Deputy Director of Economic Development

Lucas County•Toledo, OH

About The Position

This role is responsible for generating and managing deal flow, building a strong project pipeline, and delivering measurable outcomes related to job creation, capital investment, and business growth. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge of economic development practices and the ability to translate opportunities into successful projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Economic Development, Construction Management, or related field preferred, OR
Associate degree in related field with five (5) years of directly related experience, OR
Equivalent combination of education, certification, experience, and training
Knowledge of economic development incentives and programs
Business engagement and retention strategies
Local development processes and regulatory environment
Project management principles
Skilled in relationship management and stakeholder engagement
Strategic thinking and problem solving
Negotiation and communication
Managing complex projects and timelines
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Translate opportunities into actionable projects
Work collaboratively with internal and external partners
Use data to inform decision-making
Lead initiatives and support organizational goals

Nice To Haves

Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)
Project Management or Construction Management certification

Responsibilities

Oversee business engagement strategy, including outreach and relationship management with traded-sector businesses
Identify high-growth companies and expansion opportunities
Coordinate with workforce, education, and service providers to support business needs
Oversee development and management of economic development incentives
Evaluate project opportunities and prepare recommendations
Coordinate incentive packaging and compliance with internal and external partners
Support development of new programs, including innovation initiatives
Maintain knowledge of zoning, permitting, and regulatory requirements
Guide businesses through regulatory and permitting processes
Coordinate competitive responses to Requests for Information (RFIs)
Support attraction and expansion projects from lead through announcement
Build and manage economic development project pipeline
Track outcomes including jobs, payroll, and capital investment
Maintain relationships with businesses, brokers, and regional partners
Represent the department at meetings and industry engagements
Collaborate on data tracking and performance metrics
Supervise assigned staff and support departmental operations
Act on behalf of the Director when needed