Under the general direction of the Economic Development Manager assists with a variety of economic development initiatives, including business recruitment, retention/expansion, programs that promote economic development and improve the quality of life for Santa Fe County residents, and implementation of the County’s Economic Development Plan.
- Researches, develops, implements, manages, and administrates programs and plans for economic and community development.
- Leads projects as assigned by the Economic Development Manager or the Department Director, which includes: publishing monthly newsletters; responding to business and development inquiries, providing resource webpages, coordinating business educational services and trainings, and identifying and addressing needs in the business community.
- Identifies, researches, prepares, submits, and administers grant funding for existing and new programs and opportunities related to economic and community development.
- Provides information and analysis to the County Commission, County Manager, and other County departments regarding economic issues.
- Performs economic development and industry research relating to the County’s target industries and to the regional economy.
- Collaborates with other government entities, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and regional entities on behalf of the County for economic development projects; supports local communities in identifying community issues developing improvement plans and accessing funding.
- Assists in the creation of recruitment and retention strategies for businesses in Santa Fe County in coordination with the Economic Development Manager.
- Supervising volunteer or temporary staff in developing projects and finalizing deliverables.
- Implements the Economic Development Plan as well as objectives for specific identified target industries.
- Plans, monitors, and promotes businesses to the region, further enhancing the economic development of that region; supports Santa Fe tourism outreach initiatives.
- Identifies appropriate economic development projects, activities, and opportunities for Santa Fe County and administers contracts.
- Creates and implements entrepreneurial and business development strategies and projects.
- Researches, develops, or revises ordinances impacting economic development; produces maps to inform project teams regarding infrastructure, grant, or other economic development projects.
- Serves as a primary point of contact for the business and development community to assist in maneuvering county processes and procedures and to connect them with resources and services.
- Represents Santa Fe County in meetings with government agencies, members of the public, and the private sector.
- Revises division website and produces public materials and reports; researches software options to improve efficiency of economic development programming; and reviews and edits community development plans and documents.
Knowledge/ Skills
- Knowledge of principles, practices, scope, and techniques of economic development; statistical and research methods and sources of data relating to economic development.
- Knowledge of comprehensive planning and land development regulations, policies, rules, and statutes.
- Ability to read site plans and legal descriptions, to use a variety of maps and map scales, to interpret map data, and convey that information to the public.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive public relations issues and information with tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to lead complex projects effectively and through completion.
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with individuals and in large public forums, and as a team member and team leader.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County officials and departments, consultants, vendors, contractors, other governmental agencies, and the public.
- Ability to respond courteously, tactfully, and effectively to public concerns and complaints.
- Ability to lead the work of others.
- Skilled in planning, organizing, and reviewing work of consultants and steering committees; in designing, analyzing, writing, and editing research studies, final reports and plans; and in preparing complex forms and documents.
- Skilled in interacting diplomatically with individuals and groups, including government officials and the media.
- Skilled in using GIS mapping and planning software.
- Skilled in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs in a Windows environment.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Economic Development, Public or Business Administration, Economics, or related field; and
- Four (4) years of experience in economic development, public or business administration, or a closely related field.
- Master’s Degree in Economic Development, Business Development, Economics, or related field preferred.
- Any combination of education or experience in public or business administration, economic development, or a closely related field totaling eight (8) years.
- Related education and experience may be substituted for education at a rate of 30 credit hours equal to one (1) year of experience.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with some field work required. Work schedule may include evening and weekend hours. Travel may be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. Clarity of vision at long and short distance required. May be required to lift up to 20 pounds. May be exposed occasionally to dust, fumes, airborne particles, or allergens; to working near hazardous or moving equipment or machinery; or to working with hostile, violent, or offensive individuals. May use protective clothing, equipment, devices, or materials on occasion. May be subject to exposure to CRTs and VDTs.
Conditions Of Employment
Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.
