Assistant Director of Economic Development

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
SALARY:	Depends on Qualifications
OPENING DATE:	10/03/22
CLOSING DATE:	Continuous
*Are You a Good Fit?* The ideal candidate will be able to work effectively with all levels of employees and management and assist in providing solutions to projects and tasks. An understanding of Economic Development and/or Tourism operations are required. We are looking for a candidate that is able to network and establish rapport while eliciting cooperation from internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience with researching, coordinating, and assisting in the implementation of a wide range of economic development and tourism programs, projects and initiatives. A strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment is critical for success in this role, as are high levels of accuracy, timeliness and dependability. We are looking for someone who can provide exceptional customer service for a variety of coworkers, supervisors and the general public with professionalism and patience. Ask yourself: Do you enjoy managing and championing staff? Are you able to work in a fast-paced environment? If so, please consider applying for this Assistant Director of Economic Development position today! *What We Need From You as the Assistant Director of Economic Development* As the Assistant Director of Economic Development, you will provide back-up to the Director and Deputy Director of Economic Development for all programs and departmental responsibilities. The position will perform a variety of management and fiscal duties in support of the City of Sugar Land Economic Development Divisions: Business Development, Marketing and Tourism. Essential activities include business retention and expansion, business recruitment, integrated marketing program, tourism, compliance, entrepreneurship/small business assistance, major departmental projects and initiatives, management and support of various funds and boards such as: City Council, Type A & B Corporations, etc.). This position will interact and work directly with all City departments, the City Council, City-appointed boards and commissions, the general public, corporations, consultants, statewide organizations/associations and various governmental agencies. Recommend incentive packages to the City Council Economic Development Committee, the City Council, the Sugar Land Development Corporation, the Sugar Land 4B Corporation and assist in the negotiation of direct incentive agreements, tax abatement agreements and other agreements or new programs that may require funding. Assist in carrying out all goals of the City’s Economic Development Plan. Initiate, develop, manage, and maintain primary industry recruitment programs – including marketing and strategic initiatives – and aggressively pursue industrial and commercial leads and prospects. Equal responsibilities for the Tourism division and recruitment of conventions, meetings, visitors and events that produce hotel occupancy. Provide oversight for the initiation, development, and maintenance of programs that encourage retention and expansion of existing businesses, industries, real estate development, conventions, meetings and other revenue generating projects within the City. Develop relationships with Sugar Land businesses executives, developers, commercial realtors, site selectors, hoteliers and regional partners as a key point of contact within the City, including hosting business leaders at City events, functions, and venues, such as Constellation Field and the Smart Financial Centre. Provide oversight for the performance of economic impact analysis of all business and tourism leads as well as provide oversight for all existing incentive agreements, tax abatement agreements, and other grants (existing or new). Provide oversight for the development and implementation of the City’s integrated marketing program through the oversight of the Marketing Division and Sr. Marketing Manager. Oversee the initiation, development, management and maintenance of programs that assist entrepreneurship and start-up businesses within the City.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
The City of Sugar Land is inviting economic development and tourism professionals who are interested in a full-time position as an Assistant Director of Economic Development to apply to join our amazing City! This exciting position works Monday – Friday during typical business hours as well as occasional evening hours when attending events.. Why Should You Join Our Team? We are a full-service municipality located approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston that invests in our team and offers real opportunities for career growth. We pay our Assistant Director’s a competitive salary of $89,606 - $103,046, depending on experience. We also offer great benefits and perks, such as 9 paid holidays plus a floating holiday to use at your discretion, generous vacation package that starts to accrue on your first day, a robust pension plan to set you up for a fulfilling retirement, flexible work from home opportunities, a down-to-earth casual environment and dress code, and a positive team-oriented culture. Our full time employees have access to medical, dental, vision, disability, life and other insurance options on the 1st day of employment. If we have your attention… Please. Continue. Reading! About The City of Sugar Land The City of Sugar Land, a municipality with a population of 111,026, provides the highest quality of affordable services to meet the needs of its residents. Master-planned communities and welcoming neighborhoods enhance home values and create a sense of belonging. The community offers outstanding schools, libraries, civic organizations, entertainment venues, and other resources that make Sugar Land a great place to work, live and raise a family. Numerous high-profile regional and international corporations have chosen Sugar Land as a corporate home. Sugar Land's aggressive economic development program has created a business-friendly environment, one that includes a variety of incentives, including a corporate aviation facility. We are proud to have been named one of the Top 50 places to live in the United States by The Press of Atlantic City, as well as the Best Texas cities to raise a family by Dwellics. We hire people based on their potential, not just their experience. We have an informal work environment but are serious about what we do. We believe that happy, talented employees add value to the City. We do our best to hire friendly, professional people who work hard and play well with others. We also promote a healthy work-life balance and personal development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
If you can do those things and meet the following requirements, we would be happy to speak with you: Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in an economic development field and tourism (note: experience in the banking, finance or real estate industry alone will not sufficiently satisfy the requirement). Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate Development, Finance, Hotel and Hospitality Management or a related field from an accredited school or university. Minimum of 4 years of direct supervisory experience. A Master’s degree or a recognized economic development certification may be substituted for 2 years of experience. The candidate should have a proven track record of developing, implementing, managing and evaluating a wide range of economic development, tourism or marketing programs, projects, and initiatives. Extensive experience with Texas economic development incentive programs (Type A & B Corporations, Tax Abatements, Direct Incentives, Chapter 380’s, Enterprise Zones, Skills Development, Hotel Occupancy Tax, Art grants and funding etc.) and an understanding of the restrictions associated with the usage of funds derived from these sources is preferred. Economic Development or Tourism experience is preferred. Valid Class "C" Texas Driver License. Recognized Economic Development Industry Certification Preferred – may include: Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Professional Community & Economic Developer (PCED) Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Our success is achieved by the courage to do things differently and accept that failure will occur on the path to innovation. The City of Sugar Land is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the City of Sugar Land employment page at www.sugarlandtx.gov/jobs to apply online. The position is open until filled and may close at any time without notice.