Director of Economic Development

West Columbia, City of•West Columbia City Hall, SC

About The Position

Under limited supervision, provides strategic leadership and direction for the City of West Columbia’s economic development program. Develops and implements marketing strategies to recruit new businesses and industry; provides information and assistance to local, regional, national, and international firms considering relocation or facility expansion; evaluates properties for potential development; and performs related administrative and professional work. The role plans, coordinates, and directs the City’s economic development activities and strategic initiatives, including business attraction, retention and expansion, redevelopment, and private investment, consistent with City Council goals, priorities, and adopted plans. It builds relationships with businesses, developers, investors, property owners, brokers, site selectors, government agencies, and community stakeholders; evaluates incentives and resources; supports business recruitment and expansion projects; and identifies and markets commercial and industrial properties. The position also coordinates property annexations, collaborates on marketing, analyzes economic and real estate data, oversees consultants, serves as a board advisor and community liaison, presents reports and recommendations to City Council, and develops and manages the department budget. Reports to the Assistant City Administrator of Public Affairs. The generally scheduled hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with flexibility required for occasional responsibilities outside regular business hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, planning, or a related field, plus at least five years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, commercial real estate, or public administration; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
At least two to three years of supervisory or project-lead experience.
Valid South Carolina driver’s license.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement economic development programs and strategies.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships and gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
Ability to prepare and administer budgets and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze data, prepare reports and recommendations, make presentations, and exercise sound independent judgment.
Ability to coordinate staff, consultants, projects, and resources and to meet deadlines.
Ability to use computers and administrative, data-management, and reporting programs.
Ability to perform light physical work, including occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 10 pounds, and periods at a keyboard or workstation; walking or standing may be required to a significant degree.

Nice To Haves

Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation or active pursuit of the credential.
Active membership and participation in the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the SC Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) are strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and direct the City’s economic development activities and strategic initiatives to promote business attraction, retention and expansion, redevelopment, and private investment.
Develop and implement strategies to attract new businesses and investment, support existing businesses, and promote a business-friendly environment.
Cultivate relationships with businesses, developers, investors, property owners, brokers, site selectors, and other stakeholders to identify and advance opportunities.
Evaluate economic development incentives and resources and recommend their appropriate use and potential fiscal impact to City Administration and City Council.
Meet with prospective businesses, developers, and investors to identify sites and development opportunities, and facilitate coordination with economic development partners and City departments on utilities, zoning, permitting, building requirements, and related matters.
Connect businesses with local, state, and federal resources and assist owners in assessing the feasibility of locating in West Columbia.
Build relationships with small-business, entrepreneurial, and other economic development support organizations.
Identify and evaluate properties for economic development and redevelopment; maintain an inventory of available commercial and industrial properties and market relevant sites and opportunities.
Coordinate property annexations, including communicating with owners, evaluating proposed annexations, preparing cost-benefit analyses, and coordinating the process with relevant departments and agencies.
Collaborate with the City marketing team to develop and implement promotional strategies and materials.
Represent the City at meetings, conferences, speaking engagements, media interviews, and other economic development forums.
Compile and analyze economic, demographic, market, real estate, and other data to support planning, recruitment, retention, and redevelopment.
Coordinate and oversee economic development consultants and professional service providers, setting priorities and ensuring their work aligns with City goals and plans.
Serve as the City’s Board Advisor for the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and as a liaison or board member for other community groups as directed.
Attend City Council and other meetings; present economic development matters, reports, recommendations, and project updates as appropriate.
Develop department goals and objectives and implement programs, projects, and initiatives to achieve them.
Participate in professional groups and keep current on trends and developments in redevelopment and economic development.
Develop and maintain relationships with state and regional agencies, chambers of commerce, and other economic development partners.
Monitor proposed legislation and regulatory changes affecting municipal economic development and advise City Administration about potential impacts.
Provide direct assistance to administration on economic development matters, strategic initiatives, and special projects.
Develop and manage the department budget.
Maintain the confidentiality of records and information as permitted by law.
Perform general administrative and office work, including preparing reports and correspondence, handling computer data, maintaining financial records, copying, filing, and faxing.
Perform other related duties as required.