants to ensure projects and services are completed effectively.
• Coordinates with City departments and external partners to accomplish department goals and initiatives.

Managing Resources / Administration

• Takes a leadership role in administering and managing EDAC, CURA, and CHA programs, budgets, contracts, and operations.
• Prepares and monitors annual budgets, revenue estimates, expenditures, reports, contracts, and meeting materials for EDAC and CURA.
• Manages grant opportunities, funding applications, and state and federal grant-funded programs and projects.
• Manages economic development programs, projects, and capital activities within approved budgets.
• Supports redevelopment projects and public infrastructure investments.

Leadership

• Provides strategic direction for the City's economic development efforts and works to advance community economic goals.
• Represents the City in regional economic development organizations and initiatives.
• Identifies opportunities to strengthen the City's economic position and supports initiatives that promote long-term community growth.
• Updates the Moffat County Vision 2025 Transition Plan in conjunction with the City’s mission, vision, and goals.

Decision Making

• Negotiates incentive agreements under the City's limited incentive program.
• Evaluates business needs and determines appropriate resources, programs, incentives, and partnerships to support business development.
• Researches policy issues and analyzes business and economic trends to develop recommendations for City leadership.
• Evaluates opportunities for redevelopment, infrastructure investment, and economic growth and recommends appropriate courses of action.

Communication

• Prepares and presents quarterly Economic Development Department reports to City Council.
• Provides direct assistance to businesses regarding expansion, relocation, site selection, permitting, networking, incentives, and access to economic development resources.
• Develops and coordinates community marketing efforts, including website content, social media, and local marketing campaigns.
• Promotes City programs, economic development opportunities, and community initiatives through presentations, events, and other outreach.
• Attends and participates in bi-weekly staff meetings, monthly EDAC meetings, and applicable City Council, CURA, and CHA meetings.

Planning

• Develops and implements business retention, expansion, and attraction strategies.
• Executes and monitors the EDAC work plan and associated programs and initiatives.
• Develops partnership strategies that support economic development goals and community priorities.
• Plans and coordinates redevelopment, capital, and public infrastructure projects.
• Identifies emerging business trends and economic opportunities to inform future programs and initiatives.

Human Relations

• Develops and maintains strong relationships with the Craig business community, local organizations, government agencies, and regional partners.
• Builds partnerships with organizations including the Moffat County Visitors Center, Craig Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Memorial Regional Health, Moffat County School District, Moffat County Commissioners, and regional economic development organizations.
• Maintains regular engagement with businesses and stakeholders to understand community needs and identify economic development opportunities.
• Fosters collaboration among businesses, community organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Represents the City professionally in community and regional activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
• Solve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with the public and city employees.
• Maintain confidential information.
• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate multiple projects.
• Read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Use resources effectively and efficiently, and produce quality and timely results.
• Work as an indirect producer to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of financial and accounting systems.
• Knowledge of office machines, filing, and office procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Required Education, Training, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of experience; or five years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record required.Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen, motor vehicle, and background check.

Preferred Education, Training, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and two years of experience; or a Master’s degree and one year of experience; or six years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record required.Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen, motor vehicle, and background check.

Supervision:

None.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental/Motor Demands:

The mental/motor demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Diversified duties; works under general supervision in an office setting. Awareness of safety.

Work Environment:

The work environment described here are representative of the duties of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Duties are generally performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of time, and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant work pace pressure. Must live within one hour of the City of Craig.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401a with employer match
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Flex Spending account
• Cell Phone Allowance
• or Cell Phone.

The City of Craig is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, as well as meet the physical demands, mental/motor demands, and work environment characteristics. The City encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.