Economic Development & Planning Manager - County Administration

**Opened Until Filled**

This position performs advanced professional, managerial, and strategic economic development work under the direction of County Administration. The Economic Development & Planning Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating major economic development initiatives, redevelopment strategies, business recruitment and retention efforts, and strategic partnerships that support the County’s long-term economic growth objectives.

The position serves as the primary liaison between the County and regional economic development organizations, developers, public agencies, business leaders, and community stakeholders. Work includes oversight and coordination of high-profile development projects, strategic planning initiatives, site development activities, and economic development incentive programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Leads the County’s strategic economic development and redevelopment initiatives to support long-term economic growth, capital investment, job creation, and tax base expansion

Advises County Administration and County leadership on economic development trends, redevelopment strategies, growth opportunities, incentive programs, and policy matters impacting economic competitiveness

Leads negotiations and strategic discussions related to development agreements, partnerships, incentive opportunities, land use considerations, and redevelopment initiatives

Develops and implements comprehensive economic development strategies designed to attract, retain, and expand targeted industries and private investment within the County

Coordinates cross-functional efforts between County departments, external agencies, utility providers, developers, and community stakeholders to facilitate complex development projects and infrastructure readiness

Identifies funding opportunities, grants, incentive programs, and partnership strategies to support economic development and redevelopment objectives

Represents the County at executive-level meetings, conferences, public forums, industry events, and economic development functions

Oversees strategic planning initiatives related to redevelopment corridors, economic growth opportunities, site readiness, and commercial/industrial development

Researches and analyzes economic indicators, market trends, demographic data, and development activity to provide strategic recommendations to County leadership

Prepares and presents reports, strategic recommendations, development updates, and policy proposals to County Administration and the Board of County Commissioners

Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with business organizations, chambers of commerce, governmental entities, developers, institutional partners, and community stakeholders

Assists with the development and implementation of long-range strategic initiatives and special projects as assigned by County Administration

Performs related work as required

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Training and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Finance, or a closely related field; and five years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, strategic planning, redevelopment, governmental administration, project management, or a related field, including at least five years in a leadership or senior management capacity; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.

License and Certifications:

Valid driver's license from state of residence

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs):

economic development principles, practices, redevelopment strategies, and public-private partnerships

local government operations, strategic planning processes, and development activities

economic development incentive programs, infrastructure planning, and project financing concepts

to lead and manage complex, high-profile initiatives and development projects

to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, executives, developers, community leaders, and stakeholders

to analyze complex issues and develop strategic recommendations and solutions

to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

to prepare and present reports, recommendations, and presentations to executive leadership and governing bodies

in negotiation, strategic planning, collaboration, and project management

in Microsoft Office and standard business software applications

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

County-wide Employee Responsibilities:

All Escambia County BCC employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Escambia County BCC's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.

All Escambia County BCC employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.

Emergency Management Responsibilities:

During emergency conditions, the incumbent of this position will automatically be considered an emergency service worker. This employee is subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and is expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, finger and hand dexterity, as well as repetitive motions.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Incumbents may be subjected to travel.

Benefits/Compensation Package:

• Medical / Dental / Vision plans

• Prescription coverage

• Employee health clinic

• Employee fitness centers

• Employer-sponsored retirement plan or an investment plan

• Deferred Compensation Plan

• Flexible Spending Account(s)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Annual/Sick Leave or Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Group Life Insurance