Executive Director

City of Big Spring; Big Spring (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Strategic Government Resources, Inc. seeks an Executive Director to lead Big Spring’s Economic Development Department, driving programs to recruit and retain businesses and create jobs.

You will report to the Board of Directors, coordinate with city departments, and oversee incentives and public/private partnerships. The role requires strategic leadership, strong communication, budget oversight, and the ability to travel and engage with regional partners to advance economic growth for the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Relations, Political Science, Economics or a combination of education and 10+ years of experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development with documented results.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License; proof of auto liability insurance.
• Willing to relocate to the City of Big Spring.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate EDC program activities to meet Board goals and directives.
• Plan and organize ED activities to attract, expand and retain businesses and jobs.
• Prepare formal reports, working papers, presentations and correspondence.
• Review EDC activities and develop recommendations for goals and projects; ensure compliance with regulations; supervise meetings.
• Manage contracts and monitor expenditures and payments.
• Attract primary industry jobs and market Big Spring to business communities.
• Provide information on economic development programs and services.
• Travel as required and work with city departments and external organizations.
• Maintain relationships with the Big Spring EDC and public.

Skills

Public speaking

Verbal & written communication

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Public/Admin/Public Relations/Econ/Political Science or related field

10+ years economic development experience

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Graphic illustration tools

Job description

Description:Under limited supervision, the Executive Director will plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations of the Economic Development Department; coordinate assigned activities with other city departments and outside agencies; provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to City management; and perform other duties as assigned.

The Executive Director serves as the primary position for economic development in Big Spring, Texas. The Executive Director promotes economic development programs that meet the strategic goals and objectives of the City and Board of Directors to recruit and retain business investment resources in Big Spring.

General Statement of Duties:Under direct supervision of the Board of Directors, implements BSEDC goals, coordinates and develops and manages Economic Development (EDC) incentives and programs to businesses that invest resources to increase the local property tax base, create and retain jobs, and contribute to the general well-being of the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinates and facilitates Economic Development (EDC) program activities to achieve the Board’s economic development strategies, and to ensure the program activities meet the Board of Directors' goals, objectives, and directives.
• Assists in planning and organizing Economic Development activities to attract new businesses, encourage expansion and retention, expand the tax base, encourage creation of jobs, workforce development, and generally improve the quality of life and facilitate a self-sustaining economy for the city; assists in developing plans to attract, assist and retain a diversified mix of businesses and public/private partnerships.
• Assists with the preparation of formal and technical reports, working papers, presentations, and correspondence.
• Reviews EDC activities and develops recommendations for program goals, services, and projects; evaluates and facilitates compliance with local, state, and federal agency requirements and prepares reports; supervises the EDC meetings and creation of public agendas.
• Assists with contract development; manages contracts and evaluates compliance with contract requirements; evaluates expenditures and monitors payments.
• Implements plans to attract and create primary industry jobs, enhance business atmosphere to retain existing business base and market Big Spring to the business communities.
• Provides information and referrals on economic development programs, processes, and services.
• Coordinates with community organizations, regional agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
• Analyzes data, evaluates trends, and ensures EDC issues are properly addressed and resolved – this will include researching other cities' economic development efforts and best practices and compiling that information for use by the department in refining or creating new programs
• Supports the relationship between the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive economic development issues, work-related issues, and Big Spring Economic Development information.
• Acts as primary liaison between city departments and outside organizations to improve communications, encourage collaboration, and facilitate positive processes and initiatives in the community.
• Driving and traveling is required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Relations, Political Science, Economics or a combination of education and at least ten (10) years of experience in economic development may be substituted for the degree requirement, and
• A minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development as shown by a proven track record of significant involvement in economic development with documented results, and
• A valid Texas Driver’s License. Must maintain and provide proof of auto liability insurance, and
• Must be willing to relocate to the City of Big Spring.

Experience & Demonstrated Abilities of Knowledge and Skill:

• Economic development organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Economic development principles, practices, and implementation methods, including business development, business retention, redevelopment, marketing, and local government financial incentives for business and economic development projects.
• City, state, and federal statutes, rules, codes, and regulations relating to economic development.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of the staff.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens.
• Principles of record keeping, records management, contract management, and preparing and administering complex budgets.
• Economic development program planning and evaluation principles.
• Analyzing and interpreting business development issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings.
• Analyzing, prioritizing, and promoting ED programs to meet development strategies.
• Analyzing and evaluating economic development issues and developing programs and services to meet strategic goals.
• Implementing and coordinating plans, programs, and incentives for the acquisition of real property as may be necessary and retention of industry and business in the community.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established standard operating procedures.
• Managing economic development grants on behalf of BSEDC and the City.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City Administration, other economic development agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, federal and state agencies, and the general public.
• Computer competency including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications, and competent ability with Excel, PowerPoint, and general graphic illustration tools is required.
• Public speaking skills
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision, hearing, talking, use of foot controls.

Travel may include driving, air travel, or other means from locations outside of the city.

RESUME:

Submittal of a professional resume is required and must include an explanation of employment gaps. All applicants will be subject to a standard background check completed by the city. Applicants shall not have filed for personal or business bankruptcy or be in arrears for federal, state, or municipal taxes.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

One (1) Administrative Assistant