City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Director, Economic Development

Under general direction of the Assistant City Manager for Economic Opportunity & Affordability, 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, redevelopment, downtown services, cultural arts programs, and international programs.

1. 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.
2. Acts as official departmental representative to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; and negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues. Briefs and advises City management, the Mayor, and City Council regarding economic development and redevelopment projects, small business, cultural arts, and international programs in person and through written reports.
3. 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.
4. Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries and complaints from both internal and external sources. Works with citizen groups to develop and implement short-term and long-term economic development objectives and programs.
5. Coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager’s Office.
6. Assesses the Local and State economy for strengths and weaknesses to assist in strategy formulation and program development.
7. Develops, coordinates, and implements strategies and programs to promote the City of Austin to outside businesses.
8. Develops and manages programs to assist new and expanding businesses in obtaining financing and to provide financial incentives to encourage companies to locate in priority areas.
9. Prepares and implements special strategies and action plans in marketing/promotional efforts for priority areas within the City, often in conjunction with community-based organizations.
10. Develops and negotiates contracts between the City, private developers, and other governmental entities in major, high-profile redevelopment projects, such as commercial office development and public assembly facilities.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of public policy development and analysis.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of economic development and urban redevelopment.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing urban redevelopment, economic development, and business assistance programs.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in evaluating bids and making recommendations.
• Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports, and studies.
• Ability in maintain effective communication and working relationships with City Officials, business leaders, financial institutions, developers, citizen groups, and City departments, and employees

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, economic development, urban planning, or in a field related to the job, plus seven (7) years of experience in oversight or managing projects and programs in urban economic development, economics, business assistance, public facility or infrastructure development, commercial development, public and/or private finance, or workforce development.
• Graduation with a Master's degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience.