Purpose

Are you looking for a career with purpose, with an opportunity to lead a great team?

Then we are looking for you!

Click Apply and join the Economic Development Team of the

City of Savannah as our new Assistant Director.

We offer great pay, and excellent benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, employee/spouse/child supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, deferred compensation plan (457 B), pension plan, flexible spending account, employee referral program, home purchase assistance and 12 paid holidays!

Women, Minorities, and Veterans Are Encouraged to Apply!

Assists in the direction and management of the functions of the Economic Development department. This position assists in developing and coordinating programs that help revitalize distressed commercial corridors, support business creation and expansion, address barriers to economic growth, and support a fair and diverse local economy for all.

Essential Job Functions

Assists with managing, directing, training, and evaluating all department staff; processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Assists in implementing and assessing department programs, services, and performance for ensured compliance with any federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards as well as the city and department policies and procedures that may need to adhere to.
Assists with managing the departmental and program budget(s) as well as any grants the department may have for successful execution and reporting in compliance with the grantor’s terms.
Assesses business and community needs develops and executes strategies to gain insight, designs and delivers relevant training opportunities while monitoring effectiveness to ensure delivery of high-quality services to increase individual and organizational capacity.
Assists with the coordination, assignment, and review of work and performance of staff; maintains standards; monitors the status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions and gives advice and direction as may be needed.
Prepares, reviews, and edits departmental reports, presentations, publications, announcements, and other documents to ensure the delivery of accurate, high-quality outputs.
Participates in city, community, governmental, business, and neighborhood meetings as well as serves on boards, committees, and/or collaboratives where relevant that help build capacity for providing services and resources to residents/business community.
Assists in developing and implementing a variety of plans, projects, programs, initiatives, and activities that deliver a high degree of economic development services to meet community needs and improve the operational climate for businesses and the quality of life for our residents.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Business or Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s Degree is preferred) supplemented by five (5) years of related experience in business development, redevelopment, small and minority business development and municipal incentive programs or possession of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Additional Requirements

Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post-offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skill, And Abilities

Knowledgeable in neighborhood development and urban redevelopment practices and principles.
Knowledgeable in data management and analysis
Knowledgeable in business development principles
Knowledgeable in asset development and wealth creation
Knowledgeable of local, state, and federal laws/regulations and city policies
Knowledgeable of the city’s budgetary process and procedures
The ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving.
Skill in developing short- and long-range plans.
Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
Skill in the training and supervision of personnel.
Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
Skill in oral presentation and written communication.

Minimum Standards

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Director assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. Work is reviewed through meetings, reports, spot-checks, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include City of Savannah policies and procedures, state laws, and city ordinances. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied administrative, supervisory, and public management duties. The need for accuracy, compliance with regulations, and working on multiple projects simultaneously contributes to the position's complexity.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to assist in the management and directing of each division within the department, and work to assist in creating programs that build capacity for business and our residents alike. Successful performance in this position contributes to a stronger economic foundation for our business community and improves the quality of life for area residents.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with developers, property owners, real estate professionals, business representatives, representatives of banks and other lending institutions, representatives of state and federal agencies, and members of the general public

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, motivate personnel, provide services, resolve problems, negotiate and settle matters, and justify decisions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee occasionally lifts objects and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office, classroom, public, and in the field.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position has supervision over assigned staff.

City Of Savannah Employee Benefits

Overview of Benefits

Paid Holiday

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan

Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)

Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan

Retirement Seminars

PPO Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Wellness Programs

Health & Wellness Incentives

Long Term Disability

Excellence and Service Recognition

Employee Development and In-Service Training

Educational Assistance Program

Uniform Allowance (select positions)

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts and Memberships

Employee Relations

Direct Deposit

Credit Union

Pretax Parking Deductions

Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program

Domestic Partnership Benefits

Healthcare

PPO Medical Plus Plan

PPO Medical Basic Plan

Dental Plus Plan

Dental Basic Plan

Vision Service Plan

Life Insurance

Basic Life and ADD

Supplemental Life Employee

Supplemental Life Spouse

Supplemental Life Child

Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.

01

Do you have a valid Driver's License?

02

Do you have a bachelor's degree in Economics, or Business / Public Administration?

03

Do you have 5 years of related experience in business development, redevelopment, and small and minority business development?

04

Describe your experience in working with or leading an economic development department. What was your greatest success? What was your most impactful learning opportunity?

05

Please describe your experience with writing and/or managing grants.

06

Describe business programs you have developed and tell us if it was successful. How did you measure success?

07

Describe your experience in working with resident groups. What was the project, and the engagement steps you followed?

Required Question

City of Savannah

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Assistant Director, Economic Development