Director of Economic Development

Maine’s premier City to work and live is becoming Maine’s premier municipal employer - welcome to Biddeford, Maine, where citizens are proud of their community and employees thrive!

The City of Biddeford is experiencing unprecedented growth and revitalization, and we’re seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative, and results-oriented leader to join our award-winning leadership team. You will play a key role in shaping Biddeford’s future — driving economic vitality, fostering community partnerships, and helping guide the City’s overall direction as part of its senior leadership group.

The City of Biddeford greatly values employee wellness and work/life balance. Many of our positions, including all positions in City Hall, have a four-day, 36-hour work week (Fridays off!) with flexible scheduling and remote opportunities one day per week. We are looking for a creative, passionate and experienced leader in Economic Development to match the growth and excitement in Biddeford.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Economic Development Department which includes supervising and mentoring a team of skilled professionals;
• Develop and execute initiatives that attract, retain, and grow businesses, strengthen the local economy, and enhance quality of life for residents;
• Serve as a key member of the City’s leadership team, contributing to organization-wide strategy, policy decisions, and interdepartmental collaboration;
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with business leaders, developers, nonprofits, and state/regional agencies to advance the City’s economic goals;
• Manage grant, incentive, and redevelopment programs, ensuring compliance and maximizing available resources; and
• Represent and promote the City of Biddeford as a premier location to live, work, and invest in, through public meetings, regional forums, and industry events
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field;
• Five years (minimum) of leadership or project management experience in economic development, municipal government, and/or economic affairs;
• Demonstrated ability to lead economic strategies, negotiate agreements, and engage stakeholders;
• Familiarity with Maine’s economic development ecosystem and legislative / incentive programs; and
• A willingness to demonstrate a commitment to the City of Biddeford's work around diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Biddeford’s mission is to cultivate and sustain a diverse, inclusive, equitable, welcoming, and belonging-based workplace where employees actively practice solidarity for the greater good of the work environment and employee experience.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the City of Biddeford shall employ, develop, and work to maintain the best qualified person(s) available without discrimination to: age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, dimensions of gender, disability, citizenship, veterans’ status, ancestry, national origin, and/or political affiliation or any other status protected by law.

Equitable access to services and employment is available and those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for this application and/or the interview process should notify the Deputy Director of Human Resources at 207.286.0589.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Remote work opportunities
• Retirement plans w/ employer match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
  
  

Schedule: Monday – Tuesday, 7am – 5pm // Wednesday – Thursday, 8am – 4pm

Work Location: In-person