Economic Development Director

Position Objectives:

The Economic Development Director performs complex economic development functions by serving as the City’s liaison to promote business growth and expansion, assist emerging entrepreneurs, encourage workforce development, and expand housing opportunities.  Serves as a community connector through the coordination of local and regional resources.  Builds and maintains strong working relationships with local, regional, state, and national economic development organizations, businesses, and civic organizations. Works closely with Key Accounts and provides status updates to Public Utilities. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Boards, Commissions, and Public Responsibilities

• Serves as staff for the Detroit Lakes Development Authority.  The Economic Development Director is responsible for the coordination and execution of the DLDA’s goals and objectives. 
• Makes presentations and represents the City / Utility both locally and regionally by participating in civic and related organizations and attending various meetings to further promote the image of the community and utility.   
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with other community economic development leaders and agencies within the region.
• Prepares and provides regular reports on status of development activities to supervisors, commissions, elected officials, media, and the public.

Duties and Responsibilities

•  Works as the project manager for economic and community development projects the City is involved in, either directly or indirectly, through involvement in project research, planning and design, finance, legal considerations, and marketing activities. 
•  Negotiates with developers and designs financial assistance packages for expanding and new business including grants, loans and Tax Increment Financing.  Reviews applications for financial assistance including budgets, business plans, and financial statements.
•  Connects new entrepreneurs and established businesses to business and financial resources.
•  Works with community leaders in conducting targeted industry analysis to determine industries compatible to the area’s resources. 
• Gathers community, industry, labor, demographic, and other economic information and maintains available site and building data.
• Provides community and business networking and education opportunities to further promote business growth and expansion.
• Serves as liaison to business to secure government grants and new partnerships. Identifies potential funding sources, writes proposals and grant applications, and cultivates relationships with funders.
• Bolsters economic development marketing efforts within the state and region.  Identifies and recruits companies within targeted industries considering start-ups, expansion, or relocation. 
• Participates in regional trade shows to promote the City/Utility.  Plans, develops, and implements direct mail campaigns, advertising, and other marketing techniques to support the community’s goals.
• Updates and maintains the City’s website related to economic development, housing, and other related DLDA and Utility programs. 
• Reads and understands complex federal, state, county, and city laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines; analyzes complex policy related to economic development, redevelopment, financing, and/or housing issues; prepares and implements studies and plans.
• Completes and submits necessary reports needed for regulatory compliance, including business subsidies and tax increment financing.
• Markets and coordinates the sale of lots within the City’s industrial parks. 
• Works closely with the Energy Services Specialist to assist with City/Utility sponsored events as needed.
• Monitors legislative activities involving economic development and public utilities. 
• Attends meetings, training, seminars, and workshops to maintain professional competence, current legal requirements, and best practices.

Minimum Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Highly motivated self-starter with excellent relationship building skills and a passion for providing exceptional customer service.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and interpersonal skills as applied to interactions with co-workers, officials, professionals, and the general public.  Must be able to speak effectively with various groups and individuals to promote the City and Utility. 
• Business acumen with proven experience and understanding business needs. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Considerable knowledge of Tax Increment Financing, loans, grants and other development and financing programs.
• Ability to write and administer economic development grants.
• Ability to analyze financial and technical documents.
• Skill operating computers and relevant software including GIS applications.
• Ability to tactically manage projects simultaneously. 

Physical and Mental Requirements

Positions in this job typically require frequent sitting and standing, intermittent bending or stooping, kneeling or squatting, and keyboarding. There is also sustained exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 25 pounds of force on occasion and the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and move objects.

Desirable Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, economics, community development, business, or a related field.
• At least three (3) years’ experience in economic or community development, business recruitment, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of financing tools such as tax increment financing (TIF), revolving loan funds, and state or federal grant programs.

Benefits: