SUMMARYManages all economic development functions of the City, including business recruitment, expansion, retention, incentives, strategic planning, and marketing activities. Plans, develops, and implements activities and operations pursuant to the vision of the City of Haslet.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITYMay provide project coordination or functional direction to staff, consultants, contractors, or other project participants but does not supervise City employees unless specifically assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS- Develops and implements short- and long-term economic development strategies consistent with City Council priorities, adopted plans, land-use goals, infrastructure planning, and the City's vision for growth.
- Proactively identifies and recruits commercial, retail, office, industrial, and other businesses aligned with City goals; negotiates with industry representatives to encourage the location, retention, or expansion of business in the City.
- Maintains effective working relationships with developers, brokers, site selectors, property owners, chambers, and regional economic development partners; represents the City at local, regional, state, and national economic development meetings, conferences, trade shows, and site visits.
- Develops an annual recruitment and outreach strategy identifying targeted businesses, retailers, restaurants, developers, and other prospective investment partners; plans and coordinates the City's participation in major economic development and commercial real estate events, including ICSC Las Vegas.
- Maintains current information on available properties, development sites, zoning, infrastructure, utilities, demographics, and market conditions relevant to business recruitment and site selection; develops and maintains marketing and promotional materials used to attract prospective businesses, developers, and investors.
- Facilitates economic development projects from initial inquiry through completion, coordinating with Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Building Services, Finance, and other departments to address development requirements, infrastructure needs, and potential barriers; serves as a liaison with new businesses to assist with permitting, water and sewer service, fire codes, zoning, and certificates of occupancy.
- Evaluates proposed projects and potential incentives, including anticipated investment, employment, tax revenues, and infrastructure impacts; negotiates, prepares, administers, and monitors economic development agreements, incentive agreements, and grants.
- Serves as liaison to and provides staff support and professional guidance to economic development boards, corporations, committees, and advisory bodies as assigned; coordinates agendas, associated materials, minutes, and meetings to ensure they are posted and conducted appropriately.
- Serves as liaison to chambers, agencies, utilities, educational institutions, and regional partners as assigned.
- Monitors economic, demographic, development, and market trends; maintains relevant data; and identifies opportunities to strengthen and diversify the City's commercial and industrial tax base.
- Prepares and administers the departmental budget; forecasts funds needed for equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors expenditures and implements adjustments as necessary.
- Prepares staff reports, agenda materials, presentations, analyses, recommendations, and regular activity reports for the City Administrator and City Council.
- Maintains confidentiality of proprietary or sensitive information as required or permitted by law.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS- Knowledge of economic development principles, municipal operations, Texas economic development tools and incentives, and commercial and industrial development processes.
- General understanding of municipal planning, zoning, infrastructure, utilities, development review, and permitting.
- Ability to proactively identify, pursue, and develop business recruitment and investment opportunities.
- Ability to analyze development proposals and financial, economic, demographic, property, and market information.
- Ability to build effective relationships with businesses, developers, brokers, site selectors, property owners, elected and appointed officials, City staff, regional partners, and the public.
- Ability to coordinate complex projects, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment, initiative, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Ability to communicate effectively and prepare and present clear reports, correspondence, presentations, and recommendations.
- Strong organizational, project management, analytical, interpersonal, problem-solving, and technology skills.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Finance, Marketing, Real Estate, or related field; and,
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, municipal government, commercial development, business recruitment, real estate development, or a closely related field.
- Valid Texas Class C Driver's License required.
OR
- Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Finance, Marketing, Real Estate, or related field; and,
- Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, municipal government, commercial development, business recruitment, real estate development, or a related field.
- Valid Texas Class C Driver's License required.
OR
- Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS- Completion of the Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC)
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Certification
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTWork is primarily performed in a professional office environment and includes interaction with City staff, elected and appointed officials, businesses, developers, property owners, and the public. Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, communicating verbally and in writing, operating standard office equipment, visiting development or construction sites, and ability to lift and carry items up to 25 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT- Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Must pass a driver's license check, criminal history background check, and social security number verification.
- Ability to attend City Council, corporation, committee, and other evening meetings as required.
- Ability and willingness to travel locally, regionally, and out of state for recruitment, conferences, trade shows, business meetings, site visits, and professional development; periodic overnight and multi-day travel is required.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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