POSITION SUMMARY The Economic Development Director is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing strategies that promote economic growth, business retention and expansion, and community development. This role works closely with government officials, business leaders, developers, and community organizations to foster a thriving and sustainable local economy.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Business Development - Effectively and positively represents the Durant community to target industries in alignment with strategic direction.
- May also include the development of residential housing units and retail businesses.
- Generates new leads with potential businesses and follows through to drive strategic growth.
- Works with existing Durant area businesses to encourage and facilitate expansion and retention.
- Continually monitor business opportunities to drive the long-term strategic growth of Durant.
Relationship Development and Networking - Networks with national and international site selectors to promote Durant as a viable option for new businesses.
- Builds relationships with Federal and State agencies to identify potential opportunities and development projects.
- Represents Durant and the regional area at economic related meetings, presentations, and trade shows through development of proposals and promotional materials.
- Initiates contact between real estate owners, or their realtors, and potential industrial site selectors.
Community Strategic Direction - Develops and communicates Annual Strategic Plan to DIA Board for consideration and approval.
- Works under direction of City Manager, area businesses, civic groups, and the general public to ensure support and coordination of economic development activities.
- Represents the views of industry contacts to City Officials with the purpose of helping to ensure suitable infrastructure and community atmosphere is in place to attract new businesses.
- Serves as a liaison between local businesses and local education to develop the existing and upcoming workforce.
General Management - Performs detailed research and analytical studies of key issues related to local project funding needs and/or grant application preparation. Assists in retaining current and securing additional funding sources.
- Ensures that office policies and procedures are appropriately carried out.
- Prepares and administers annual department budget.
- Prepares and presents to the City Council and the DIA Board periodic reports on significant activities related to the Annual Strategic Plan.
- Supervises, directs, and evaluates staff.
QualificationsMINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Marketing, Economics, or closely related field• Ten (10) years of extensive experience in upper-level management in business, local government, or a national organization.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS• Maintains Certified Economic Developer designation.
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