Economic Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION

The Economic Development Coordinator supports theactivities of the Duncanville Community and Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) under the supervision of the Economic Development Director. The DCEDC holds public hearings about proposed economic development and community-enhancement programs and projects; and makes recommendations
to the City Council regarding those programs and projects and the expenditure of Type B sales tax funds to attract, retain, and expand business opportunities in Duncanville. The DCEDC also works to enhance Duncanville as a location for events and entertainment and helps local businesses market events that bring outside investment and overnight hotel stays.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Note: This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position.

Strategic Planning

• Assist in the development and implementation of the City's economic development
  strategy in alignment with community goals and objectives.
• Conduct market research and analyze economic trends to identify opportunities for
  growth.

Business Attraction and Retention

• Identify and engage potential businesses for attraction to the area.
• Work with existing businesses to support their growth and retention through assistance
  programs and resources.
• Facilitate the site selection process for new and expanding businesses.
• Build and maintain a citywide inventory of vacant and underutilized commercial properties, including ownership, property condition, lease or sale status, and redevelopment potential to support business recruitment and site marketing efforts.
• Engage directly with commercial property owners, landlords, brokers, and property managers to obtain current leasing and ownership information, identify redevelopment opportunities, and provide recommendations to the Economic Development Director.
• Conduct Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) visits with existing Duncanville businesses to identify operational needs, expansion opportunities, and potential challenges while serving as an ambassador for the City's business community.

Community Engagement

• Foster relationships with local stakeholders, including business owners, residents, and civic organizations.
• Conduct public meetings, workshops, and outreach activities to promote economic
  initiatives.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate informational workshops and outreach events for commercial property owners, developers, and business owners regarding City programs, incentives, redevelopment opportunities, and economic development resources.

Project Management

• Oversee economic development projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within
  budget.
• Collaborate with other departments (public services, zoning, permits, inspections, etc.) to ensure cohesive development efforts.
• Coordinate with Planning & Development, Public Works, and Code Compliance to evaluate priority commercial properties, including zoning, infrastructure, permitting, and code compliance considerations that support redevelopment and business recruitment initiatives.

Funding and Grants

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including state and federal grants for economic
  development projects.
• Manage grant applications and reporting to ensure compliance with funding requirements.

Policy Development

• Assist in the formation of policies and regulations that promote economic development.
• Provide recommendations to City leadership regarding economic incentives and
  programs.

Data Analysis

• Collect and analyze economic data to assess the effectiveness of development initiatives.
• Maintain and analyze commercial property and business activity data to identify trends, redevelopment opportunities, and target areas for investment and recruitment.
• Prepare reports and presentations for DCEDC, City Council, and community stakeholders.

Marketing and Promotion

• Develop marketing materials to promote the municipality as a business-friendly
  destination.
• Represent the City at regional and state economic development conferences.

Miscellaneous

• Performs additional duties as assigned that fall within the scope of the job functions

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Requires an Associate’s Degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field, and three (3) years of related work experience. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be accepted on a year for year basis. The total qualifying equivalent combination is five (5) years.

Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) is preferred. Paid travel and career development
training opportunities are available for this position, as are the adopted yearly budget.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of economic development, principles, practices, and legislation.
• Knowledge of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to work with Microsoft Office Suite including Access, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc. as well as Placer.ai, ArcGIS, and other database and online mapping programs.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments and meet multiple deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and tactfully deal with internal and external customers, co-workers, partnering agencies, etc.
• Ability to be well organized and detailed.
• Skilled in computer applications and in creating reports and presentations.
• Effective verbal, presentation, and listening communication skills.
• Preferred: Spanish / English bilingualism is a plus.

ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULES

This position is eligible for hybrid-remote, flexible hours, and 4, 10-hour days scheduling upon the
successful completion of a six (6) month probationary period and at supervisor’s discretion.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The candidate must have a valid, US driver’s license
• Bilingual preferred
• Board Meetings are the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Attendance is expected.