Economic Development Administrator

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and supervise the work of the Economic Development office and Airport division. The Chief Economic Development officer will employ principles and practices related to leasing, real estate development, negotiating and facilitating new business development, financial analysis, property development, and other related duties as needed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The incumbent is expected to be technically proficient in project management, property management, marketing activities for the Economic Development Department and the Airport, and the reading, interpretation, and applying of financial analyses and studies as it relates to economic development and airport operations.

REPORTS TO

Deputy City Manager or designee. 

Staff assigned to the Economic Development Department and the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES  
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Plan, organize, and manage the administration, operations, and budgets of the Economic Development department, Successor Agency, Parking Authority, Property Based Improvement District (PBID), Tourism Based Improvement District (TBID), Merced Yosemite Regional Airport, and real property assets owned by the City.
2. Develop, implement, and evaluate the progress of achievement plans, strategies, goals, objectives, policies, and priorities of each division, including economic development efforts. Propose corrective actions as needed. 
3. Conducts research studies, needs assessments, and analysis related to areas of responsibility, including economic forecasting and economic indicators.
4. Prepare and present reports, studies, analyses, and recommendations to the City Council, council subcommittees, boards and commissions, and/or other public bodies.
5. Represent the City and the Department with citizens, community organizations, and other government agencies.
6. Coordinate program and project activities, including real estate acquisition and disposition, with other city departments, outside agencies, and citizen groups.
7. Negotiate with persons and firms for purchase, sale and development, or redevelopment of properties.
8. Recruit, attract, and host new and expanding business and industry for the community, including all incentive areas.
9. Develop plans and recommendations for future airport development, capital improvements, new business opportunities, and grant projects for which to apply.
10. Manages various City properties and real estate transactions.
11. Assist potential developers to navigate the City’s development process.
12. Oversee marketing and branding strategies for the city.
13. Reviews work of and evaluates departmental employees. 
14. Recommends and implements disciplinary actions with review and approval of the Deputy City Manager.
15. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
Principles of land use planning, environmental planning, downtown revitalization, and economic development.
Land and site plan development and utilization.
Principles of industrial financing and incentives.
Principles of business, marketing, and public administration.
Principles of commercial, industrial, and business park planning and development.
Principles of real estate laws and mortgage lending practices and procedures.
Principles of industrial development bonds and other business financing.
Federal, state, and local programs and resources for economic development and business assistance.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and other environmental laws.
Budget development, administration, and expenditure control.
Principles and practices of grant contract and administration.
Principles and management, supervision, training, and employment administration.
Uses of computer and computer application in program and services development and evaluation.

Ability to:
Plan, organize, and manage the functions and services of Economic Development department, Successor Agency, Parking Authority, Property Based Improvement District (PBID), Tourism 
Based Improvement District (TBID), Merced Yosemite Regional Airport, and real property assets owned by the City.
Plan, manage, and oversee a variety of projects and programs, and provide recommendations to the City Manager and Deputy City Manager.
Develop programs to achieve the City’s goals and objectives related to economic development, 
business retention, and community revitalization.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the business community, 
academic institutions, and citizen groups to improve understanding of City economic policies, 
procedures, goals, and objectives.
Gather, organize, and analyze data, preparing a variety of reports. Provide recommendations as requested, and problem solve.
Conduct analysis of projects, including revenue and cost estimates for proponent objectives.
Prepare written reports regarding economic development activities, pertinent laws and trends, and proposed projects, and make public presentations to appointed and elected officials, 
communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Coordinate the planning and implementation of economic development, including public improvement identification, and monitoring status of engineering work and planning processes.
Select and manage consultants as may be necessary to assist the City with specialized economic development, financing, and legal services.
Participate in professional association trade shows and events.
Provide supervision, training, and work evaluations of assigned staff.
Develop and administer contracts and leases.

Education and Experience Guidelines -  Any combination of education and experience that would likely 
provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:
A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning, architecture, airport management, or related field.

Experience:
Five years of progressively responsible experience in managerial, marketing or admirative staff experience in a public agency.

License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate California Driver License. 
physical demands and WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in an office environment with travel from site to site; frequent contact with staff and the public; and work regular overtime and/or weekends. 
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office environment; frequently stand and walk; sit for extended periods; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; and use of engineering and office equipment, including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX.