Economic Development Director

JOB SUMMARY

This is very responsible administrative and professional work in directing and monitoring the various phases of the down town redevelopment agreement and fiscal activities associated with the development and revitalization of the Redevelopment District and improving the local economy. Performs managerial and strategic work in the areas of redevelopment including streetscape, real estate acquisition and disposition, and Community Redevelopment Agency and Economic Developments projects.

Duties also includes strategic planning, coordinating and expediting the development review process with various City departments and other committees, agencies or associations impacted by redevelopment and economic development activities and the determination and securing of available State and Federal development grants to aid in financing the projects. Work requires the exercise of considerable independence and judgment and the application of tact and diplomacy in dealing with other agencies, committees, associations and the public.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Promotes and facilitates the progress of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) projects by researching background information, preparing written materials such as project timelines and budgets, and coordinating necessary meetings and activities with Community Redevelopment Agency, Economic Development Committee, consultants, contractors, other City departments and Federal, State and County agencies.
• Proposes capital programs and budgets. Manages the department and oversees work plans and budgets. Establishes priorities and staff assignments. Develops and implements programs to recruit and expand local business and industry, create jobs, and increase the wealth of the community. Supervises and administers daily functions of the Community Redevelopment Agency and supports Economic Development efforts.
• Meets with development professionals, developers, and the public regarding development proposals or other problems, thus serving a key liaison role.
• Analyzes Federal and State regulations impacting CRA program and projects. Confers with local, state and federal agencies regarding redevelopment planning efforts and special projects.
• Evaluates local resources, needs, goals and opportunities and aggressively promotes businesses in the New Smyrna Beach area. Markets City-owned buildings and land. Negotiates leases on City– owned properties.
• Research and provides supervision in the processing for available Federal and State financial grant assistance for redevelopment activities and develops implementation procedures; investigates and assists in securing other sources of financing for project development activities.
• Responds to public inquiries and concerns regarding CRA projects to local business and property owners, organizations and the general public. 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.
• Serves as Staff Representative to the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Economic Development Board. Responsible for preparing and presenting information to the City Commission meetings, boards/committees and other groups. Attends public meetings to provide information regarding the activities associated with redevelopment and economic development.
• At the direction of the City Manager, acts as the liaison with other City departments, governmental agencies, various committees, commissions or associations relative to the regional impact of development projects in the downtown area and is responsible for the coordination of the review and approval process.
• Maintains an updated file of business and development opportunities. Ensures the collection and provision of useful data to businesses and individuals in making investment decisions, as well as advised the City Manager regarding capital improvements and funding mechanisms for projects that serve as a catalyst for economic development and redevelopment programs.
• Supervises and supports Project manager and staff on large capital projects.
• Develop partnerships with Public agencies to facilitate implementation of Redevelopment District plans and projects. Acts as business recruitment and commercial development facilitator as well as focus on the retention and expansion of existing businesses.
• Works with the Volusia County Economic Development department, the NSB Chamber of Commerce and various private and public agencies to assist in the continued development of the CRA and the general economic development of the City.
• Prepares and maintains budget, fiscal records and reports on activities. Ability to develop working plans and schedules and adherence to same.
• Provides direction in the promotion of the Redevelopment District to the Development industry, the community and others.
• Supervise the preparation and administration of the department budget and capital projects; resolve difficult planning and administrative policy questions; supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related field preferred. Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in engineering, urban planning, finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, contract administration, planning redevelopment or a related field; and, three years or more years of progressively responsible experience; must have direct experience in creating and administering CRA’s or,

Any combination of education, training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities, required for the job.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Principles and practices of urban planning, community redevelopment, economic development, construction management, public administration and real estate.
• Principles and practices of strategic planning, business writing, and finance.
• Understand and communication both orally and in writing and writing policies, procedures and services.
• Construction and development operations.
• Financial marketplace and the methods available to finance large development projects.
• Municipal budgeting procedures and multi-funded financing operations.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and program budget development and implementation. Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs.
• Administration of staff and activities, either directly or through subordinate supervision.
• Applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
• Management of large public facility construction projects. Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials. Requires the ability to utilize consulting and advisory data and information, such as land development codes, adopted legislation, maps and design media, and grant agreements/contracts.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction. Maintaining high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks: to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing in a public forum.