ADMINISTRATOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - City of Martinsville
Martinsville, VA
About the Job
JOB TITLE: ADMINISTRATOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
REPORTS TO: CITY MANAGER
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT
RATE OF PAY: DOQ
NATURE OF WORK
The Director of Economic Development will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and prosperity of our industrial and economic sector. Reporting directly to the City Manager, they will lead strategic initiatives to attract and retain economic businesses, foster innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunities within our community. This position requires a dynamic individual with a proven track record in economic development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
This position entails providing comprehensive support to the IDA board while actively promoting and identifying corporate and commercial businesses, including headquarter locations. Additionally, the successful candidate will cultivate and enhance relationships with thriving retail and restaurant establishments, as well as spearhead efforts to foster connections with housing developers, particularly those involved in the revitalization of industrial properties, schools, and blighted areas. Furthermore, close collaboration with local and regional foundations, WPPD, educational institutions, and state agencies will be essential to advance job creation, housing initiatives, and overall economic growth.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
REPORTS TO: CITY MANAGER
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT
RATE OF PAY: DOQ
NATURE OF WORK
The Director of Economic Development will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and prosperity of our industrial and economic sector. Reporting directly to the City Manager, they will lead strategic initiatives to attract and retain economic businesses, foster innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunities within our community. This position requires a dynamic individual with a proven track record in economic development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
This position entails providing comprehensive support to the IDA board while actively promoting and identifying corporate and commercial businesses, including headquarter locations. Additionally, the successful candidate will cultivate and enhance relationships with thriving retail and restaurant establishments, as well as spearhead efforts to foster connections with housing developers, particularly those involved in the revitalization of industrial properties, schools, and blighted areas. Furthermore, close collaboration with local and regional foundations, WPPD, educational institutions, and state agencies will be essential to advance job creation, housing initiatives, and overall economic growth.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
- Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to promote economic growth, diversification, and competitiveness in alignment with organizational goals and economic development priorities.
- Business Attraction and Retention: Identify, cultivate, and attract new businesses to the area while nurturing existing relationships with key stakeholders to support retention and expansion efforts.
- Site Selection and Development: Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify suitable sites for economic development, facilitate site readiness initiatives, and oversee the planning and development process.
- Workforce Development: Partner with educational institutions, workforce development agencies, and industry stakeholders to address workforce needs, enhance training programs, and ensure a skilled workforce pipeline.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Cultivate strategic partnerships with industry associations, chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders to leverage resources, advocate for policy initiatives, and advance economic development objectives.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Conduct market research, analyze economic trends, and prepare reports and presentations to inform decision-making, track performance metrics, and measure the impact of economic development initiatives.
- Community Engagement: Engage with community leaders, residents, and other stakeholders to build support for economic development projects, address concerns, and foster positive relationships.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration preferred, Economics, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field required.
- Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in economic development, economic recruitment, site selection, or related fields.
- A combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Demonstrated experience in project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong understanding of economic development principles, incentive programs, and financing mechanisms.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex concepts and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, manage budgets, and achieve measurable results.
- Proficiency in data analysis, GIS, economic modeling, and presentation software.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to economic development and land use planning.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Source : City of Martinsville