Economic Development Director

City Of Lake Wales•Lake Wales, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional work in the preparation and implementation of economic development plans, programs and services. The role involves assisting in the development of short and long-range economic development plans, gathering and interpreting data, coordinating activities with other departments and agencies, and maintaining liaison with business and community organizations. The position requires the ability to analyze technical and financial reports, respond to inquiries, write and present information effectively, and maintain an inventory of available buildings and sites. Responsibilities also include preparing and maintaining information on utilities, taxes, zoning, and transportation, responding to citizen inquiries, conducting research studies, monitoring legislation, preparing promotional materials, administering grant applications, and managing professional service contracts. Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database management software is essential. Peripheral duties include serving on committees, attending professional development workshops, and assisting other staff members.

Requirements

A Bachelors degree in urban planning, business or public administration, economics, marketing, finance, or a related field
Experience in business, industrial or community development and real estate which includes the design, negotiation and/or implementation of business assistance programs and real estate contracts
Any equivalent combination of education and experience, additional education substituting on a year for year basis for the required experience.
Considerable knowledge of business development
Considerable knowledge of economic development
Working knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure
Working knowledge of planning programs and processes.
Ability to analyze and communicate effectively orally and in writing with industrialists, architects, contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public
Ability to establish effective working relationships.
Valid Florida Driver's License, or ability to obtain one.

Nice To Haves

Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), or the ability to obtain within six months of employment.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing short and long range economic development plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
Maintains liaison activities with individuals, groups, and various business and community organizations, which might impact on economic development activities.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or members of the business community.
Ability to write and make speeches and write articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or boards and commissions.
Ability to develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community for economic development purposes.
Prepares and maintains information on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, etc.; responds to requests for information for economic development purposes; prepares data sheets and other information.
Responds to local citizens inquiring about local economic development activities and opportunities.
Prepares a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.
Conducts technical research studies and prepares statistical reports and recommendations for drafting or revising local legislation and plans, projecting trends, monitoring socio-economic data, etc.
Monitors local, state and Federal legislation and regulations relating to economic development, and reports findings, trends and recommendations to supervisor.
Prepares graphics, charts, tables, promotional materials, etc. for economic development activities.
Serves when assigned as a member of an economic development task force composed of private, local, county or state groups.
Prepares, writes and administers grant applications related to economic development; When needed.
Coordinates and manages professional service contracts, as assigned.
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database management software.
Serves as a member of various staff committees as assigned.
Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.
Assists other staff members as needed.
Other duties as required.