TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: go to gmphr.com and complete the online application process.

Performs complex professional-level duties managing the City’s economic development program. The principal function is to plan, develop, organize, manage, and implement the activities and operations in support of commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development; business attraction and retention; business development initiatives; and other economic development, redevelopment or capital improvement programs or projects. Develops and utilizes economic development tools, including tax increment financing (TIF) and other state and local incentives, to assist businesses in ways that provide a benefit to the community, with a primary focus on the downtown TIF district.

Job Description/ Essential Duties

These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties the incumbent may be assigned.

• Serves as a project leader for organizational projects, reviews various issues, special events, and other projects as assigned.
• Oversees the strategic planning within the downtown TIF/URD district.
• Implements the projects and programs of the urban renewal plan(s) and other relevant or overlapping plans and associated initiatives.
• Identifies barriers to economic development or urban renewal and works with staff and elected officials to overcome those barriers while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Develops, implements, and updates various economic development and urban renewal plans.
• Assists in the development and implementation of economic revitalization strategies for the city and its business and urban renewal district(s).
• Prepares the draft annual work plan and budget for the urban renewal district(s) for review and approval by the City Council.
• Prepares a variety of reports and documents related to economic development and projects.
• Develops recommendations and provides official City cooperation for expanding and enhancing City economic development programs in collaboration with other City, State, Federal and private-sector officials.
• Coordinates City-initiated redevelopment efforts.
• Reviews information concerning potential funding sources, determines compatibility of funding source objectives with City needs and goals and directs the City’s response to assigned grant applications.
• Researches, analyzes, and proposes new local or state legislation.
• Assists the City Manager's office in advocacy with state, local, and federal agencies.
• Serves as the liaison to other development-oriented organizations and agencies.
• Develops and delivers presentations and attends meetings as needed.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Responds to citizen questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate departments and staff to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in economic development.
• Performs other duties consistent with the role and function of this position.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to this Position:

The successful candidate will possess:

• Knowledge of and experience with the principles and practices of economic development and urban renewal program planning and implementation.
• Knowledge of the applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures which may affect urban renewal, economic or business development activities.
• Knowledge of and experience with municipal organizations, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Knowledge of community, economic development and urban renewal financing techniques, including grant proposals.
• Knowledge of project management and contract coordination.
• Ability to develop, implement and coordinate projects and program activities.
• Ability to successfully manage complex policy goals with competing stakeholders.
• Ability to build trust and relationships in the community.
• Ability to maintain the integrity of confidential data and information.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to perform basic and more comprehensive mathematical functions.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel and Word) and the ability to learn and utilize various software and databases.
• Ability to operate computer systems effectively.
• Ability to write and present clear and concise administrative reports.
• Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations as they relate to the position.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of the City Manager or as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

None.