City of Woodburn is looking for an Economic Development Director to join the executive management team. Incumbent manages all aspects of the City’s economic development program, activities and functions and urban renewal development within the City. Economic Development Director builds and maintains close relationships with businesses, property owners, commercial real estate professionals, developers, and government agency partners to support existing businesses and to encourage and support the development of new and existing businesses. Serves as a liaison between the City Council, departments, the public, urban renewal agency and the Cty Manager.
Community:
Located within the beautiful Willamette Valley, just 30 minutes outside of Portland and 20 minutes from Salem, the City of Woodburn, Oregon, is looking for an ideal candidate to help shape future development within the community through infrastructure and planning. Barely an hour from the beaches, the mountains and Oregon’s most popular state park, residents and visitors enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities that abound in the Pacific Northwest.
With a diverse community known for its friendly and supportive nature, this position offers an opportunity to make a difference and help shape the community’s future.
Woodburn is a community rich in history, tradition and diversity. With a blend of Anglo, Hispanic and Russian cultures, Woodburn celebrates its diversity as one of Oregon’s fastest growing communities, with a population of almost 30,000. Long known as a center of agriculture, Woodburn is also the window to the Willamette Valley, providing visitors a gateway to some of the area’s most beautiful attractions, including The Oregon Garden and Champoeg and Silver Falls State Parks.
Woodburn Premium Outlets, a top state tourist attraction, has over 100 brand name and specialty stores offering great shopping value. Situated in a large agricultural area, Woodburn is a gateway to many farms, nurseries and harvest festivals in the area. Al’s Garden Center started in Woodburn in 1948, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm hosts a month-long Tulip Festival in March/April, Bauman’s Farm and Garden, in Gervais, hosts a month-long harvest festival in October, and Mt. Angel Oktoberfest celebrates the end of the harvest season in September. Another attraction is the Woodburn Dragstrip just west of I-5. Built in 1961, Woodburn Dragstrip has a ¼-mile track and hosts many racing events from March through October.
The Woodburn City Council advocates growth and urban renewal. A new economic development vision encourages the attraction of environmentally friendly businesses that provide livable wages and enhance the community’s quality of life. Over the past two decades, Woodburn has grown 74.0 percent to an area of 5.4 square miles. Family is historically and culturally important here. With the support of the community, the Woodburn school system and its students continue to excel and achieve academically.
City:
Incorporated in 1889, the City of Woodburn is a full-service municipality, excluding fire services, and operates under a Council-Administrator form of government. The City is organized into the following operating departments: Administration, City Attorney, City Recorder, Community Development, Community Services, Economic Development, Finance, Human Resources, Police, Public Works, and Special Projects. The City has 181 FTEs and an operating budget of $38 million, with $5.6 million URA budget.
City Manager Scott Derickson has served Woodburn since October 2008. Mr. Derickson is a longtime member of ICMA and enjoys a reputation as a progressive and innovative City Manager who has consistently developed excellent management teams in each of his previous positions. The City of Woodburn is in good financial condition, backed by sound fiscal policies and practices.
Position:
Incumbent manages all aspects of the City’s economic development program, activities and functions and urban renewal development within the City. Economic Development Director builds and maintains close relationships with businesses, property owners, commercial real estate professionals, developers, and government agency partners to support existing businesses and to encourage and support the development of new and existing businesses. Serves as a liaison between the City Council, departments, the public, urban renewal agency and the City Manager.
A Bachelor’s Degree in economics, marketing, public administration, urban planning, or a related field and seven (7) years of experience in a position responsible for economic development, urban renewal, policy development, small business administration funding strategies, preferably in the public sector; experience with supervising staff; commercial and/or industrial property development and/or financing is preferred. Valid Oregon Class C driver’s license and ability to meet City's driving standards. Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred.
The priorities and focus expected from the incumbent are as follows:
Business Retention, Expansion & Recruitment (BRE)
Maintain core BRE responsibilities including employer outreach, site visits, follow‑up, and problem solving for local companies.
- Continue developing relationships with major traded‑sector employers, leveraging the momentum from significant recruitment successes (e.g., Amazon project).
- Recruit new employers by coordinating with regional partners and providing timely, accurate information on utilities, zoning, incentives, and workforce.
Industrial Land Development & Strategic Expansion
- Lead implementation of the 2025 Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion that added 237 acres of industrial land.
- Work with developers, infrastructure partners, and state agencies to bring new industrial parcels to a market‑ready state.
- Provide economic analysis, site readiness planning, and investment recommendations to City leadership.
Urban Renewal, Enterprise Zones & Incentive Management
Manage and modernize the Urban Renewal Agency programs, including redevelopment, business incentives, and public‑private partnerships.
- Administer Enterprise Zone programs and coordinate with regional partners to promote participation and compliance.
- Recommend improvements to incentives and redevelopment tools based on market needs and project feasibility.
Downtown Revitalization & Placemaking
Continue Main Street–based revitalization work, historic preservation projects, and building rehabilitation efforts.
- Support downtown district businesses through marketing, technical assistance, and coordination with property and business owners.
- Oversee public art initiatives, mural programs, and other placemaking activities that enhance business activity and community identity.
Strengthen and Expand Regional Leadership
Provide oversight and expansion of North Marion Business Services Alliance and North Marion Tourism Collaborative activities.
- Leadership in regional economic development and tourism strategies, including coordination with county, regional partners, and multiple cities.
Cross‑Agency Collaboration & Regional Partnerships
- Maintain strong relationships with SEDCOR, Business Oregon, Marion County, Greater Portland Inc., and other partners.
- Convene employer and industry forums such as the Industrial Business Roundtable.
- Refer or coordinate assistance for employers and entrepreneurs through partner organizations when appropriate.
Grant Funding & Program Development
Identify and pursue grants for infrastructure, downtown revitalization, tourism, energy efficiency, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
- Prepare competitive proposals and manage awarded grants, ensuring compliance and timely reporting.
- Continue developing innovative economic programs modeled after past successes such as the Arts & Murals Program and business video campaigns.
Data, Analysis & Reporting
- Maintain and update economic data including utilities, zoning, taxes, transportation, incentives, and property databases for response to business inquiries.
- Prepare analysis and recommendations supporting policy development, land‑use decisions, and budget planning.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
Establish and maintain strong relationships with business owners, developers, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and members of the public.
- Continue convening tourism, workforce, and business collaboratives such as the North Marion Business Alliance.
- Represent the City at regional and statewide events related to economic development.
Please attach a cover letter and your resume to apply.
Per Oregon Revised Statutes 408.225 and 408.230, the City of Woodburn grants preference in hiring and promotion of veterans and disabled veterans as defined by state law. If you are eligible and wish to claim Veterans' preference points, please indicate so on your application. Please note that you need to submit documentation of your eligibility at the time of your application.
City of Woodburn is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Women, veterans, and minorities are encouraged to apply
