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Form of workRECRUITMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED;
FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS IS TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2023
GENERAL PURPOSE: The Economic Development Deputy Director works under the direction of the Economic Development Director and serves as the second in command for the Economic Development department. Performs complex administrative and managerial functions including planning, organizing, and directing the programs, activities and staff of the Economic Development department which include assisting the Director with the recruitment, retention and expansion of employment opportunities; the attraction of new retail, tourism, and service opportunities to the City; and with the redevelopment of Historic Downtown. Works with the Director to develop short and long term planning, programs, and budgets. Emphasis is on working in a collaborative, cross-departmental setting; dealing with the issues associated with rapid growth and seeking out creative solutions to development related issues.
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
- Assist the Director with implementing initiatives designed to recruit, retain, expand, and help germinate new businesses and employment to Buckeye.
- Manage key economic development programs and projects to develop and implement the City's economic development initiatives.
- Assist the Director with the development and implementation of the City's economic development strategic initiatives and action plans.
- Works to form strong relationships between the business functions including sourcing leads, drafting proposals, negotiating development agreements, and represents the city to outside stakeholders and partners.
- Manage and coordinate proposals to clients, respond to inquiries and requests from clients, and assist in presentations and site visits. Manage and coordinate intra-departmental teams designed to assist locates with the entitlement and construction process.
- Represent the department and organization to the general public and outside groups, agencies, and organizations, including Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Arizona Commerce Authority, Maricopa Association of Governments, Westmarc, the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Buckeye Main Street Coalition, developers, brokers, key stakeholders, and others.
- Support the City's business retention and expansion (BRE) program, including working directly with staff to support existing businesses to insure their long term success in Buckeye. Also support the City's entrepreneurial development programs and activities.
- Provide staff support to various City boards, commissions, and task force groups as needed.
- Make written and verbal presentations to City management, the City Council, boards and commissions, trade associations, outside organizations, and citizens.
- Assist the Director with managing and coordinating the day-to-day operations of the department, including supervision of staff, budgeting, departmental management, and other operational issues.
- Assist the Director in the development of marketing materials and advertising strategies.
- Coordinate, oversee and/or prepare financial and economic analyses of projects and potential financial incentives.
- Research and seek out potential targeted businesses that align with the City's goals, assets, and strategies.
- Research and seek out potential development partners who could serve to build new commercial space.
- Responds to requests for information from elected officials, internal departments, citizens, and/or other applicable parties; responds to and resolves politically sensitive inquiries, issues and concerns within scope of position.
- Seek out ways to improve City operations.
- Model the City's values and culture.
- Perform other duties as required.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Urban or Regional Development, Geography, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Public Administration, Real Estate, or closely related field; a Master's Degree in these fields is preferred. Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience and proven success in economic development, redevelopment, community development, business assistance, real estate development, public/private finance, or closely related field. OR: an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strongly Preferred: Experience in a local government setting; experience in a very rapidly growing community; experience in supervision, budgeting, marketing, and research principles. Certifications: A "Certified Economic Developer" (CEcD) is desirable.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, procedures, and strategies of economic development, community development, planning and zoning, economic trends, economic/financial analysis, incentives, and related economic development principles and practices.
- Economic development marketing, research, database management, and strategic planning.
- Economic development incentives, particularly the ability to analyze both financial and non-financial impact to the community
- Customer relationship management
- Public administration and government operations
- Strategy and program development principles and practices
- Project development, scheduling, and monitoring.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
- Commercial/industrial real estate development.
Skill in:
- Collecting, tabulating, organizing, analyzing, and presenting complex economic development related data and information.
- Comfortable communicating both one-on-one and with larger groups.
- Excellence in oral, written, and electronic communication.
- Managing staff and delegating tasks.
- Creative development solutions, including public and private partnerships.
- Dealing with a rapid growth environment and the issues associated with that, such as the lack of infrastructure and existing building stock.
- Proficient and efficient in research.
- Organization and multi-tasking.
Ability to:
- Proven ability to successfully attract new businesses, retain/expand existing businesses, and help to foster entrepreneurial development, in order to grow the City's employment base.
- Problem solve in a creative and strategic manner.
- Take direction well, follow oral and written instruction, and yet also be pro-active in seeking out new opportunities.
- Ability to read complex legal documents, development agreements and contracts, development-related documents, master plans, and budget documents.
- Excel as a team player.
- Coordinate, prioritize, and execute multiple tasks in a high pressure environment.
- Establish and foster a cooperative intra-departmental relationship for the benefit of clients.
- Manage change.
- Deal with highly confidential situations.
- Maintain a highly professional demeanor.
- Provide a high level of customer service to our clients.
- Think and act independently when necessary.
- Effectively use technology to assist in job functions.
- Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
Physical Demands / Work Environment: Standard office environment. Occasional site visits in the field.
Reports To: Economic Development Director
Supervision Exercised: Professional and/or administrative staff
FLSA Status: ExemptEmployment Type: Full-Time, Regular
