Economic Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

Under limited supervision, promotes, facilitates, and coordinates efforts supporting economic growth, attracting investment, and fostering a business-friendly environment to enhance the community’s economic prosperity. Leads initiatives that drive business attraction, support local entrepreneurs, and promotes sustainable growth throughout the community.

Work Schedule

Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Assists in managing, facilitating, and monitoring third-party consultants engaged in business attraction and lead generation efforts.

· Implements strategic initiatives, including the Business Retention and Expansion Plan, while preparing detailed RFI responses and advancing both workforce development and downtown revitalization efforts to position Cleveland as a competitive, investment-ready community.

· Conducts and refines market research to identify and pursue business opportunities aligned with the region’s strengths and target industries; organizes and coordinates logistics for business attraction/recruitment missions, trade show participation, and meetings.

· Researches, compiles, and drafts responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) from state, regional economic development organizations (EDOs), and site selector project leads.

· Collaborates with the local Chamber of Commerce to develop and implement a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program.

· Conducts regular visits to businesses, organize roundtables, and coordinates events to identify business needs and provide solutions for long-term success.

· Acts as a liaison between businesses and local resources, facilitating connections and developing programs to support business operations and growth.

· Works with private-sector developers, investors, City staff, and community stakeholders to advance redevelopment efforts.

· Evaluates and recommends governmental measures related to land use, public utilities, community facilities, housing, and transportation for redevelopment and revitalization initiatives.

· Assists in developing incentive policies and strategies to encourage new investment in key areas.

· Collaborates with educational institutions, government agencies, businesses, and workforce development offices to create training programs aligned with industry needs.

· Researches and pursues state and national funding opportunities to support economic and workforce development, as well as infrastructure initiatives.

· Prepares and submits grant proposals to secure financial resources for economic development programs.

· Represents the Economic Development Corporation at community events, business meetings, and public forums; assists with department sponsored events and communicates key initiatives to the public.

· Analyzes data related to economic development outcomes, incentive compliance, and program performance to guide strategic decisions.

· Supports the Community Development Director in program development, budgeting, meetings, agendas, events, and strategic planning.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of –

· Construction plans, terminology, practices, and basic math.

· Development plans, terminology and practices.

· Project management to coordinate economic development initiatives.

· Business recruitment, community redevelopment and workforce partnerships.

· Grant guidelines and funding sources supporting strategic plans.

· Policies that guide redevelopment and investment strategies.

· Market research and data analysis.

· Modern office practices and procedures.

Ability to –

· Read, analyze, and interpret reports and documents.

· Write reports and business correspondences.

· Present information and respond to questions from customers and the general public.

· Apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.

· Interpret and apply ordinances and regulations.

· Read and interpret maps, plans, zoning codes, and development feasibility.

· Communicate clearly and concisely

· Establish and maintain effective relationships.

Education and Experience:

· A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Planning, Business, Public Administration, Communications, or a closely related field is preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

· A minimum of two (2) to four (4) years of experience in economic development, community development, municipal government, urban planning, business development, or a related field is required, with experience in an Economic Development Corporation (EDC) or municipal government setting preferred.

· Minimum of two (2) years of experience in business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts, as well as project coordination and stakeholder engagement, is required.

· Minimum of two (2) years of experience supporting economic development initiatives, including research, data analysis, grant assistance, and reporting, is preferred.

· Experience working with local businesses, developers, and community organizations is required. Familiarity with economic development tools, incentives, and programs is preferred.

· Professional certification or membership in a recognized economic development organization (such as IEDC or TEDC) is preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

· A valid Texas driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.

· Completion of the TEEX Basic Economic Development Course is required or must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.

· Certification or membership with a recognized economic development organization (such as the Texas Economic Development Council) is preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Employees work in a standard office setting, where collaboration with others is a regular occurrence. The noise level can vary from quiet to loud, depending on the nature of the tasks and interactions. Moderate travel to and from meetings, and training sessions also occurs. The role involves maintaining physical fitness to be able to sit and stand for extended periods. Additionally, there may be instances where moderate lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds is necessary. Good finger and manual dexterity required.