This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job posting may be removed at any time without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.

Under limited supervision, plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the Economic Development Department; coordinate assigned activities with other city departments and outside agencies; provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to City Management; and perform other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a single-incumbent executive-level classification. The employee performs his/her duties under minimal supervision.

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Direct all Economic Development Department activities and negotiations; provide professional assistance to City Management; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Manage the development and implementation of Economic Development Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; consult with City Management, and other city officials in the development of overall policies and procedures to govern the activities of the department.
• Establish, within city policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate the Economic Development Department's work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate Economic Development Department personnel; provide direction to the department's staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversee and coordinate the development and administration of the Economic Development Department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Review grant applications; actively identify and pursue additional sources of funding for the department's programs; develop financing alternatives.
• Oversee economic development programs for the city; contact and market the city to outside agencies and enterprises. (i.e. private investors, developers, realtors, etc.); conduct tours of industrial and commercial sites and available facilities; gather business related data and demographics and develop marketing materials.
• Explain, justify, and defend Economic Development Department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
• Represent the Economic Development Department and act as a liaison to other city departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate activities with those of other departments and outside agencies.
• Provide staff assistance to City Management; participate on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; plan and coordinate department activities; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Participate in and complete special projects for the city.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of economic development.
• Attend various Trade Shows for recruiting Business and Industry as well as Realtor or stakeholder’s functions in representing the City of Waxahachie.
• Participate in the work of subordinate staff; assist in creating economic development programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Any combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certification and licenses may qualify.

Education, Training, and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED Required. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in economic development, marketing, urban planning, public administration, business administration, economics or related field preferred.
• Four years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development or public administration including two years of management and administrative experience.

Licenses and Certificates:

• A valid State driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

• Certified Economic Developer preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position requires regular in-person attendance including evenings and weekends as needed.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of comprehensive economic development programs.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of public sector management.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Methods and techniques of effective grant application and proposal preparation.
• Advanced principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
• Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Delegate authority and responsibility.
• Lead and direct the operations, services and activities of the Economic Development Department.
• Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs.
• Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Prepare and administer state and federal grants.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including city officials, employees, business leaders, civic groups, and the general public.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists.

Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.

Work Environment:

The employee works in an office environment where the noise level is usually quiet. Certain positions within the classification may require availability to work flexible schedule.