Deputy Director of Economic Development

City of Farmers Branch • Full-time • Farmers Branch, Texas, United States • $90.88k - $145.40k / year • 2w ago

Target Hiring Range: $106,322 to $118,136 annually.

The Deputy Director of Economic Development serves as a key member of the City’s strategic efforts to drive commercial growth and long-term economic vitality. This position is primarily responsible for leading business recruitment activities, managing targeted industry attraction strategies, and overseeing the City’s business retention and expansion (BRE) program. The role requires a forward-thinking, results-driven professional with strong leadership skills, deep knowledge of site selection and development processes, and a proven ability to cultivate high-level relationships with corporate decision-makers, developers, and brokers.

Essential Job Functions:

Essential Job Functions represents 20%-50% of working time on a regular basis, subject to the varying demand of specific functions. All functions listed below are considered essential and are expected to be completed regularly and efficiently by any incumbent. Regular, punctual and on-site attendance is essential for all functions listed below. This position, under the direction of Director of Human Resources, will be responsible for the following:

Plans, develops and coordinates effective strategies and operations related to business recruitment, attraction, retention and expansion, to include but not limited to:

Develop and implement proactive business recruitment strategies for targeted industries aligned with the City's Economic Development priorities.
Identify, attract, and negotiate with prospective employers, developers, and corporate site selectors considering relocation or expansion.
Prepare and deliver compelling recruitment presentations, site proposals, and incentive packages.
Serve as the City’s primary recruiter and external liaison to commercial real estate professionals, industry associations, chambers, and regional economic development entities.Supervise and support the Business Retention Manager/Economic Development Manager to ensure effective outreach, follow-up, and resolution of business concerns.
Monitor key trends in local industry sectors and develop responsive strategies to support business sustainability and growth.
Coordinate business roundtables, surveys, and engagement events to maintain strong communication with the business community.
Create quarterly reports for Economic Development and provide updates to the City Council.

Effectively coordinates project management, incentives, readiness and development activities and opportunities, including but not limited to:

Lead negotiations and structure public-private partnership agreements and incentive packages in coordination with the City Management.
Evaluate and recommend appropriate financial tools, such as Chapter 380 agreements, tax abatements, and grant programs.
Identify and market shovel-ready sites and underutilized properties for redevelopment.
Coordinate with internal departments to ensure a smooth entitlement and permitting process for prospective businesses.
Ensure all ED department records are maintained and updated regularly.
Serve as staff liaison to the TIF Boards and ensure all TIF Board requirements are met.

Effectively manages, develops and motivates the Economic Development team, to include, but not limited to, the following functions:

The effective recruitment, selection, onboarding, and retention of associated staff and volunteers.
Continual performance management of staff through evaluations, coaching, development and other opportunities that promote growth, learning and engagement.
Demonstrates effective and professional leadership through active engagement, involvement, and equitable treatment of all staff members.
Consistently and effectively models the behavioral, performance and service-level expectations of the Economic Development team.
Maintains professional, cordial, conciliatory and facilitative communication at all times, regardless of circumstance or situation.

Other Job Functions

Other Job Functions are essential but represent less than 20% of working time on a regular basis. These are performed with less regularity but are considered essential. All functions listed below are considered essential and are expected to be completed regularly and efficiently by any incumbent.

Prepares presentations, reports and other related documents for all audiences and interest groups.
Other functions not specifically designated within the scope of essential functions. These extra functions will be temporary in nature and as the business necessity dictates.

Education and Experience:

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, with a focus on business attraction and project management.
At least 3 years of supervisory or program management experience.
An equivalent combination of the above experience and education to satisfy the minimum requirements of the position.

Preferred (Any single or combination thereof)

A Master’s degree.
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), or similar credential.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Advanced knowledge of economic development principles, incentive structuring, and real estate development.
Demonstrated success in business recruitment and relationship management with C-level executives.
Strong financial acumen and the ability to evaluate ROI and fiscal impacts.
Advanced skill in negotiation, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
Advanced skill in the de-escalation of sensitive or aggressive customer/vendor/citizen issues.
Advanced skill in analyzing data, identifying trends and creating actionable data strategies.
Strong project management skills and experience with project management methodologies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to simultaneously coordinate multiple tasks and priorities and support multiple individuals, teams, and work groups.
Ability to establish and maintain project schedules and balance responsibilities for multiple projects.
Ability to maintain professional, cordial, conciliatory and facilitative communication at all times, regardless of circumstance or situation.
Ability to continually demonstrate practical knowledge, analytical judgements and informed decision-making.
Ability to provide technical, practical or functional knowledge related to job functions.
Ability to effectively inform, educate, persuade or influence others related to job functions and necessary outcomes.
Ability to communicate effectively on technical, interpersonal and professional levels to diverse audiences, communities and interest groups.
Ability to synthesize market data into actionable strategies and compelling business cases.
Must have the ability to irregularly work a flexible schedule that may include weekends, evenings and holidays. Must be able to work in-office, in the field or in designated satellite environments.