Position Description:
Under the direction of the City Manager execute the City's various economic development activities and programs including developing, negotiating, and implementing economic development programs and services. Coordinate with City staff responsible for implementing the City's development regulations and permit issuance processes. Responsibilities include planning, developing and recommending strategies, identifying opportunities to stimulate commercial, mixed use and residential development, and attracting and retaining businesses to the City. Coordinate with business and development interests; provide assistance in the implementation and promotion of program events and placemaking activities. Represent the City at business-related organizations and events. This position will be a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Essential Functions:
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Supports and models the identified vision, values and behaviors of the organization.
• Serve as City resource on development issues and as City liaison to City businesses, commercial enterprises and related groups; identify opportunities for outreach in partnership with the Communications and Community Outreach Manager to establish and improve relationships with business focused community groups.
• Assist the City Manager and Executive Leadership Team in planning, organizing, coordinating, and evaluating economic development activities within the City.
• Coordinate and encourage the development of strategies that maintain and enhance the short and long-term financial health and livability/quality of life of the City.
• Develop and implement a business recruitment and retention strategy and business assistance programs for existing and prospective businesses.
• Serve as a "broker" in recruiting and assisting business interested in locating in Mountlake Terrace to identify suitable properties for their enterprises.
• Maintain a positive image when representing the City Manager and City Council at business-related organizations and events.
• Coordinate and facilitate public/private partnerships for development projects; work with developers, property owners, and potential new businesses to identify opportunities for new development and redevelopment; develop liaisons between the City and various business-related organizations and agencies; coordinate communication, projects and activities with various City departments and personnel, special interest groups and the general public; provide information and technical assistance to staff, citizens, community and neighborhood groups in the development of improvement programs and projects.
• Coordinate the implementation of programs as assigned including the Multi-Family Tax Exemption Program; coordinate program activities; evaluate program progress and results; develop, prepare and coordinate special projects as assigned; manage procurement process and work of consultants hired to assist the City in economic development efforts.
• Communicate with, respond to and resolve complaints, conflicts, concerns and questions from citizens, contractors, customers, developers, property owners, business owners and public and private agencies concerning City services, policies and procedures, activities and programs; exchange information to encourage cooperation and efficiency of the development process; assist businesses with permit and planning issues.
• Provide technical expertise and respond to complex questions; resolve conflicts; act as facilitator between the development community and City staff; communicate with department directors, City officials and others regarding policy issues and matters of mutual concern.
• Research and compile information concerning program needs and resources; analyze and prioritize potential economic development projects/opportunities; provide financial impact analyses of potential projects and partnerships that involve or require City participation.
• Prepare the economic development budget; ensure financial accountability and appropriate record keeping and internal controls; assist in the preparation of grant applications and plans; research availability of private and grant funding; prepare grant proposals, reports on grant activities, grant amendments and extensions; monitor grant performance and expenditure of funds.
• Explore existing State and local laws to determine what development tools that currently exist that could help the City in its development efforts. Monitor legislative developments in the area of economic development.
• Prepare and present oral and visual reports to public and private agencies, City Council, hearing bodies, community groups and other organizations to explain City policies and community impacts, to respond to questions and comments and to present technical information and policy options for consideration.
• Assist with the media and preparation of news releases; coordinate department contacts as necessary; assist in developing strategies to promote Mountlake Terrace.
• Research, analyze and report on economic and market trends; develop and prepare program proposals, staff reports, proclamations, ordinances, position papers; analyses; publications; visual aids; displays; newsletters; activity and progress reports.
• Assist in the implementation of placemaking projects throughout the City.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties, essential functions and qualifications contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge, and scope of the responsibility typically required of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.
Qualifications:
Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
• Five years of increasingly responsible work experience in urban planning, community development, economic development, business, or other job-related field.
• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business administration, marketing, finance, commercial real estate, economic development, or related field.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license (or be able to attain at time of appointment) and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.
Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of economic and community development program planning and implementation.
• Principles and practices of marketing and public relations and promotions.
• Real estate laws and practices.
• Program development and administration.
• Community and economic development financing techniques, including grant proposals.
• International, national and local business practices.
• Statistical concepts and techniques, including their applications and limitations.
• Oral and written communications skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures affecting program area.
• Basic research methods.
• Word processing and spreadsheet software.
Ability to:
• Participate and work effectively in an organization committed to advancing principles and practices of equity and anti-racism.
• Learn municipal organization, practices and procedures.
• Read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Represent the City in interaction with local and/or international business and civic groups.
• Market the City to prospective businesses.
• Plan, develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate an economic development strategy and program activities in a timely manner.
• Prepare grant applications and establish new programs.
• Effectively conduct research and analyze trends, situations and data accurately, and adopt an effective course of action and recommendations.
• Work independently and in teams with little direction.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with different audiences.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse staff, populations and those contacted in the course of work.
• Relate to others in a professional, courteous and respectful manner.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office environment; however, travel and night meetings are required.
Supervision Received:
General supervision from the City Manager or designee.
Supervision Exercised:
May lead multi-departmental teams assigned to specific developmental activities.
Schedule and Compensation:
This position is exempt and non-represented with an annual salary range of $137,662 - $169,222.
Application Process:
Apply online at www.cityofmlt.com/Jobs by January 31, 2025. Offline/paper application or more information can be requested at HRCity@mltwa.gov or 425-744-6225. Due to a high volume of applications we receive, only candidates whose qualifications closely align with the role will be contacted for further consideration. Please note, incomplete submissions may not be considered.
The City reserves the right to review applications prior to this date and may select a finalist for the position at any time; therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and the requirements of the job change.
The City of Mountlake Terrace is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and community.
