Assistant Director of Economic Development

City of Charlottesville•Charlottesville (22902), VA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Economic Development performs complex professional work assisting the Director with the coordination of business development and retention efforts of the City, including managing business retention efforts, and marketing and communication for the Office. Works with substantial discretion and within broad parameters. Reports to the Director of Economic Development. To learn more about the City's Office of Economic Development and its current initiatives, please visit: https://www.charlottesville.gov/201/Economic-Development

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university in economics, finance, marketing, communications, business/public administration, urban planning, or a related field AND at least 3 years of experience working in economic development, small business initiatives, and/or marketing and events.
OR Associate’s degree, or 60 or more college credits, from an accredited college/university in economics, finance, marketing, communications, business/public administration, urban planning, or a related field AND at least 5 years of experience working in economic development, small business initiatives, and/or marketing and events.
OR An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Knowledge of modern principles and practices of economic development.
Knowledge of marketing and financial principles and practices.
Working knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities and programs.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public business administration.
Thorough knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as: word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
Ability to analyze market data and trends.
Excellent organizational, time management and customer service skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with online Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms, databases, and resources for economic and workforce development or other similar tools
Economic development training courses completed through IEDC or OU-EDI
CEcD certification

Responsibilities

Assists the Director in the overall management of the office, including supervising and monitoring staff; coaching, training, and having substantial input on hiring, discipline, work objectives/goals, performance evaluations, and work assignments.
Assists the Director with budget preparation, reporting, and procurement.
Manages, develops, and implements a successful business retention strategy, focused on assisting the growth of existing and new businesses; including a robust annual business visitation program, additional outreach efforts, and related programs.
Represents the City and the Economic Development Office in the community and serves on various boards and commissions as assigned.
Works with Director to lead targeted business attraction initiatives, in coordination with state and regional partners, to reach prospective companies through qualified business development leads.
Supports the department's strategic planning efforts by assisting the Director with the development and implementation of policies, establishing priorities, aligning resources, and implementing initiatives that advance departmental and organizational goals.
Builds and maintains professional and effective relationships with businesses to understand needs, opportunities, and concerns.
Leads the department's research and data efforts, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting economic, demographic, market, and industry data to identify trend, inform strategic decision-making, evaluate outcomes, and communicate actionable insights to internal and external stakeholders.
Monitors, analyzes, and evaluates effectiveness of programs and methods, and advises Director.
Develops and manages the department's social media strategy, including content planning, creation, coordination, and performance monitoring, to increase engagement, promote department initiatives, and effectively communicate the community's economic development story.
Conducts and delivers promotional and informational presentations in support of the City’s economic development efforts to appropriate audiences, including but not limited to businesses, city council, civic organizations, community partners, and others.
Manages technology and data infrastructure to support business development and marketing within the department.
Manages property database by analyzing real estate market trends and verifying opportunities within the marketplace.
Represents economic development interests in policy and planning discussions with city staff, policymakers, and partners.
Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Analyzes commercial and industrial real estate market trends and transactions to assist with developing and promoting commercial sites.
In the absence of the Director, oversees Economic Development Office operations.
Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Benefits

health insurance with employer contribution
employer-paid life insurance
gym membership reimbursement
tuition assistance
professional development opportunities
Vacation Leave : 3.09 hours accrued bi-weekly (increases with YOS).
Up to 40 hours of discretionary administrative leave per calendar year
Sick Leave: 4.62 hours accrued bi-weekly, approx. 120 hours per year with no limit on accumulation.
13 Paid Observed City Holidays
1 Floating Holiday which must be taken during the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)
Choice of retirement plan: Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Contribution 401a Plan
Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan.