ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Under the direction of the Village Manager, this position is responsible for developing, leading, and administering the Village’s economic development programs including planning and performing professional and community economic development programs and initiatives. This includes leading strategic initiatives that foster sustainable economic growth, diversify the local economy, and enhance and improve areas of business retention and expansion, marketing/business attraction, and workforce development to generate economic growth and impact in the Village. This position requires coordination and interaction with state, regional and local economic development organizations. The typical hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, however the job will require some work outside of normal business hours. Position is exempt from the FLSA. 

JOB TITLE SUMMARY
This position will require establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the public, local businesses, and other internal and external agencies. The position is expected to balance working relations when providing information and technical support on economic development issues, budget and financial management, project management, initiating complex programs in conjunction with local community and government organizations. Will require an understanding of local ordinances as it relates to growth and development in the community.
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies aligned with the Village's long-term vision and community goals
• Lead the creation and execution of business recruitment, retention, and expansion programs
• Identify emerging economic opportunities and growth sectors suitable for Ruidoso's unique mountain resort character
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Village government, business community, and actively recruit new businesses and industries that align with community values and economic development goals
• Conduct site visits with prospective businesses and investors, showcasing Ruidoso's competitive advantages
• Develop and maintain an inventory of available commercial properties and development sites
• Create marketing materials and presentations highlighting business opportunities and incentives
• Respond to business inquiries and coordinate relocation assistance economic development stakeholders
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with existing businesses to understand needs and challenges
• Conduct regular business visits and surveys to identify expansion opportunities and address concerns
• Coordinate workforce development initiatives in partnership with educational institutions and training providers
• Connect businesses with resources, technical assistance, and funding opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with regional, state, and federal economic development organizations
• Collaborate with the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln County, and other municipalities
• Partner with the Mescalero Apache Tribe on mutually beneficial economic development initiatives
• Coordinate with New Mexico Economic Development Department and other state agencies
• Engage with tourism entities to leverage Ruidoso's destination appeal for economic growth
• Administer local economic development incentive programs and tax abatement applications
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities for infrastructure, business development, and community projects.

  OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES OR JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Prepare financial analyses and economic impact studies for proposed developments
• Assist businesses in accessing state and federal incentive programs
• Serve as spokesperson for economic development initiatives to media, elected officials, and the public
• Organize business forums, economic summits, and networking events
• Prepare regular reports on economic development activities, metrics, and outcomes
• Maintain economic development website content and social media presence
• Engage community stakeholders in economic development planning processes
• Prepare and manage the economic development department budget
• Supervise economic development staff (if applicable)
• Maintain economic and demographic data for planning and marketing purposes 
• Maintains harmonious, courteous, and understanding relationships, while fostering a collaborative teamwork environment.
  

     QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field with a minimum of five (5) years professional experience in economic development, community development, or related field.
• Proven track record of successful business recruitment and retention
• Experience working in rural areas, resort, or tourism-based communities preferred
• Certified Economic Developer (CED) designation preferred or commitment to obtain within three years.
• Experience with tourism-based economic development preferred
• Experience with post-disaster economic recovery preferred

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time, driving or riding in vehicles
• The usual requirements in an office environment may require lifting boxes of supplies, equipment, and occasional adjustments of office furniture.
• Frequently required to sit, talk, or hear
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger to handle or operate objects, controls, or computer or office equipment.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl
• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds
• Occasional squatting or bending required

  WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.
• Noise levels could be low to moderate in work environment.
• Available for occasional night and weekend work.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a business office setting but is also required to conduct work in the Village’s business district. 

  TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal travel - ability to travel for activities such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the area.
• Must be able to travel by air as needed to attend training, conferences, and related activities.
• Overnight travel is required.
  

 ABILITY TO: Ability to negotiate with private sector businesses, public agencies and with representatives of various citizen groups; gather economic and other relevant data; analyze complex information and recommend appropriate action based on findings; working dependently and exercise considerable independent judgment in resolving issues of significant importance of the Village including assisting in negotiating agreements and/or contracts effectively and within critical time constraints; and work effectively in both self-directed and team environments.
SKILL IN: Extensive personal computer skills including the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other related software programs; analyzing data and presenting in public forums; technical writing to translate complex information into clear, actionable content for various audiences; collaborating with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
KNOWLEDGE OF: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, businesses and other internal and external agencies;balancingworkingrelationswhenprovidinginformationandtechnicalsupportoneconomicdevelopmentissues;budget,financesandfinancialmanagement;eventmanagementandeventmarketing;generalmanagementandoperationsmanagement;marketingandpublicrelations;negotiations/negotiating;projectmanagement;planandcoordinatecomplexprogramsinconjunctionwithlocalcommunityandgovernmentorganizations;knowledgeofVillage of Ruidoso ordinances,regulationsandpoliciesastheyaffectthebusinesscommunity.
CLOSING STATEMENTS:

• Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position.
• In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.
• This job description is subject to change as the needs of the organization and Department change or the requirements of this position change.