Economic Development Manager
- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
*Position is open until filled, with the first review of applications July 22, 2019
Performs complex, technical and professional work in support of the Economic and Community Development Department goals and objectives. Develops and provides program recommendations of an innovative and highly technical nature relating to economic development. Researches and prepares statistical reports and promotional materials. Assists in the development and administration of the economic and community development strategy and the implementation of related activities. Establishes and maintains contact with local, regional, and state economic development offices, utility companies, commercial and industrial Realtors, colleges and universities, and private business firms. Performs other duties as required.- ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Serves as an ombudsman between the development community and County departments, as well as an inter-departmental liaison on development related issues.
- Represents the Department of Economic and Community Development on regional committees and events, as assigned.
- Prepares technical reports and presentations to the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and community groups.
- Develops, coordinates and implements programs to encourage and assist businesses to locate and expand in the County.
- Provides technical assistance to businesses to encourage growth and expansion
- Assists with the development of feasibility studies, contracts, marketing and public information related to special projects
- Researches, recommends and oversees economic development grant opportunities and programs
- Assists with the identification and maintenance of the County's real estate inventory to determine public facility requirements; and packaging the information in a marketable format.
- Manages the Department's Existing Business Program and conducts retention visits to existing businesses to identify and mitigate concerns and to facilitate expansions
- Researches and maintains an awareness of national and regional economic trends and innovative practices
- Coordinates outreach programs, prepares and delivers presentations to key constituencies including but not limited to the commercial real estate community, utility partners, colleges, and civic groups
- Monitors the department's business list and responds to information requests from businesses, citizens and community organizations
- Develops programs and partnerships to attract and retain talent
- Develops programs and partnerships to attract and grow entrepreneurs
- REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES
- EducationRequired: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, management, economics, marketing, business administration, real estate or related field; or commensurate education and experience.Preferred: Completion of the Basic Economic Development course sponsored by the American Economic Development Council.ExperienceRequired: Considerable experience in Economic Development, planning, real estate, business or public administration.Preferred: Business development experience providing technical assistance to growing companies. Some supervisory experience.Certifications/ LicensesRequired: Valid Virginia driver's license with good driving recordKnowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development
- Reasoning ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve problems, interpret an extensive variety of technical information and incorporate several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to identify key stakeholders and create teams to solve complex issues. Ability to think strategically.
- Thorough knowledge of County and State tax structures as they apply to commercial and industrial activity
- General knowledge of the businesses and community resources available in Roanoke County, as well as those resources offered by State and Federal offices and regional development organizations
- Knowledge of economic development techniques; state and regional programs; real estate transactions and marketing strategies.
- Proficient in the use of computers including the Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge and understanding of real estate principles and practices to include selecting, assembling and marketing property for commercial or industrial prospects
- General knowledge of how to match needs and specifications prescribed by businesses who are seeking to locate or expand in Roanoke County.
- Ability to deal effectively with prospects or their agents from their first expression of interest to their final, on-site review to influence them to locate or expand their facility in Roanoke County
Additional RequirementsSubject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. May be subject to DMV driving record review as required by amount of work related driving, specified by support responsibilities. Must be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesSupervises subordinate staff as assigned regularly or on a project basis - OTHER INFORMATION
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefit package that includes:
• Progressive Flexible Leave Plan with cash-in option
• Eleven paid holidays
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Medical and Dependent Care
• Virginia Retirement System - Membership in VRS is automatic upon hire into a covered position. County contributes and employees pay their membership contribution.
• Deferred Compensation Plan with County Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Credit Union Membership