Economic Development Director

Job Summary

The Economic Development Director serves as a member of the city management team by performing highly responsible management work directly related to the Economic Development of the City of Athens. Primary duties include directing and coordinating the Economic Development Department, working closely with the Athens Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Board of Directors and the Athens City Council, developing and implementing long range plans and programs concerning business recruitment, expansion and retention.

Essential Job Functions

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinate economic development efforts of the City of Athens, including marketing and promotion, design, and enhancement of retail, service, manufacturing, and transportation-related business opportunities resulting in higher private and public sector revenues.
• Coordinate agenda and packet for all public AEDC meetings and ensure the completion and filing of meeting minutes.
• Collaborate with Henderson County, Athens Independent School District, Athens Municipal Water Authority, Athens Chamber of Commerce and all other organizations committed to enhancing economic development opportunities in the City of Athens.
• Administer the city’s economic development programs, including analysis and monitoring, business development, recruitment, expansion and retention.
• Assists in attracting new businesses and expanding existing businesses to and within the City of Athens.
• Provide technical and professional advice to the City Manager, AEDC Board and City Council.
• Make presentations to civic groups and advisory boards. Provides information on redevelopment, economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community for economic development purposes.
• Spearhead a recruitment team focused on bringing new businesses to Athens.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of available land and buildings in the community for development purposes.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development specifically business recruitment, expansion, and retention.
• Knowledge of the state and federal economic development programs and their funding mechanisms.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local law concerning municipalities and economic development.
• Knowledge of budget preparation procedures.
• Knowledge of advertising and marketing methods and techniques.
• Skill in developing business recruitment incentive packages.
• Skill in customer service, communication, and negotiating.
• Skill in researching, analyzing and development markets and strategies.
• Skill with computer applications including Microsoft, Adobe, and GIS mapping.
• Ability to understand business customer expectations.
• Ability to guide and motivate others towards a common goal.
• Ability to organize, plan, develop, and write new programs, develop new concepts, analyze outcomes, and prepare reports.
• Ability to promote awareness of business in the community.
• Ability to oversee projects and programs offered and/or funded for improving vitality of economic environments.
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with others.
  
  

Education and Experience

• This position requires a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, urban planning, architecture, public administration, economics, or related discipline.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in economic development, focusing on business recruitment, expansion and retention.
• Certification as a Texas Economic Developer preferred.
  
  

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at City of Athens Benefits Summary.