ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Job Specifications

Class Code: WA8

Analyst: CJS

Date Originated:

5/10

Date Revised:

 

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, to  develop, recommend, promote and implement the goals, strategies, policies and programmatic framework for economic development activities in order to promote the economic base and financial stability and to develop and promote a strong and sustainable community with quality jobs and a stable, competitive business environment;  to plan, organize, direct and evaluate economic development and revitalization strategies, programs and related activities, in cooperation with public agencies, educational institutions, businesses and community groups; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class is responsible for exercising a high degree of responsibility and independent judgment in the formulation and advancement of the Redevelopment Agency’s overall economic development plan.  The incumbent reports directly to the Redevelopment Agency Administrator and provides direction and supervision to professional and administrative staff, as well as contract service providers. 

TYPICAL TASKS

  • Develops and recommends overall economic development vision, goals, strategies and policies;
  • Coordinates economic development activities with other private and public sector agencies in order to promote financial health on a countywide basis; identifies and fosters partnering opportunities for various economic development programs and proposals;
  • Provides written analysis, evaluation and recommendations regarding economic development proposals;  
  • Identifies and implements strategic, short and long range planning and programmatic framework to  achieve agency economic development goals;
  • Oversees implementation of economic development assistance and incentive programs;
  • Manages the planning for major development projects, including coordinating and overseeing the preparation of appraisals, economic feasibility plans, financing plans, environmental documents, design plans, and other technical studies required for the planning, design and development of commercial and industrial improvement projects;
  • Creates an annual action plan and identifies resources needed to implement the plan;
  • Provides leadership and serves as a subject area expert on economic development matters, providing technical advice to other departments and the economic community; serves as a resource on economic development financing methods;
  • Acts as liaison to and builds strong relationships with County officials and departments and the economic development community, including government agencies, schools, labor organizations, non-profits, and businesses, as well as entrepreneurial and civic/community groups, regarding issues of economic concern, development proposals, and projects; 
  • Makes presentations to boards, the business community and other groups regarding findings and recommendations; facilitates and represents the Agency and County at meetings with members of the business community and the general public;
  • Reviews and analyzes complex real property acquisition records and reports, leases, agreements, options, deeds and contracts;
  • Negotiates with developers, land use attorneys, and financiers to facilitate and expedite economic development projects and real property land use, including coordination of complex real estate and land development agreements for the acquisition, disposition, relocation, demolition, construction, and/or rehabilitation/improvement of property; 
  • Researches, analyzes, interprets, and prepares studies and reports on a variety of economic and demographic data, including labor market trends and other regional economic planning issues;  
  • Prepares, reviews and evaluates Requests for Qualifications/Proposals, contracts and scope of work for economic feasibility, planning and design work;
  • Negotiates, prepares and administers contracts and agreements;
  • Researches, prepares, and/or oversees preparation of complex grant and funding applications and proposals, and administers grants;
  • Develops qualitative and quantitative measures to monitor, ensure, and evaluate program/project financial status, contract/grant/permit compliance, professional consultant/contractor performance, and customer satisfaction;
  • Performs various public relations activities, which may include development of promotional materials and press releases;
  • Prepares and oversees preparation of project and program budgets and participates in preparation of economic development budgets;
  • Supervises, directs and coordinates and reviews the work of subordinate managers and staff, including outside professional consultants and contract service providers;
  • May serve as staff for, or provide advice to, a variety of boards, commissions, and committees;

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

  • The principles and practices of economic/business development strategies, program administration, and resources, including methods for business attraction and retention;
  • Organizational and management principles and practices used in the analysis, evaluation, design, planning, construction, and project management of large-scope development projects;
  • The principles and practices of researching and analyzing the economic feasibility of local community and business development projects;
  • The principles and practices involved in the acquisition, disposition, relocation, demolition, construction and rehabilitation of real property;
  • Methods of financing economic development projects, the financial mechanics involved in real property transactions, and redevelopment finance trends and practices;
  • The principles and practices of Request for Proposal/Qualification planning, development, administration and evaluation;
  • The principles and practices of contract negotiation methods and techniques, contract development and contract administration;
  • The principles and practices of grant writing, application, and administration;
  • Marketing, public information, and promotional techniques used in economic development;
  • The principles of planning, including the general plan, zoning, and design review;
  • The functions and relationships between private and public sector groups in the economic community;

Working knowledge of:

  • The principles, practices and techniques of economic research and statistical analysis;
  • Occupational fields and labor market opportunities and trends; approaches for linking employment training and economic development programs;
  • The principles and practices of financial forecasting, budget preparation and budget administration;
  • Land-use planning principles, practices, and trends at the local level;
  • Federal, state and local policies, laws, rules, and regulations relating to economic development and financing;

Some knowledge of:

  • The principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation;
  • The principles and practices of conflict resolution;
  • Codes and regulations covering commercial development;
  • Local government organizational structure, functions, and management.

Ability to:

  • Plan, organize and promote economic development strategies, programs and related activities;
  • Research, analyze and prepare highly technical funding proposals, contracts, and financial reports;
  • Research, analyze, interpret and present findings on complex economic data, environmental documents, design plans, technical studies, leases, agreements, options, deeds, contracts and other data and documents related to economic development projects and programs;
  • Administer grant and contract activities to ensure compliance;
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with County officials and private and public entities;
  • Plan, direct, supervise and evaluate the work of assigned staff and contract service providers;
  • Evaluate and recommend changes to policies, practices, and procedures;
  • Negotiate difficult, highly technical and/or complicated transactions including, but not limited to, real estate and development agreements;
  • Analyze problems and identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals;
  • Interpret and apply complex federal, state and local policies, laws, rules, and regulations;
  • Work effectively with business leaders, financial institutions, citizen groups and department managers;
  • Work effectively in time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines; coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks concurrently;
  • Exercise sound independent judgment and demonstrate initiative and creativity, with minimal supervision;
  • Communicate complex material clearly, logically, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including public presentations to large and small audiences.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in economics, business, finance, or a closely related field.  (A Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.)

AND

Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development or a closely related field.  A master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of professional experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.

Bargaining Unit: 11
EEOC Job Category: 02      
Occupational Grouping: 28
Worker's Comp Code:  0053