Executive Director

TARGETED HIRING SALARY RANGE - DOQ

 The starting salary range for this position begins at $120,000 annually and up depending on qualifications, experience, and accomplishments.

• Coordinates and facilitates Economic Development (EDC) program activities to achieve the Board’s economic development strategies, and assures the program activities meet the Board of Directors' goals, objectives, and directives.
• Assists in planning and organizing Economic Development activities to attract new businesses, encourage expansion and retention, expand the tax base, encourage creation of jobs, workforce development, and generally improve the quality of life and facilitate a self-sustaining economy for the city; assists in developing plans to attract, assist, and retain a diversified mix of businesses and public/private partnerships.
• Assists with the preparation of formal and technical reports, working papers, presentations, and correspondence.
• Reviews EDC activities and develops recommendations for program goals, services, and projects; evaluates and facilitates compliance with local, state, and federal agency requirements and prepares reports; supervises the EDC meetings and creation of public agendas.
• Assists with contract development; manages contracts and evaluates compliance with contract requirements; evaluates expenditures and monitors payments.
• Implement plans to attract and create primary industry jobs, enhance the business atmosphere to retain the existing business base, and market Big Spring to the business communities.
• Provides information and referrals on economic development programs, processes, and services.
• Coordinates with community organizations, regional agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
• Analyzes data, evaluates trends, and assures EDC issues are properly addressed and resolved – this will include researching other city and economic development efforts and best practices, and compiling that information for use by the department in refining or creating new programs
• Supports the relationship between the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive economic development issues, work-related issues, and Big Spring Economic Development information.
• Acts as primary liaison between city departments and outside organizations to improve communications, encourage collaboration and facilitate positive processes and initiatives in the community.
• Driving and traveling are required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field; Master of Public or Business Administration or Master in Economic Development preferred. ED experience may be substituted for academics.
• A successful track record of accomplishment in economic development.
• Supervisory experience.
• Certified Economic Developer Certification (CEcD) preferred.
• A valid Texas Driver’s License. Must maintain and provide proof of auto liability insurance, and
• Must be willing to relocate to the City of Big Spring.

EXPERIENCE AND DEMONSTRATED ABILITIES OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Economic development organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Economic development principles, practices, and implementation methods, including business development, business retention, redevelopment, marketing, and local government financial incentives for business and economic development projects.
• City, state, and federal statutes, rules, codes, and regulations relating to economic development.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of the staff.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens.
• Principles of record keeping, records management, contract management, and prepare and administer complex budgets.
• Economic development program planning and evaluation principles.
• Analyzing and interpreting business development issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings.
• Analyzing, prioritizing, and promoting ED programs to meet development strategies.
• Analyzing and evaluating economic development issues and developing programs and services to meet strategic goals.
• Implementing and coordinating plans, programs, and incentives for the acquisition of real property as may be necessary and retention of industry and business in the community.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established standard operating procedures.
• Managing economic development grants on behalf of BSEDC and the City.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City Administration, other economic development agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, federal and state agencies, and the general public.
• Computer competency, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications, and competent ability with Excel, PowerPoint, and general graphic illustration tools, is required.
• Public speaking skills
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision, hearing, talking, and use of foot controls. Travel may include driving, air travel, or other means of transportation from locations outside the city. 

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

One (1) Administrative Assistant.