Director of Economic Development

Job description statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Under administrative direction, this position is responsible for leading the City’s economic development and tourism initiatives, including office, industrial, and retail development as well as business recruitment and retention. The Director actively participates in the development and implementation of departmental goals and objectives designed to support the strategic priorities and values of the City Council and City Manager. This position regularly interacts with the public, development community, City departments, boards and commissions, and the City Council.   Develops and implements policies and procedures supporting the City’s comprehensive economic development program. 

• Initiates, develops, and maintains programs that encourage businesses and industries to locate, expand, and remain in the City. 
• Develops and administers programs to research, collect, and provide information and materials regarding the City's location advantages to companies considering relocation or expansion. 
• Creates, implements, and manages the marketing and positioning strategies to promote the community to prospective companies through direct outreach, events, presentations, electronic marketing, and other targeted campaigns.
• Builds and maintains relationships with the local, regional, and national development and brokerage community to promote economic development opportunities and increase awareness of the City’s growth potential.
• Visits out-of-town business prospects and consultants to promote relocation and expansion opportunities as appropriate.  Meets with local businesses to identify operational concerns and support expansion opportunities.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with other economic development organizations representing the local, regional and state-wide levels, such as utility companies, the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
• Manages departmental operations and prepares and administers the annual department budget.
• Ensures effective operational and financial management through forecasting, review of budget submissions, procurement oversight, and monitoring expenditures.
• Makes presentations regarding economic development activities of the City of Rowlett.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.
• Serves as the staff liaison for the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB).

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field from an accredited school or university required.  Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven years’ experience in an economic development discipline, public affairs, banking, business development, real estate brokerage, retail development, public administration, planning, or related area.
• Three or more years of supervisory experience.
• Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.
• Valid driver's license required. Must maintain a good driving record in accordance with the driving standards established by the City of Rowlett. Must report all traffic citations to his/her supervisor or his/her designee within two working days of receipt.  
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) preferred.

Knowledge of: 

• Market research methodologies and public relations principles/practices.
• Common business, government, and real estate and development terminology/practices 
• Economic development practices including current innovations, data resources, and pertinent federal, state, local laws, codes and regulations with focus on tax abatement.

Abilities: 

• Effectively lead and supervise personnel as assigned.
• Develop, implement and lead strategic plans for the functional area or department.
• Establish a professional rapport and elicit cooperation from co-workers, the business community, and citizens while maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted.
• Exceptional communication skills both orally and in writing to concisely articulate matters effectively and with technical competence in understandable terms based on audience in a group setting or an individual basis.
• Conduct, analyze, and utilize general research and statistical data preparing related reports, maps and/or planning documents.
• Interpret and apply department policies and procedures.
• Utilize time management principles and resources effectively.
• Proficient computer skills and expertise including word processing, databases, GIS and spreadsheet applications.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions.

Work is performed primarily in climate-controlled office environment. Physical demands consist of sedentary in nature requiring little physical effort in working with light, easy to handle (up to 25 lbs.) materials.

Salary : $125,639 - $188,458