Chief Economic Development Officer

Salary : $108,890.08 - $168,743.53 Annually
Location : 101 NE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: NB219-01
Department: Community Services
Division: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Economic Development Officer plays a critical role in guiding the City's economic development by communicating the City's economic development vision, attracting new businesses, encouraging investment opportunities, increasing job opportunities, promoting leisure and tourism and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth and development. The incumbent assists in streamlining decision-making for ongoing or upcoming large-scale projects and coordinate approaches to neighborhood planning.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Designs and implement short and long-term priorities of the City Commission including the development of an economic development strategy for the City and efficient and effective resource allocation across development agencies
• Communicates the City's vision for equitable economic development to internal and external stakeholders
• Communicates the City's vision for equitable economic development to internal and external stakeholders
• Provides leadership through broad community involvement which promotes the economic well-being of the community while understanding that a social and environmentally healthy community is vital to the local economy of the City of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas
• Acts as an advisor on economic development to public officials, the private sector and the public at large; serves as an advocate for local economic development initiatives
• Researches, analyzes, develops and implements economic development plans
• Promotes development opportunities and general community attributes to applicable target markets
• Provides advocacy and support to new business proponents, industry, community services and community organizations
• Maintains relations and communications with existing businesses and industry while encouraging retention and expansion
• Proactively pursues grant funding opportunities
• Ensures that the Community Services Director and City Leadership are kept fully informed on all trends, events, economic development initiatives or emerging issues of significance for the City's success
• Steers policy priorities through government and legislative process
• Drafts reports and makes presentations to Mayor, the City Commission and other groups when required
• Develops resources required to support, implement and monitor effective marketing strategies
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with community organizations, residents, business community, non-profit organizations, and government agencies as a representative of the City.
• Represents the City on local and regional boards and attends all City Commission Meetings and other Board Meetings as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, Real Estate, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Finance, or similar area of study.
2. Must possess at least five (5) of progressively responsible experience in community development, economic development, real estate or other relevant field.
3. Possess or be able to obtain a State of Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record 30 days of hire.
4. To claim Veterans' Preference, candidates must attach to the application a copy of military separation papers (DD214) and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) to meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by Florida Statues. For additional information, please refer to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. (link:

Preferences

• Master's degree in Commerce, Economics, Community Economic Development or a related field
• Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC)
• Certification as an Economic Developer (CEcD)

Florida-Based Candidates Preferred

The City of Fort Lauderdale encourages applications from candidates residing in Florida who possess a strong understanding of the state's economic landscape, regional business climate, and economic development priorities. Familiarity with Florida's economic trends, business environment, and public-private partnerships is highly valued for this leadership role. Candidates with relevant experience and demonstrated knowledge of Florida's economy are encouraged to apply.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared emergency. The employee's Department Head will determine who will be required to work.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time but may walk or stand for brief periods of time.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

For technical support with your application, contactfrom 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday to Friday, at (855) 524-5627 or email

The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Click for additional management benefits.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan! Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale! Click for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.
01

Select your highest completed degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate, Economics/Economic Development, Finance, Urban Planning or closely related field?

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or Higher
• A degree in an unrelated field
• None of the above

02

How many years of progressively responsible professional experience in Economic Development, Real Estate Development, and/or Community Redevelopment do you possess?

• No experience
• Less than 5 years
• 5-7 years
• 8 or more years

03

How many years of experience do you have in strengthening local economies and diversifying a municipal or regional tax base?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years
• 3-4 years
• 5-7 years
• 8 or more years

04

Describe 1-2 initiatives you planned and led for business attraction, retention/expansion, or redevelopment. Include your role, key strategies/tools, partners, timeline/budget, and measurable outcomes (e.g., firms, jobs, private investment, cycle-time reductions).
05

Describe how you partnered with executive leadership, internal departments, businesses, developers, and community groups to position an area as a destination for investment and innovation. Include your role, strategies, partners, timeline, and results.
06

Please indicate if you have any of the credentials listed below: (select all that apply)

• International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
• National Development Council (NDC) Economic Development Finance Professional
• Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Redevelopment Administrator
• Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC)
• Certification as an Economic Developer (CEcD)
• Other related credential or certification relevant to the required job duties

Required Question