Overview

Under general administrative direction this position is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities and operations of the Economic Development department, including small business development, infill development, redevelopment, tax increment financing zones, economic development corporations, and industrial districts.

Responsibilities 

• 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; allocates resources accordingly
• Acts as official departmental representative to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, boards and commissions, and outside agencies; explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and complex issues
• 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; directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary
• Briefs and advises City management, the Mayor, and City Council regarding economic development and redevelopment projects, small business, tax increment financing zones, economic development corporations, and industrial districts in person and through written reports
• Participates in the development and administration of the budget for the tax increment zones, economic development corporations, and industrial districts
• Collaborates with the City Manager, the Mayor, and City Council to define and articulate economic development vision, goals, strategies, and policies to formulate and implement strategic plans appropriate to the needs of the city and its citizens
• Educates economic development clients on City processes and helps facilitate the development process while working with City staff to balance the needs of economic development, permitting processes and City standards
• Assesses the local and state economy for strengths and weaknesses to assist in strategy formulation and program development; prepares and implements special strategies and action plans in marketing/promotional efforts for priority economic development areas of the City
• Develops, coordinates, and implements strategies and programs to promote the City of Corpus Christi to outside business interests
• Develops and manages programs to assist new and expanding businesses in identifying resources and to provide financial incentives to encourage companies to locate in priority areas
• Develops and negotiates agreements between the City, private developers, and other governmental entities for economic development projects
• Coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager’s Office
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Requires Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS)          
• Master’s Degree preferred     
• Minimum of 10 years of experience
• A valid driver's license is required. Successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire.

Certifications, Licenses or Other Requirements

• Certified Economic Developer (CeCD) or Economic Development Finance Professional certification preferred at time of hire
• CeCD certification required within 3 years of hire