| Purpose: |
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Under general direction, this position is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities and operations of the Economic Development Department, including small business development, economic development, workforce and industry development, international programs, and community based economic development. |
| Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: |
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Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Directs, leads, and manages all economic development processes, programs, initiatives, and activities for the City with creativity and innovation.
- Develops, coordinates, and implements strategies and programs, and utilizes economic financial tools to create and retain local jobs, promote industry development, increase workforce readiness, promote the City of Austin and its competitive advantages for key investments and local job creation, and drive investment in Austin in a comprehensive manner
- Develops programs, strategies, and approaches to leverage and maximize economic development resources that support business expansion, attraction, and retention, and to support growth in priority industries and community revitalization.
- Develops programs that support entrepreneurs and small business development, training, and outreach.
- Develops programs that support childcare industry and other wraparound services to enhance local industries and increase workforce readiness.
- Manages the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establishes, within City policies, appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocates resources accordingly.
- Acts as official departmental representative to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, and outside agencies.
- Briefs and advises City management, the Mayor, and City Council regarding economic development, small business, industry and workforce development, and international programs in person and through written reports.
- Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; estimates funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; and directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
- Analyzes the Federal, State, and Local economies for strengths and weaknesses; prepares measurable strategies, action plans, and marketing/promotional efforts for priority areas within the City, often in conjunction with community-based organizations, to assist in strategy formulation implementation and industry development at the corporate and community levels.
- Develops and negotiates contracts between the City, partners, chambers of commerce, and other governmental entities for major, high-profile and community based projects, business development, and industry and workforce development.
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| Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: |
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Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
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| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: |
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Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
- Knowledge of public policy development, strategy and analysis and best practices in economic development.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration and strategic planning
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing economic development, economic financial tools, business assistance programs and urban economic development.
- Knowledge of the Federal, State, and Local economy to assist in strategy formulation and industry development.
- Skill in managing functions related to economic development, workforce and industry development, small business development and community economic development.
- Skill in supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
- Skill in oral and written communications.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in using data analysis to problem solve and establish measurable outcomes.
- Skill in evaluating bids and making recommendations.
- Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports, and studies.
- Ability in maintaining effective communication and working relationships with City Officials, business leaders, financial institutions, developers, citizen groups, and City departments and employees.
- Ability to coordinate with City departments and outside agencies.
- Ability to work with citizen groups to develop and implement short- and long-term economic development objectives, strategies, and programs.
- Ability to lead a team with vision, purpose, alignment and collaboration.
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| Minimum Qualifications: |
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- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, economic development, or in a field related to the job, plus seven (7) years of experience in oversight or managing projects and programs in economic development, economics, business assistance, public and/or private finance, or workforce development.
- Graduation with a Master's degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
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| Licenses and Certifications Required: |
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None.
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