Job Description – Economic Development Director
Reports to: Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
SUMMARY: The Economic Development Director is responsible for implementing Launch Stone County, an economic development strategic plan for Stone County, with the goals of business retention, expansion and attraction; workforce development with an emphasis on workforce housing; and community development, bringing job growth and tax base expansion to the county.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Business Retention/Expansion/Attraction
· Conduct regular Business Retention & Expansion interviews (BRE) with local businesses to determine challenges in maintaining existing business and employment levels as well as expansion opportunities
· Assist in expansion projects and advocate for existing businesses
· Be the source for business recruitment information including data, marketing materials, local and state incentive programs, and other special assistance
· Create and maintain positive relationships with business owners and managers, developers and real estate brokers, Launch Stone County investors, governmental entities, other economic development organizations and Chamber staff
· Within the Chamber facility, create a Business Resource Center to assist new and existing businesses
· Provide educational classes and technical assistance to businesses
· Work with local governments to facilitate a business-friendly public policy environment
· Serve as a resource to educate and assist local government in economic development projects, tools, and incentives
· Strengthen the working relationship with regional and state economic development organizations, including the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Missouri Partnership, and the Springfield Regional Economic Partnership to help support existing businesses and recruit new businesses
Workforce Development/Housing
· Create a blue-ribbon task force (business leaders, elected officials, developers, & financial institutions, critical infrastructure representatives) to develop a plan to address issues (infrastructure, real estate, etc.) related to affordable housing
· Develop an inventory to identify local workforce skill requirements
· Work with regional educational institutions and the Missouri Office of Workforce Development, to provide workforce training, including internship programs
· Identify and connect potential developers with city, county, state, and federal grants and/or incentives, including the Missouri Housing Development Commission, to build or rehab workforce housing
· Develop an inventory of housing available for seasonal and annual workers
· Develop programs focused on retaining and developing the existing workforce
Community Development/Placemaking
· Create of an inter-governmental cooperation council
· Serve as a liaison in meeting with city officials and community leaders in all communities to identify their specific community development needs
· Identify or develop resources for public/private facility improvement
· Identify alternatives and funding sources to encourage the development of infrastructure (transportation, utilities, broadband) to support housing and economic development business opportunities
· Created a coordinated "good place" campaign to improve the perception of the county and communities
· Prepare quarterly reports to communicate results of all activities
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
1. A strong communicator who expresses him or herself well and builds positive working relationships with other staff members, partners, consultants, funders and community members.
2. Must have demonstrated experience successfully completing time-sensitive and/or high-profile projects through collaboration, consensus and creativity
3. A goal-oriented thinker who has the ability to set clear priorities among multiple tasks and stay focused on project benchmarks and deadlines.
4. Ability to be a “champion” for Stone County by passionately articulating the opportunities and benefits of a business locating, or expanding in the county.
5. Ability and willingness to become a certified economic developer.
6. Ability to guide business and developers through complex economic development programs and through code and development processes.
7. Possess solid communication and presentation skills with the ability to analyze complex information and communicate it clearly and concisely to a wide variety of audiences
8. Ability to work collaboratively and build consensus around economic development initiatives.
9. Must become familiar with city and county ordinances and policies, and Federal/State laws relating to economic development.
10. Knowledgeable in economic development tools, including but not limited to, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Tax Abatement, Missouri Department of Employment and Economic Development programs, other grant organizations.
11. Ability to maintain expenditures within approved budgetary program and controls.
12. Other duties as required or assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
· High School Diploma or Equivalent.
· Must possess a valid Missouri Driver’s License by hire date.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Bachelor’s degree in business, urban policy, public administration, finance, economic development, marketing or a related field.
· Certification in Economic Development by the International Economic Development Council
Working knowledge of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Tax Abatement, Missouri Department of Employment and Economic Development programs, other grant organizations.
· Experience in grant procurement and administration.
· Two or more years of professional related economic development experience
· This position requires the person to be self-motivated and able to work independently.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
· Frequent reading and computer input.
· Ability to work under deadlines.
· Occasional lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs.
· Frequent sitting, driving, and standing, sometimes for extended periods of time.
· Continuous hearing at conversational level as well as high acuity level during telephone and wireless communications.
· May be necessary to work extended hours to meet project deadlines and/or attend required meetings. Some local and overnight travel is required.
Salary is negotiable depending on experience and certification. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, mileage reimbursement, PTO.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
