Economic Development Consultant Jobs in California

DEFINITION Under administrative direction, to plan, direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the work of staff performing difficult and complex professional, technical, and office support work related to programs and activities of the Economic Development Department; to coordinate assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Department Head. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Assume management responsibility for Economic Development Department services and activities.

Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Economic Development Department; recommend appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures. Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with the Department Head; direct the implementation of improvements. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.

Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for the Economic Development Department; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures. Manage and participate in the development and administration of the department annual budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct and implement adjustments as necessary. Serve as a liaison for the Economic Development Department with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve significant and controversial issues.

Coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Manage economic development projects, programs, and initiatives on an ongoing basis, including real property development and workforce development. Manage land acquisition and property management activities, as necessary; research and calculate property values; market and manage City owned properties; administer assigned contracts.

Meet and confer with department staff regarding interpretations of program policies and procedures. Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to department programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. Oversee the production of project cost estimates, completion schedules, and project implementation budgets; review and approve contracts, financing arrangements, and real estate documents for review with general counsel; monitor project expense budgets and approves/processes project expenditures.

Prepare RFP's and RFQ's for consultant projects, studies, and the sale and development of land; review independent contractor proposals and select independent contractors; coordinate, review, and evaluate work of third-party contractors, including appraisers, market analysis, and title companies; coordinate activities of consultants in the planning review and negotiation phases of assigned projects. Develop and review staff reports related to economic development activities and services; present reports to the City Council and other commissions, committees, and boards; perform a variety of public relations and outreach work related to department activities. Develop marketing and promotion programs and materials to enhance the implementation of economic development activities; develop and implement programs to ensure economic revitalization of the City's business district.

Manage business retention, attraction, and expansion in the City through the coordination of real estate brokers, developers, tenants, business owners, community stakeholders, and inter and intra City staff. Oversee staff and administrative work in the planning, analysis, and implementation of specific real estate and development projects. Prepare and monitor real estate and development project schedules and coordinate implementation of the project through completion.

Monitor and forecast real estate and development fiscal and economic activity impact. Render technical assistance to private developers, citizen groups, nonprofit foundations, public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals for the purpose of securing maximum development through owner participation and/or private developers. Develop implementation strategies in the review and evaluation of economic development proposals received in response to marketing programs, including the incorporation of financial methods and programs that would assist in implementation of the proposed project.

Prepare and coordinate the preparation and/or review of written materials on projects including economic development agreements, participation agreements, leases, maps, progress reports, and City Council staff reports. Research, prepare, administer, and implement grants. Coordinate the development of long-range urban design goals, planning objectives, and development standards within assigned project areas.

Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of economic development. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints. OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, project management, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision. Operational characteristics, services, and activities of comprehensive economic development programs. General principles of safety, emergency/disaster, and risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.

Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of economic development programs, policies, and operational needs. Modern and complex principles and practices of economic development program development and administration. Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures. Applicable Federal, State, local laws, codes, and regulations related to the development, implementation, and administration of economic development programs. Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation.

Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to economic development. Advanced principles of land economics and redevelopment and municipal procedures. Economic development and redevelopment law and regulations.

Workforce development programming needs, including program development and administration. This includes relationship building with private industry to understand recruitment and training needs on an ongoing basis. California real estate law, principles, and practices, and relocation assistance law.

Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment. Computer applications related to the work. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff, in person and over the telephone. Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Safe driving principles and practices. Skill to: Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software. Operate a motor vehicle safely.

Ability to: Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Economic Development Department. Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient economic development programs. Manage, direct, and coordinate the work of professional, technical, and administrative support personnel.

Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff. Identify and respond to community and economic development issues, concerns, and needs. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of economic development goals.

Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs. Make presentations before community groups.

Evaluate and recommend bids, proposals and projects. Prepare and administer budgets. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.

Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to Economic Development Department programs and functions. Effectively represent the Department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals. Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.

Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible economic development and/or related experience including two (2) years of supervisory experience. Training: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, public or business administration, or a related field.

License or Certificate: Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license and insurability at regular rates for the City's automobile insurance. Special Requirements: Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to work in a standard office environment; ability to travel to different sites and locations.