Economic Development Director

South Burlington, City of•South Burlington, VT

14h

About The Position

The Economic Development Director is a highly collaborative and visible leader responsible for driving the implementation and delivery of South Burlington’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. This role translates strategic priorities into measurable outcomes, aligns internal systems and cross-departmental efforts, and ensures the City executes at a level consistent with its economic ambitions. The Director will steward partnerships, support business growth, strengthen key industry clusters, advance workforce and talent initiatives, and help shape vibrant places such as City Center and future mixed-use districts—ensuring that South Burlington’s economic growth reflects its climate leadership, community identity, and long-term goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in economic development, public administration, planning, business, or related field.
7–10 years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development, innovation ecosystems, cluster development, planning, or municipal management.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred.
Demonstrated success building partnerships across sectors, including higher education, employers, developers, and community organizations.
Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
Knowledge of workforce pipelines, small business support systems, and place-based economic strategies.
Strong understanding of zoning, permitting, land use, and development processes.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
Commitment to climate-aligned, inclusive, community-centered economic development.
Background in placemaking, downtown development, or destination marketing.

Responsibilities

Serve as the city's primary point of contact for economic development initiatives, business engagement, and strategic partner coordination.
Introduce and implement project-tracking tools, shared dashboards, and coordinated work systems across departments (planning, permitting, communications, data, finance).
Develop and implement annual work plans aligned with the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and other policy documents.
Provide staff support and strategic leadership to the Economic Development Committee.
Build relationships with local entrepreneurs and businesses to understand needs, support retention, and identify opportunities to grow in South Burlington.
Lead efforts to support partners in improving pathways into high-growth industries and closing equity gaps.
Drive the coordination and implementation on housing and childcare initiatives that are critical for talent retention and workforce participation.
In collaboration with the Community Development Director and the South Burlington City Center Collaborative (SB3C), align cross departmental efforts to support activation of City Center through events, local business recruitment, and partnerships with arts, parks, and civic organizations.
Drive the implementation of city-wide permit process improvements, concierge services for priority projects, and transparent communication tools.
Lead in the coordination of land use planning, zoning, and infrastructure improvements to support business growth.
In collaboration with the Community Development Director, support TIF District advancement and infill development in City Center and adjacent areas.
Lead development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive economic development strategies and policies that support the City's long-term growth and fiscal sustainability.
Represent South Burlington in regional and state-wide economic development forums, Tech Hub efforts, housing strategy discussions, workforce coalitions, and planning.
Analyzes existing economic situations relative to business attraction and expansion; reviews modern techniques for business attraction and retention.
Monitors program performance and provides reports to the City Manager, Economic Development Committee, and the City Council.
Other duties as assigned.