Economic Development Strategist

City of North Port, FL • North Port, FL

105d

About The Position

The Economic Development Strategist provides advanced professional support to the Economic Development Program Manager in executing the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan and the Economic Development Element of the North Port Comprehensive Plan. This position is primarily responsible for identifying and recruiting development, relocation, and start-up opportunities, while fostering a business-friendly environment. The Strategist will play a crucial role in business attraction and investor relationship development. The incumbent will work closely with industry leaders, and existing stakeholders to promote economic growth and development across various sectors, including commercial, office, mixed-use, and industrial developments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development or a related field.
• Completed IEDC coursework is preferred.
• Advance degree is a plus.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

Nice To Haves

• CEcD preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and recruit potential new business development projects, relocations, and start-up opportunities to the City.
• Develop and nurture relationships with business prospects, developers, consultants, and company decision-makers to facilitate business development projects, relocations, and start-up opportunities.
• Manage and coordinate site selection processes for businesses looking to relocate to the area.
• Provide prospective businesses with regulatory assistance to help them navigate city processes, workforce information and workforce partner contacts to facilitate workforce solutions.
• Attend economic development tradeshows and industry conventions to promote the City's potential for business development.
• Foster strong relationships with regional technical, trade, and education providers to support workforce development related to attraction of targeted industries.
• Collaborate with local and regional stakeholders, including economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, development corporations, and real estate professionals to align development opportunities and resources.
• Coordinate and oversee projects that support the City's economic development goals, including infrastructure development, site development, and facility improvements.
• Manage and provide guidance to project negotiations, and facilitate communication between businesses, developers, and City staff to help ensure projects meet regulatory and community needs.
• Conduct field inspections and site visits as required for business prospects and development projects.
• Utilize economic research trends, demographic data, and market conditions to support business attraction and inform strategic decision-making.
• Utilize available data and tools to create business profiles, assess development opportunities, and support recruitment efforts.
• Facilitate connections between prospective businesses and local resources, including workforce training, funding opportunities, and technical assistance.
• Assist in updating policy documents and strategic plan provisions related to economic development as necessary to ensure a business-friendly environment.
• Prepare and present reports, white papers, and presentations on economic development initiatives, project status, and program outcomes.
• Assist in budget preparation and monitor expenditures related to economic development projects and programs.
• Respond to requests for information from business prospects, City and County staff, residents, and other stakeholders.
• In the absence of the Economic Development Manager, act as staff liaison to the Community Economic Development Advisory Board.
• In the absence of the Marketing Strategist, assist with development and posting of economic development outreach advertising and social media.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including City-directed work assignments in the event of an emergency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree