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Job Title: Economic Development Manager

Department: Planning & Community Development

Reports To: Community Development Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared by: Human Resource

Prepared Date: 10/2024

SUMMARY

The primary duties of the Economic Development Coordinator are to be responsible for developing, directing, and administering the economic development functions for the City of Opa-locka.

NATURE OF WORK

The primary goal of this position is to develop and execute strategies to enhance the economic vitality of the City of Opa-locka and to implement and oversee programs and initiatives established by the City Manager and City Commission that will attract new businesses, retain existing business, strengthen our commercial corridors and Historic Downtown Opa-locka District, and support growth and development of existing businesses to promote a stronger economic base and a diverse mix of business and uses in City of Opa-locka commercial andindustrial districts industrial districts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Determine, with the City Manager and Director of Planning and Community Development [PCD], the annual and future objectives and performance measures to accomplish the City’s economic development goals. Assist in preparing, monitoring, and implementing the operating and project budgets. Advise the PCD Director [as appropriate] on economic development projects and strategies consistent with the Opa-locka Comprehensive Master Plan and other related planning documents.

· Design programs and projects that develop strategies and methods for economic development intended to attract and retain commercial business in the city.

· Develop a strategic plan of retail business growth, retention, and redevelopment.

· Work closely and independently to build relationships with the local Chamber of Commerce, Businesses Associations, Miami-Dade Convention and Visitors Bureau, e-Business Development Centers, Industrial, Innovation and Technology Districts and other agencies to support existing businesses and to identify opportunities and strategies to attract new businesses.

· Act as a resource for new and existing businesses which may include coordinating the business registration program, evaluating the plan review, and building permit process and assisting with special licensing issues such as the Business license, etc. Review the City’s use of State Sales Tax, and TIF District Funds to create viable and relevant economic development programs.

· Develop marketing and promotion programs for the village, and implement these programs to the extent financially feasible, including programs for both business and residential marketing and tourism activities such as theme and image branding, logos, marketing brochures and displays, visual or electronic activities that promote the City of Opa-locka for economic development goals and objectives.

· Conduct market research, analyses and surveys to identify alternate programs and strategies to promote the economic development program.

· Develop and actively promote business incentive-based programs. Helps businesses desiring to locate in City of Opa-locka, as well as existing businesses seeking to renovate or expand.

· Create, develop, and maintain an inventory of specific development sites within the city that are most appropriate for commercial development, including updating and maintaining the information on the City’s website.

· Evaluate the potential financial impact of new businesses; identify, develop, and recommend appropriate incentive packages when appropriate and answer public inquiries, and responds to request for information such as market data, tax structure and economic incentive possibilities and procedures.

· Assist in the formulation and implementation of tax increment financing plans for OCRA and other economic incentives for the rest of the City of Opa-locka.

· Attend trade shows to promote the business development of the City.

· Meet with existing businesses to help promote good work relationships between the business community and the city.

· Pursue private sources for available grants as opportunities arise.

· Service as PCD staff liaison to Opa-locka Community Redevelopment Agency [OCRA].

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS.

· Bachelor’s degree in finance, marketing, business, public administration, urban planning, or related field.

· Master’s Degree Business Administration and/or AICP Certification preferred.

· Minimum of three (3) years of economic development or municipal government experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

· Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with the public and colleagues.

· Ability to take control of situations, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.

· Ability to prioritize projects to best effectuate the City’s strategic goals.

· Ability to instruct and train in methods and procedures.

· Ability to identify actions, strategies, and methods to guide the implementation and City of Opa-locka formulation of the city’s economic development goals.

· Ability to use market research methodologies and public relations principles and practices.

· Ability to comprehend, retain and apply City, State, and Federal policies and legislation, i.e. City’s code of ordinances, procedure manuals, etc.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from an accredited four-year College or university; and four years related experience and/or training.BS degree in Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, Geography, Historic Preservation, Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies, or a closely related field is preferred.

OR

A master’s degree in urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, or any of the related fields may substitute for two years’ experience.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Minimum of four (4) years responsible experience in City, County, or Regional Planning Agency.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General and specific assignments are received as to beats or details and work is normally performed with latitude for the use of independent judgment in the selection of work methods and procedures, subjects to review through analysis of reports, personal inspection, and discussion

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Directs and coordinates the work of Police Corporals and Officers; general and specific assignments are received as to details and work is normally performed with latitude for use of independent judgment in the selection of work methods and procedures, subject to review through analysis of reports, personal inspection, and discussion; may be assigned to direct the work of Police Department employees who perform support services and duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

On a continuous basis sit at a desk and/or stand for long periods of time. Frequently required to walk. Frequently required to see, hear, and talk with employees and the public. Frequently required to read and/or present documents, write or use keyboard to communicate through written means, use a calculator to compute figures. On occasion it is requested to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or smell. Intermittently twist and reach office equipment. On occasion it is required to lift or carry weights up to 20 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.