Introduction

The City of Lamar is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of Economic Development and Planning Director.  The successful candidate will report to the City Administrator and is responsible for promoting business and economic development for the City. This management position involves planning, directing and coordinating the Economic Development and Planning Office for the City of Lamar.

Work Hours/Week:  40                                  Proposed Annual Salary Range:  $52,115 – $74,916

Desired Start Date:   October 1, 2020

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Essential Functions

• Serves as first point of contact for general inquiries regarding business and commercial opportunities in the City.
• Actively recruits City business.
• Works independently, manages projects, establishes timelines, identifies project participants, maintains required documentation, monitors and reports on the progress of all economic and planning projects.
• Builds on the community’s history, heritage, natural resources and livability to promote the City of Lamar as a tourist and business destination.
• Collaborates with downtown businesses to foster the growth and the downtown as a destination through continued development of the Colorado Main Street Work Plan, accessible parking, marketing, additional special events, better retail mix, an attractive physical environment, pedestrian-oriented design standards, and encourages investment and success to City of Lamar’s downtown area.
• Collaborates with the City Administrator to increase City involvement and partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Colorado Economic Development, Healthy Places initiatives, various historic preservation programs, the Lamar Redevelopment Authority, the Lamar Welcome Center and other similar programs.
• Coordinates with the Building and Planning Department regarding rezoning and Special Use Permit applications.
• Evaluates the appropriateness and desirability of proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning Regulations and Zoning Map based on the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the City’s long-range planning goals.
• Assists with the development of proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning Regulations and Zoning Map as part of the City’s comprehensive rezoning process.
• Administers contracts and agreements ensuring accuracy and proper approval and required signatures are obtained. (Federal, State, and Local agencies)
• Conducts research to identify potential grant opportunities for the City.
• Writes high quality grant proposal narratives, applications and supporting documents.
• Compiles and maintains inventory of existing City grants and grant programs.
• Develop and maintain positive communication with businesses, state and federal agencies and other local governments and provide timely information on potential grant opportunities through public outreach.
• Develops an annual grant strategy for the City.
• Attends City Council and other board meetings when necessary and appropriate.  Prepares materials in support of the City Council agenda items.
• Provides executive expertise and attends meetings for the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commissions.
• Makes oral presentations to the Planning Board.
• Serves as point of contact for Census and State Demographers office requests.
• Monitors the progress of all assigned plans with respect to compliance with all deadlines for posting and legal advertisements.
• Serves as the City’s representative to various local boards and commissions, including but not limited to PEP, LPI, Historic Preservation, and the like.

Note:  The essential functions and major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.  Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, planning, economics, real estate or a related field.
• Five years of public sector business/economic development experience or other closely related background such as public administration or public policy.  Any combination of education and experience that convincingly demonstrates the candidate can successfully perform the duties of the position. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Planning or Business Administration.
• Good understanding of the regional economic development issues is highly desirable.
•  Must possess strong communication skills including the ability to speak effectively and persuasively to businesses, residents, and other stakeholders as necessary.
• Experience in municipalities with a population of less than 20,000
• Certification from American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.

Selection Plan

To be considered for this excellent career opportunity, please complete the online application along with an uploaded cover letter and resume via www.ci.lamar.co.us/employment or email application packet to:  Margaret Saldaña, Human Resources Manager at Margaret.saldana@ci.lamar.co.us Subject line must read:  Economic Development and Planning Director

After review of cover letter and resume, applicants may be invited to participate in an assessment process for this position.

Conclusion

Please note:  The City Administrator’s approval is required for outside employment and or private contracting work.  This is a full-time exempt position that reports to the City Administrator and is not part of the City’s non-exempt employment pool.