Economic Development Director, (A267510-4), 217, Administration

City of Laredo • Laredo, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general administrative direction, this position is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities and operations of the Economic Development Department. This includes responsibilities related to small business development, infill development, redevelopment, tax increment financing zones, economic development corporations, and industrial districts. The role involves formulating and administering planning and grant writing activities, researching grant sources, and ensuring compliance with grant management requirements. It also includes directing the research, collection, and analysis of trade-related data, supervising staff, developing and implementing operating and marketing plans, and managing the departmental budget. The position promotes Laredo as a destination, develops promotional materials, and assists potential investors. It also serves as a liaison with foreign organizations, represents the City in various forums, and collaborates with City management and Council on economic development strategies and policies. The role educates clients on City processes, manages programs to assist businesses, and negotiates agreements for economic development projects. Driving a City vehicle for business use is also required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Marketing, or related field.
• At least seven (7) years of professional experience in economic development, trade development, international trade, technology-based economic development and entrepreneurship support, sustainability based economic development, or commercial or residential real estate development.
• Including five (5) years of supervising personnel.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all operational activities of the Economic Development Department.
• Formulates and administers the planning and grant writing activities for the City of Laredo.
• Research available grant sources and submits applications to all potential funding sources to include private foundations, local trusts, and to state and federal agencies.
• Assures grant management in accordance with all federal, state, and local requirements including requirements stipulated by private foundations and/or trusts.
• Directs the research, collection, and analysis of trade related data from production of reports and publications on economic status.
• Supervises, plans, schedules, and assigns work to subordinates; instructs and trains in correct methods and procedures; reviews and evaluates employee's performance.
• Develops and supervises the implementation of an annual operating and marketing plan, in order to promote Laredo as a destination to local, state, regional, national, and international audiences.
• Directs the development and preparation of the annual departmental budget and monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with budget limitations.
• Develops collateral materials including brochures, newsletters, promotional documents, advertisements, direct mail pieces and planner's guides to increase market shares for the Economic Development industry in Laredo.
• Develops economic updates, reports, and publications.
• Assists potential investors.
• Directs the planning and coordination of promotional activities for the City of Laredo.
• Promotes development operation in the City of Laredo and other foreign countries such as Mexico, China, and any other country interested in development and investing in our community.
• Participates in international trade related conferences and trade shows for the purpose of attracting business and industry to our region.
• Serves as the international trade liaison with foreign organizations.
• Assists potential investors by organizing meeting agendas and providing regional economic and/or demographic data/maps.
• Serves as conduit between private sectors and City Council for recommendation of economic policy.
• Directs the development and maintenance of data on City of Laredo home page on the internet.
• Represents City of Laredo in local and international forums by participating in meetings, conferences and/or trade shows.
• Attends City Council meetings and takes necessary action regarding Council agenda items.
• Works with an Advisory Committee made up of industry representatives that will make recommendations to the department and the City Council on policy changes needed to reflect the industry needs.
• Briefs and advises City management, Mayor, and City Council regarding economic development and redevelopment projects, small business, tax increment financing zones, economic development corporations, and industrial districts in person and through written reports.
• Participates in the development and administration of the budget for the tax increment zones, economic development corporations, and industrial districts.
• Collaborates the City Manager, the Mayor, and city Council to define and articulate economic development visions, goals, strategies, and policies to formulate and implement strategic plans appropriate to the needs of the city and its citizens.
• Educates economic development clients on City processes and helps facilitate the development process while working with City staff to balance the needs of economic development, permitting processes and City standards.
• Develops and manages programs to assist new and expanding businesses in identifying resources and to provide financial incentive to encourage companies to locate in priority areas.
• Develops and negotiates agreements between the City, private developers, and other governmental entities for economic development projects.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager