OVERVIEW
Responsible for directing, coordinating, and administering economic development efforts, including targeting new development efforts, such as new business, retaining and expanding existing businesses, facilitating programs to enhance economic development and job growth, and serving as liaison between prospects and the City.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Assistant City Manager
Exercises indirect supervision to departmental administrative staff

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Development of market research objectives to help the organization meet its strategic goals
• Directs and participates in the development and implementation of economic goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Negotiate development agreements.
• Develops funding support and administers grants as authorized.
• Serve as the liaison to boards and commissions including TIRZ and PID.
• Prepares and maintains a list of local businesses to be contacted for possible expansion/retention
• Prepares reports, including charts and graphs, and presents recommendations for action plans to management
• Receives inquiries from business firms, manufacturers and others interested in establishing or expanding industry in the City; responds to specific requests for information relating to the suitability of the City for particular business or industry; solicits new businesses for La Porte; performs research to find the business and recruit individuals and agencies to move to La Porte
• Assists in the development of business plans for the retention and/or expansion of local businesses
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationship with the business community and public
• Makes policy recommendations and develops appropriate policies, programs, and ordinances to further the goals of revitalizing Main Street.
• Research market intelligence databases to examine, analyze, and compile statistical data
• Perform related duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
For indefinite periods of time - mobility within an office environment; writing; walking; typing; sorting; sitting; seeing; filing; reading; decision making; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person and by telephone; fine finger manipulation; operation of office equipment, computers, copiers, fax machines, telephone, and a motor vehicle through city traffic.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of practices and methods of economic development
• Excellent presentation, verbal, and written skills
• Skilled in grant writing and administration
• English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Modern office methods, procedures, and equipment and business letter writing
• Record keeping principles and procedures

Ability to:

• Work independently.
• Get along appropriately with co-workers and the public
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Work in cooperation with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies
• Research administrative and departmental policies, laws, and rules
• Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance
• Operation of a word processor/computer terminal may be required
• Compose correspondence independently
• Compile and maintain complex and extensive records and files
• Analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited college or university. Three years related experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
 Active professional certification or the ability to obtain certification through relevant entities such as Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), Main Street America Institute (MSAI), or other comparable entities is strongly preferred.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that required of the employee for this job.

The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity Employer of qualified candidates.