Economic Development Strategist

City of Lacey•Lacey, WA

About The Position

Reporting to the Current Planning and Economic Development Manager, under general direction, the Economic Development Strategist performs high level program management and technical work that develops and implements economic development strategies aimed at business investment and attraction, business retention and expansion, commercial real estate, retail, and tourism development. This position is also responsible for duties which include, but are not limited to, identifying and implementing economic development initiatives; workforce and neighborhood development; recruitment of corporate and small businesses; planning and organizing economic development activities; project management of major development initiatives; and preparing and presenting information to various groups, external organization, internal management, and elected officials. Please note: The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time. First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for August 17, 2026. Second round interview are tentatively scheduled for August 25, 2026. This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.

Requirements

Eight (8) years of combined education and work experience that provides the applicant with comprehensive knowledge and skills in commercial/industrial real estate or brokerage; economic development or related field.
An Associates degree in economics, marketing, community development, business or public administration, or related field AND six (6) years of experience in commercial/industrial real estate or brokerage; economic development or related field.
A Bachelor's degree in economics, marketing, community development, business or public administration, or related field AND four (4) years of experience in commercial/industrial real estate or brokerage; economic development or related field.
May have a combination of experience, education and training that would substitute for the above requirements.
Must pass a thorough City background investigation and successfully complete reference checks.
Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques.
Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City’s insurance carrier; OR must be able to provide own transportation to and from job, meetings, and related job sites.
Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Knowledge of: Fundamentals of business and economic development, economic development theory, marketing, land use law, real estate law.
Commercial real estate market and current lending practices.
Economic and data analysis techniques related to market, feasibility, and impact studies.
The different roles of local, regional, and state economic development agencies, as well as, applicable local, state and federal regulations and codes related to economic development.
Public finance and economic development tools and sources of economic development grant/loan funding in Washington State.
Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of economic development programs, policies and operational needs.
Available incentives for economic development and business recruitment.
Business perspective in selecting a new location or expanding an existing facility.
Current best practices in the economic development field.
Modern office practices, digital workflows, and computer systems, including productivity platforms, data analysis tools, and the effective and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies
Skill in: Project management.
Interpreting and applying complex and interrelated laws and regulations.
Grant writing, management and administration.
Developing and meeting schedules, timelines, work programs, and cost estimates.
Effectively representing the City in situations which are potentially adversarial or stressful and present information to the public.
Ability to: Conduct economic development related studies on own or through the use of consultants.
Effectively communicate with City Council, Planning Commission, and the business community.
Cultivate and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with, advisory bodies, the business community, department directors, employees, community partners, government agencies, the media, and the general public.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a diverse audience
Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.
Analyze complex issues and impacts, identify clear and concise recommendations and alternative solutions, the consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Read, interpret, apply, and explain federal, state, and local policies, codes, procedures, laws, and regulations.
Seek creative solutions using strong interpersonal skills.
Prepare high-quality, publishable reports, presentations, and documents, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency and clarity.
Ability to effectively utilize emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools, to enhance research, analysis, communication, and service delivery.
Project and maintain a positive and professional image with those contacted in the course of business.
Maintain regular and dependable attendance; be available to work after business hours and attend evening meetings as necessary.
Stay current in best practices in the economic development field.
Discern when to keep subordinates, peers, partners, and supervisors informed of activities, changing situations, and developing problems.
Take ownership of problems and take responsibility for actions.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Certified Economic Developer and formal economic development training.

Responsibilities

Plans and develops economic development comprehensive strategies and supports and advises the Community and Economic Development management team in identifying, preparing, and implementing chosen economic development initiatives and strategies that benefits the citizens of Lacey and achieve the City's vision and goals enumerated in the Comprehensive Plan.
Ensures that the City remains current with best practices in economic development in support of the Department’s mission.
Develops, recommends and maintains the City's Economic Development Strategy and Economic Development Work Plan.
Works with City staff to balance the needs of economic development, permitting processes, and City standards.
Provides support to the Department management related to economic development activities.
Develops and maintains a database of vacant and/or undeveloped commercial and industrial building space and properties and provides "case management" support to resolve development issues for properties in distress.
Analyzes population, land use and other data relevant to the City’s economic development and redevelopment plans; prepare data and analysis, reports and recommendations.
Produces a quarterly report to inform the management.
Develops and monitors the economic development portion of the budget for the Department and assists with development and management of the Department budget.
Research, analyze, and promote economic and market trends.
Evaluate industrial and commercial development potential of properties.
Develop position papers and memoranda.
Develop marketing materials and website content in support of the City's economic development efforts.
May lead professional staff and provide technical guidance for support activities associated with economic development.
Plans, organizes, and performs marketing activities to enhance economic development in the City of Lacey.
Actively develops business contacts and effectively markets the City.
Collects, maintains, and produces reports of key demographic and economic data to be used for retention, expansion, recruitment, and promotion functions, including developing and maintaining resources that promote retail and industrial opportunities.
Prepares and presents information and recommendations to business community groups, advisory groups, and the City Council.
Develops and maintains working relationships and ongoing dialogue with the business community, advisory groups, Economic Development Council, chamber of commerce, other governmental agencies, and citizens for the purpose of identifying needs of the business community.
Investigates and secures development opportunities through State resources.
Develops a network with the brokerage community.
Provides management of enterprise activities in support of the City’s economic development mission for such endeavors as the Makers’ Space, public market, food truck court, or business incubator.
Assists with preparation, administration, and reporting of federal and state grants or programs supporting economic development.
Coordinates consultant services, contracts, and program agreements.
Tracks grant compliance requirements and project performance.
Performs other duties and projects in support of the department.