Economic Development Director

JOB CHARACTERISTICS – The Director of Economic Development reports directly to the City Manager or their designee and is responsible for planning, developing and implementing economic growth strategies to ensure business retention and expansion; for effectively marketing the City of Eustis as a premier place to live, work and play; and for growing strong relationships with the City’s businesses, education, and workforce development communities. The Economic Development Director is a key liaison between the public and private sectors and the community.  The Director serves as the City’s Administrator to the Eustis Downtown and East Town Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

EXAMPLES OF MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED - City vehicle; camera; general office and computer equipment

SUPERVISION RECEIVED – City Manager or their designee

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS –

·        Directs the City’s economic development planning and implementation;

·        Provides a high level of customer service using a proactive approach towards solving problems and expediting development, as well as assisting developers, businesses, and property owners to work out problems with the City and other agencies;

·        Develops and maintains professional relationships with the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake County Economic Development, Metro Orlando EDC, Enterprise Florida, Inc., and other local organizations associated with area economic development;

·        Develops targeted markets for business development;

·        Provides local industry support by developing relationships with local businesses to monitor the vitality of the local economy and to provide information and resources to assist in their business growth;

·        Evaluates local resources, needs, goals, and opportunities in the area;

·        Leverages finances from the public and private sectors to attract new businesses, facilitate enterprise development, and assist existing businesses with expansion and troubleshooting;

·        Facilitates business partnerships;

·        Markets City-owned buildings and land;

·        Makes presentations to the City Commission, CRA Board, and community organizations on activities related to economic development and CRA activities;

·        Coordinates the operation of the CRA and prepares the CRA annual report;

·        Assists in developing the work plan, budget, and expenditures of the CRA;

·        Attends public meetings to provide information regarding the activities associated with economic development;

·        Develops citizen goodwill and positive public relations;

·        Writes reports and makes presentations;

·        Provides accurate, up-to-date demographic information and monitors and assesses the economy and local business climate in order to be proactive and perform effectively;

·        Tracks vacant industrial sites and facilities inventory;

·        Provides business familiarization tours for potential new businesses;

·        Networks existing business and conducts regular visitation;

·        Administers and manages incentive and loan programs;

·        Attends professional workshops and conferences;

·        Promotes the City and its activities;

·        Assists the City in the preparation for and aftermath of a major emergency such as a hurricane or other storm or disaster, as needed; works on-call, as needed, during emergencies such as hurricanes, severe weather, etc.;

·        Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS –

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills –

·        Extensive knowledge of and successful previous experience in economic and/or community development;

·        Extensive knowledge of real estate marketing and land development;

·        Extensive knowledge of business principles;

·        Thorough knowledge of municipal and business finance;

·        Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely;

·        Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others;

·        Ability to solve problems and engage others;

·        Good professional judgment and ethics;

·        Excellent communication skills – oral and written.

Physical Demands - Some light physical effort is required: sitting for long periods; frequent walking, sitting, standing, climbing, stooping, reaching, bending; good finger/hand dexterity & hand/eye coordination; good eyesight, hearing, & speech; working in adverse environmental conditions periodically; regular driving of a vehicle.

Minimum Qualifications – Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business, or a related field is required; Master’s degree is highly desirable; supplemented by 5 years or more of progressively responsible, successful professional experience in economic development and community redevelopment/development is essential.  Designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) is desirable. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.  Valid Florida Driver's License (or the ability to obtain one) and an acceptable driving record are also required as a condition of initial and continued employment.

Note: Job Descriptions are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and

responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties

performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the

minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.