Economic Development Executive Director

City of Big Spring•Big Spring, TX

About The Position

The Economic Development Executive Director coordinates and facilitates Economic Development Corporation (EDC) program activities to achieve the Board’s strategies and meet the Board of Directors’ goals, objectives, and directives. The role helps plan and organize activities to attract new businesses, encourage business expansion and retention, grow the tax base, create jobs, support workforce development, improve quality of life, and foster a self-sustaining local economy. It also helps develop plans to attract, assist, and retain a diverse mix of businesses and public-private partnerships. The Executive Director reviews EDC activities and recommends program goals, services, and projects; evaluates compliance with local, state, and federal requirements; prepares reports; and supervises EDC meetings and public agenda creation. The position assists with contract development, manages contracts, evaluates contract compliance, reviews expenditures, and monitors payments. It implements plans to attract primary-industry jobs, strengthen the business environment, retain existing businesses, and market Big Spring to business communities. The role provides information and referrals about economic development programs, processes, and services, and coordinates with community organizations, regional agencies, businesses, and nonprofits. The position analyzes data and trends, researches economic development practices and programs in other cities, and compiles findings to support program development and refinement. It serves as a primary liaison between city departments and outside organizations, supporting communication, collaboration, and community initiatives. The Executive Director is expected to demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior, maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information, and perform related duties as assigned. Driving and travel are required, and the successful candidate must be willing to relocate to Big Spring, Texas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a business-related field; economic development experience may be substituted for academic qualifications.
Successful track record of accomplishment in economic development.
Supervisory experience.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Must maintain and provide proof of automobile liability insurance.
Must be willing to relocate to the City of Big Spring.
Knowledge of economic development organizations, operations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of economic development principles and implementation methods, including business development and retention, redevelopment, marketing, and local-government financial incentives.
Knowledge of city, state, and federal statutes, rules, codes, and regulations related to economic development.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate staff work, and to select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Knowledge of local community issues and regional resources available to residents.
Knowledge of record keeping, records management, contract management, and preparation and administration of complex budgets.
Knowledge of economic development program planning and evaluation principles.
Ability to analyze business development issues, evaluate alternatives, and make logical recommendations based on findings.
Ability to analyze, prioritize, and promote economic development programs to meet development strategies and strategic goals.
Ability to implement and coordinate plans, programs, and incentives for acquiring real property as necessary and retaining industry and businesses in the community.
Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established standard operating procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with city administration, economic development agencies, businesses, nonprofits, federal and state agencies, and the general public.
Computer competency with word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications; proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and general graphic illustration tools.
Public speaking skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to meet the physical demands listed in the job posting, including standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, and use of vision, hearing, speech, and foot controls.
Professional resume required, including an explanation of employment gaps.
Applicants are subject to a standard city background check.
Applicants must not have filed for personal or business bankruptcy or be in arrears for federal, state, or municipal taxes.

Nice To Haves

Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration, or master’s degree in Economic Development.
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and facilitate EDC program activities in alignment with Board strategies, goals, objectives, and directives.
Help plan and organize economic development activities to attract businesses, encourage expansion and retention, grow the tax base, create jobs, support workforce development, and improve the local quality of life and economy.
Help develop plans to attract, assist, and retain a diversified mix of businesses and public-private partnerships.
Prepare formal and technical reports, working papers, presentations, and correspondence.
Review EDC activities and recommend program goals, services, and projects.
Evaluate and facilitate compliance with local, state, and federal requirements and prepare reports.
Supervise EDC meetings and the creation of public agendas.
Assist with contract development, manage contracts, assess compliance, evaluate expenditures, and monitor payments.
Implement plans to attract primary-industry jobs, retain existing businesses, enhance the business climate, and market Big Spring to business communities.
Provide information and referrals about economic development programs, processes, and services.
Coordinate with community organizations, regional agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
Analyze data and trends, research other cities’ economic development efforts and best practices, and compile information for program refinement and development.
Serve as the primary liaison between city departments and outside organizations to improve communication, collaboration, and community processes and initiatives.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive economic development and work-related information.
Manage economic development grants on behalf of BSEDC and the City.
Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate staff work; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Perform other related duties as assigned.