Economic Development Strategy Lead

City of Rowlett, TX; Rowlett (TX); On-site; USD 104,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Rowlett, TX is seeking an Economic Development Director to lead the strategic execution of the city's economic goals. You will oversee day-to-day programs, collaborate with department staff and the Chamber of Commerce, and drive attraction, retention, and redevelopment initiatives.

Responsibilities include negotiating incentives, managing BRE program, coordinating with city departments on permitting, and reporting metrics to the City Council.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Public Administration or related field (Master’s Degree preferred) and a proven leader with a minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in Economic Development for a municipal entity (preferred), along with Marketing, Real Estate, and basic construction knowledge, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional certification, Completion of Basic Economic Development Course through TEDC or completion within 6 months (required) or other certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), or Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and experience in real estate or land use preferred. Candidates possessing or working towards certifications will be given preference.
• Comprehensive knowledge of general management principles. Must be able to work well in an environment with multiple interruptions. Must be a self-starter requiring little direction to accomplish tasks with a high level of optimism, enthusiasm, and "can-do" attitude. Must be able to work collaboratively as part of the Economic Development team. Must have the ability to be creative while being a strategic problem solver who is able to develop ideas and implement them through teamwork and cooperation. Skill in working effectively with senior level management in a variety of public and private organizations; skill in dealing with elected officials, business associates and other governmental entities; comprehensive knowledge of financial analysis; long range planning; state, regional and local business incentives/finance related tools and marketing principles. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.Valid driver's license required. Must have and maintain a good driving
• 10% of time will consist of domestic travel. Mobility within an office and field environment. Significant off-site working meetings are as necessary.
• Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled office environment. Physical demands are sedentary in nature requiring little physical effort in working with light (up to 25 lbs.) materials.

Responsibilities

• Manage the creation of web based, print and social media marketing campaigns for both promotional and informational purposes supporting department mission and strategic plan.
• Collaborate with communications and marketing staff to develop targeted economic development marketing, business recruitment, site promotion, and stakeholder communication strategies.
• Manage staff in developing and executing measurable goals, reporting standards and benchmarks aligned with the department mission and objectives.
• Assist with oversight of various TIRZ, PID and MMD districts and Boards. Assume responsibility of project management after successful attraction or expansion efforts. Interaction with various City departments on collaboration of development projects to ensure timely permitting and commencement of construction or expansion.
• Evaluate, structure, negotiate, administer, and monitor economic development incentive agreements, including Chapter 380 agreements, tax abatements, grants, infrastructure participation, fee incentives, and other economic development tools available to the City.
• Represent the City at appropriate civic, cultural, charitable, business, and community activities as well as serve on boards, commissions, committees, and organizations related to critical goals and interests of the City.
• Assist in establishing economic development programs and practices that lead to private investment in City and result in job creation, expanded tax base, creative and niche development, recreation and entertainment venues, and other quality developments.
• Conduct financial and fiscal impact analysis, evaluate return on investment, and develop recommendations regarding proposed economic development incentives and development projects.
• Assist in implementing a strategic and proactive recruitment strategy for the promotion of the City to business and industry by contacting national and international businesses, site selectors, brokers, developers, and consultants and represent the City at meetings, making presentations, attending trade shows and development of proposals and promotional materials.
• Provide oversight and manage staff on the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and interaction with local businesses to maintain a positive relationship and maintain open communications to resolve business needs and promote expansion opportunities in the City.
• Participate in the negotiations of comprehensive development agreements between the City and the private sector, evaluate fiscal impacts, communicate decisions, and present reports and agreements to Economic Development Advisory Board, City Manager and City Council.
• Monitor compliance with economic development agreements, including investment, employment, sales tax, construction, certificate-of-occupancy, and other performance requirements; coordinate reimbursement and payment requests and prepare compliance reports as required.
• Ensure the City is successful in efforts related to developing and maintaining strong working relationships with the Chamber of Commerce, developers, corporate leaders, business owners, public school officials, other regional and state economic development agencies and citizens.
• Identify and advance redevelopment, infill, revitalization, and adaptive-reuse opportunities, including underperforming commercial properties and strategic development sites.
• Provide ongoing support to the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) to advance their mission and goals. Generally, includes analyzing and communicate economic, demographic, workforce, real estate, employment, sales tax, and market data to support business recruitment, retention, redevelopment, incentive evaluation, strategic planning, and policy recommendations.
• Serve as acting department director in the Director's absence and assist in the overall administration, strategic direction, budgeting, personnel management, and operations of the Economic Development Department.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Public Administration or related field

Master’s Degree preferred

Professional certification: TEDC Basic Economic Development Course or CEcD/EDFP preferred

Job description

The City of Rowlett, TX is seeking an Economic Development Director to lead the strategic execution of the city's economic goals. You will oversee day-to-day programs, collaborate with department staff and the Chamber of Commerce, and drive attraction, retention, and redevelopment initiatives.

Responsibilities include negotiating incentives, managing BRE program, coordinating with city departments on permitting, and reporting metrics to the City Council.