Class Code: 1044
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
NATURE OF WORK
This is high level advanced professional work, within the Office of Economic Development, performing a wide range of tasks in either the disciplines of economic development or urban redevelopment. This position requires a specialist in either economic development or urban/community redevelopment with management experience.
Work involves coordination of economic development or urban redevelopment activities leading to enhancing the County's overall economy including the creation of employment opportunities, the expansion of business opportunities, urban redevelopment, and commercial revitalization. For the economic development discipline, major work assignments will involve conducting business and industry studies; developing and implementing strategies to stimulate the growth of new and existing businesses; assessing economic impact of new and existing business relocation and expansions; planning business recruitment strategies that focus on establishing business clusters; and coordinating work with other staff and/or agencies involved in business marketing and attraction. For the urban redevelopment discipline, major work assignments will involve identifying areas in need of revitalization; preparing community redevelopment plans; coordinating redevelopment initiatives with other county agencies, local municipalities, and community organizations; promoting private investment in redevelopment areas; conducting certain development activities, and supervising section staff. Employee in this class must exercise substantial independent judgement and decision making in planning and carrying out assignments. Supervision is received through conferences with an administrative superior and by adherence to established policies and procedures. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports, program achievements, and assessment of performance work plans by administrative superior.
ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS
Coordinates a variety of activities related to business development, expansion, and retention; and urban redevelopment.
Researches and develops long term objectives, strategies, and approaches to stimulating the County's economy through the establishment of new businesses in targeted industries, and through the revitalization of deteriorated neighborhood and commercial areas.
Assists in growth of new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses through coordinated efforts with organizations and agencies focused on this objective.
Coordinates with municipalities and local organizations in implementing urban redevelopment strategies.
Coordinates the County's involvement in business development through such activities as promoting business and technology incubators and accelerators, business clustering, and regional technology corridor initiatives.
Provides business assistance to companies seeking ways to expedite their involvement in government regulatory and permitting processes, or access business opportunities in the public sector.
Conducts market analyses to determine the feasibility of encouraging private investment in housing and commercial development projects.
Performs the role of public developer to initiate redevelopment activity in targeted communities. This role involves the coordination of the development of business and marketing plans; coordination of land acquisition and site assembly; and coordination of site preparation for development.
Works with internal agencies of the County to accomplish a business friendly environment without compromising County policies and standard practices.
Serves as liaison to business development organizations, municipalities, community redevelopment agencies and other organizations in the community as assigned by the Director.
Facilitates the completion of required procedural documentation to effectuate project conclusion.
Monitors, evaluates and amends goals and action programs in the work plan to achieve stated objectives.
Conducts meetings/workshops with the business community, prepares and presents economic development plans and information.
Supervises section staff assigned to either the economic development or urban redevelopment sections.
May be assigned to act for the director in his/her absence.
Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Considerable knowledge of economic and community development principles, practices and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local programs available to support and promote economic development.
Considerable knowledge of the standard practices in the fields of local government management, budgeting and accounting.
Knowledge of financial analysis, negotiations, project management, and proposal or grant writing.
Knowledge of business financing methods in terms of equity and debt capital and the typical sources of business capital.
Ability to provide general management, financial, and technical assistance to small or starting businesses and knowledge of referral sources for more intense assistance.
Ability to plan, direct, coordinate and supervise the work of subordinates.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently, organize and execute assignments with minimum supervision, but with accountability to superiors and associates.
Ability to conduct research, analyze data, prepare and maintain reports and distribute information.
Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, religion, age, sex, disability, political affiliation or sexual orientation.
Skill in the use and functional operation of a personal computer, utilizing appropriate software for the preparation of data and information as well as for communications.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course in business or public administration, economics, urban planning, law, or related field; four (4) years experience in business development, business finance, marketing, and technology development, including two (2) years of management experience; or any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Bargaining Unit: Unrepresented
FLSA Status: Exempt
Code of Ethics
Certification: No
Work Location: Office of Economic Development
Class Spec. Estab./Revised: E9/00 R5/02