Director of Economic Development

City of Red Oak • Full-time • Red Oak, Texas, United States • 18h ago

Applications must include a cover letter and résumé.

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Economic Development, assists with planning, coordinating, and implementing the City’s retail/commercial development, industrial development, business recruitment, business retention and expansion, marketing, project management, and government affairs initiatives. Supports strategic efforts to attract private investment, strengthen the local economy, advance the City’s legislative priorities, and promote Red Oak as a premier location for business and development.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Assists the Executive Director in developing, administering, and implementing economic development programs, policies, strategic initiatives, and work plans that support the City’s vision and long-term economic growth.
Provides leadership and strategic direction to increase the City’s visibility through marketing, communications, branding, digital media, print materials, presentations, website content, and other promotional resources.
Identifies quality business prospects and develops marketing and outreach strategies to attract, retain, and expand targeted businesses within the City.
Maintains effective working relationships with developers, brokers, site selectors, landowners, business owners, consultants, the Chamber of Commerce, regional partners, and other stakeholders involved in economic development projects.
Manages assigned prospects and development projects, including identifying key deal points, coordinating internal review, assisting with draft agreements, and communicating project status to the Executive Director, City Manager’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, and other parties as directed.
Evaluates incentive requests and prepares data, fiscal impact information, cost-benefit analyses, and related materials for consideration by the Economic Development Corporation, City Council, or other appropriate bodies.
Serves as a liaison between new or expanding businesses and City departments to support permitting, utility coordination, fire code compliance, zoning review, certificates of occupancy, and related development processes.
Serves as the primary government affairs liaison between the City and federal, state, and regional governmental entities, helping advance the City’s legislative priorities and ensuring Red Oak’s interests are represented in governmental and intergovernmental forums.
Monitors federal, state, and regional legislative activities affecting municipal operations, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, funding opportunities, and other City priorities.
Monitor and navigate state and federal agencies regulating power, natural gas, transmission and distribution processes (PUC, ERCOT,etc.).
Acquisition and real estate transactions involving city-owned, IDC and EDC properties.
Designs, prepares, presents, and coordinates City presentations, proposals, reports, and marketing materials for business prospects, community partners, elected officials, boards, commissions, and other audiences.
Prepares agendas, supporting documentation, reports, and presentations for City Council functions, Economic Development Corporation, Industrial Development Corporation boards, commissions, and partner meetings as needed.
Assists with preparation and administration of the departmental budget, including forecasting funds needed for staffing, programs, equipment, materials, consultant services, and related expenditures; monitors spending and recommends adjustments as necessary.
Conducts research, collects and analyzes data, maintains project and prospect information, and monitors economic, demographic, real estate, infrastructure, workforce, and market trends to support economic development decisions and promotional efforts.
Works with outside agencies, regional partners, and professional consultants as necessary; assists the Executive Director in providing technical information on development issues to City leadership, City Council, boards, commissions, and committees.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings, conferences, training, and community events; stay informed of trends, best practices, and innovations in economic development and municipal government affairs.
Represents the City professionally and positively with business leaders, community partners, residents, elected officials, and the public to promote Red Oak as a desirable place to conduct business.
Maintains regular and timely attendance.
Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers, elected and appointed officials, business representatives, and others in the course of daily work.
Performs related duties as assigned when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is required.
Master’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business recruitment, business retention and expansion, government affairs, municipal administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
Preferred economic development certifications include completion of the Certified Texas Economic Developer Certification (CTED), University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) and/or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).