Under limited direction, the Economic Development Project Manager performs the purchase, sale and lease of City property and the acquisition and disposal of right of way, easements, and real property. Plans, organizes, and directs economic development projects to make sure all teams complete the project. Provides professional level assistance to grow business and industry in the City of Las Cruces.

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with some work done in the field and around various real estate and construction sites.

Light physical demands some lifting and moving of supplies and equipment. Frequent use of a personal computer.

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues.   Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. 

• Coordinates efforts and information with various City departments to identify, attract, retain, and assist business and economic development industry; demonstrates continuous efforts to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively; provides quality seamless customer service to assist businesses with all required registration and permitting processes.
• Collaborates with staff and management across the organization and with outside third parties to clearly identify, explain and communicate their project involvement, project goals, expectations, objectives, policies, priorities, and tasks.
• Negotiates, prepares, and administers sales and other real estate agreements/documents; coordinates with internal/external legal teams, appraisers, title companies, and other entities throughout each transaction; prepares and presents ordinances/resolutions to City Council.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, manages and drives economic development projects forward; develops and implements master plan recommendations: researches property development strategies, coordinates marketing strategies, ensures continued general maintenance of the industrial park, makes recommendations for advancing potential economic development projects. 
• Negotiates, prepares, and administers purchase and sale agreements, lease, and miscellaneous real estate documents for property and land transactions; inspects properties and meets with property owners; coordinates field work.
• Contacts and meets with property owners, utility companies, and other agencies to distribute and acquire information and negotiate for the acquisition of right of way or easements and sale of City owned property.
• Prepares correspondence and legal instruments to process property acquisitions and sales.
• Serves as primary point of contact and liaison between customers, city departments, and external partners to streamline processes and provide quality customer service. 
• Develops business relationships by guiding and assisting customers throughout the project while abiding by required regulations. 
• Researches public records to determine property ownership; resolves title issues following City, state and federal guidelines.
• Provides work direction and technical guidance to other staff; reviews work of other staff and recommends changes or additions to work.
• Works with appraisers, abstractors, and various City departments to coordinate the acquisition of easements and right of way, and sales of City owned properties.

Bachelor's Degree in urban or regional planning, economic development, business, or related field AND three (3) years of professional level experience in economic development, business development, commercial real estate/development, urban planning, community development and/or redevelopment. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid driver’s license may be required or preferred. Possession of a Notary Certification is preferred; must be able to obtain certification within 12 months of hire. If applicable, position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.   

Knowledge of:  principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to:  perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives. 

Skills in:  reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working  independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.