About the role:
Working closely with the Economic Development Director, the Economic Development Manager plays a key role in supporting the county’s economic growth by leading initiatives that promote business development, community vitality, and strategic planning. This position focuses on fostering a thriving local economy through collaboration, innovation, and effective program implementation.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This single-position classification of Economic Development Manager is responsible for supporting the county’s various economic development initiatives, including business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts, grant development, tourism marketing, and film management. The role involves conducting complex data analysis, preparing detailed reports, and providing strategic recommendations to support the Economic Development Director and the Economic Development, Tourism, and Film Commission. The position also provides supervision and training for assigned staff and volunteers.
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED:
Provides supervision and work assignments for the Economic Development Coordinator and other staff, as assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONISBILITIES
The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.
- Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategic plan, including tourism and business retention/attraction initiatives.
- Plan, manage, and oversee programs to support local businesses, such as workshops, consultations, and resource connections.
- Research and create new travel products and economic development outreach programs.
- High-level contribution to the development of the annual department budget units, projects, and marketing plan.
- Administer and manage community support grant programs, including the Community Event Marketing Fund, Historical Societies Grant Program, and Performing and Visual Arts Grant Program.
- Develop, manage, and optimize tools and strategies for tourism marketing and economic development efforts, including website management, content creation, digital marketing, public relations, print materials, and multi-media advertising.
- Prepare and distribute marketing materials to promote economic development programs and initiatives.
- Collaborate with local businesses, chambers of commerce, tourism trade, and government agencies to identify opportunities and implement strategies.
- Represent the county’s economic development efforts to local community groups, chambers of commerce, agencies, stakeholders, and tourism partners.
- Establish and maintain relationships with state and federal agencies, including USFS, NPS, LADWP, BLM, and State Parks, to access resources, funding, and support for tourism, filming, and economic development activities.
- Work with state and federal agencies to access resources and funding opportunities for economic development initiatives.
- Conduct regular outreach to businesses to understand their needs and challenges, offering assistance with regulatory processes and access to resources.
- Prepare and deliver presentations to the Board of Supervisors and other stakeholders on economic development initiatives and accomplishments.
- Ensure Mono County attracts and facilitates TV, commercial, and feature film productions by supporting the Mono County Film Commissioner and assisting film scouts and producers.
- Provide administrative support as the primary staff person to the Mono County Economic Development, Tourism, and Film Commission.
- Track and report program outcomes through established data tracking systems.
- Provide direction, training, and work coordination for assigned staff and volunteers.
- Conduct familiarization tours for media and travel trade professionals and oversee trade show strategies.
- Represent Mono County at trade shows and tourism-related events, ensuring professional and effective promotion.
- Ensure adequately trained volunteers and professional County representations at events and trade shows.
DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Functions, policies, and operations of the Mono County Economic Development, Tourism & Film Commission
- Methods and programs for the development of tourism, marketing, and promotion
- Economic development programs and methods
- Planning, development, implementation, and administration of county grants, including laws and regulations governing grants
- County financial policies, requirements, and procedures; statistical record keeping
- Project development, planning, and coordination
- Computer systems and software applications related to economic development, grant preparation, marketing and presentations, CRM, CMS, social media, WordPress, etc.
- Principles of training and project management
- County amenities, infrastructure and public lands
- Film permitting and production
Ability To:
- Plan, organize, coordinate filming, tourism development and economic development programs and policies of the county
- Provide work coordination and project direction for assigned staff
- Perform a variety of the most complex technical, analytical, and administrative work in the development and implementation of County film, tourism and economic development programs
- Assist with development, tracking, and management of department budget units and provide fiscal support to Director and staff
- Work with county Commissions, other county staff, grant funding, local and state agencies, and outside consultants in the development and administration of a variety of assigned programs
- Gather and organize data and prepare reports
- Develop and maintain tracking systems, records, and reports
- Use a computer and applicable software packages in the development and administration of assigned programs
- Effectively represent the Mono County Economic Development, Tourism & Film Commission, and assigned programs, in contact with other County staff, local community organizations, the public, and other government agencies
- Establish and maintain effective, positive and cooperative working relationships
- Provide exceptional customer service and accurate information to visitors, tourism partners, small business owners and staff, and prospective and existing client base
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible work experience in economic development, tourism trade development, grant development and administration, and public information work, preferably including experience in working with local government organizations.
Possession of a bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, journalism, marketing, tourism or a related field is highly desirable.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office, with travel in and around Mono County, travel to trade shows and conferences, and sometimes in outdoor environments, often with continuous contact with other staff and the public. All Mono County employees are Disaster Service Workers in the event of a disaster.