Economic Development Manager Jobs in Massachusetts

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Town of Lexington
We are currently accepting applications for the full-time position of:
Director of Economic Development
Land Use, Housing & Development Department
Anticipated Hiring Range: $98,591 - $111,432
Excellent benefits package
The REQUIRED Town of Lexington application form and cover letter must be received in the
Town's Human Resource Department. This position is open until filled.
Summary
Manages Economic Development operations. Develops and implements economic
development strategies in coordination with Assistant Town Manager for Development,
Planning Director/staff, Property Developers, Property Owners, and other business
leadership. Supervises Economic Development staff and Tourism Manager, interns, part-
time and seasonal employees. Supervises contractors. Performs all other related work, as
required.
Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the
various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties
does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical
assignment to the position.
* Supervises Economic Development staff and Tourism Manager, interns, including
part-time and seasonal employees. Schedules and assigns work. Establishes work
procedures and performance standards. Evaluates performance. Supervises contractors
conducting special studies.
* Develops and implements economic development strategies consistent with priorities
established by the Select Board and Town Manager, in coordination with the Assistant
Town Manager for Development.
* Supervises the Tourism Manager, which oversees the Lexington Visitors Center
operation and Town of Lexington tourism functions.
* Prepares, manages, and monitors the operating budget and Revolving Fund budget.
* Acts as liaison between the Town and community boards and committees, the
Chamber of Commerce, merchants' associations, and public, private or nonprofit
groups and associations.
* Assists in the development of new practices. Drafts new policies for boards and
committees' consideration.
* Develops grant program and applications. Writes and administers grants.
* Oversees and manages grant funds.
* Serves as permit navigator for prospective new business to assist developers and
landlords through the permitting processes.
* Reviews economic development-related zoning and other applications.
* Provides guidance to the Planning Board on economic development issues.
* Recruits and assists prospective businesses in locating and maintaining business
operations. Advises retail and small businesses on strategies to improve their business
model.
* Participates in Cultural District Managing Partnership programs and meetings.
* Manages and updates ED website content in-coordination with Town's Webmaster
* Attends economic development, and business trade-shows representing the Town.
* Represents Lexington on Regional Economic Development organizations
* Drafts Requests for Proposals, Manages vendor contracts, and prepares written
agreements in coordination with the Town's Purchasing Director.
* Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates.
Supervision
Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible functions requiring a specialized
working knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and
initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established
procedures.
Supervision Received: Works under the broad general guidance of the Assistant Town
Manager for Development, setting and following department rules, regulations and
policies; duties require the ability to plan and perform operations and independently
complete tasks, according to prescribed time schedules.
Supervision Given: Supervises Senior Economic Development Coordinator, Tourism
Manager, and other full and part-time staff.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience
Master's degree, MBA or equivalent plus 5-7 years of increasingly responsible
experience in economic development (local government preferred), supervision,
budgeting, and marketing or an equivalent combination of education, training and
experience are required. Computer literacy is required. American Institute of Certified
Planners, or Certified Economic Developer certification are preferred.
Knowledge: Knowledge of business and economic development. Knowledge of business
retention and attraction methods. Knowledge of business models including for small
business, life sciences, retail, restaurant, and tourism operations. Knowledge of municipal
zoning and infrastructure, planning programs, and processes. Knowledge of financial
administration and budget management and reporting. Knowledge of information and
data used for economic development, including surveys and market analysis. Knowledge
and skill with principles and practices of record keeping and reporting. Knowledge of
retail and restaurant business principles and practices. Knowledge of administrative
office practices and procedures. Knowledge of town government. Knowledge of federal,
state and local laws, codes, and regulations required for department operations.
Knowledge of Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Media Management, Public
Relations, and designing digital marketing materials. Knowledge of the lab, bio and
pharmaceutical sector. Knowledge of energy efficiency in commercial real estate
development. Knowledge of best management practices to supervise staff.
Ability: Ability to interact appropriately and tactfully with customers. Ability to maintain
detailed and accurate records. Ability to explain Department regulations, policies and
procedures. Ability to work independently. Ability to set and follow detailed timetables.
Ability to multi-task and collaborate. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to
perform data entry. Ability to write grants, develop, and administer grant programs.
Skills: Proficient customer service and organization skills. Excellent written and verbal
communication skills. Proficient skill with hiring, evaluating, disciplining and
terminating staff. Excellent computer skills with MS Office Suite applications. Proficient
skills with new and existing computer and software applications supporting departmental
operations, including database management. Advanced skills with report generation, the
Internet, Munis, and spreadsheets.
Job Environment
* Work is performed in office environment with moderate noise levels, and with
frequent interruptions to respond to requests for information or service. Work is
subject to fluctuations, and administrative deadlines. Employee routinely attends
weekend day and evening meetings, and weekday evening meetings.
* Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other
standard office equipment.
* The employee has frequent contact with Lexington based businesses, developers,
Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, state organizations and
Officials, surrounding towns and cities, committees, boards, vendors, consultants,
media, Retailers Association, residents, and prospective businesses.
* The employee has access to confidential information.
* Errors could result in delays or loss of service, monetary loss, and injuries to other
employees, damages to buildings and/or equipment, and legal ramifications.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to
communicate, or hear. Occasionally the employee is required to stand, walk, and sit. The
employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Vision
and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges is necessary. This position requires the
ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer
and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and
requirements of the job change.
Pay Equity/Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants are required to complete a town application form [Lexington, MA]
Employment Application, Resumes may be attached to the application form as additional
information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required application form.
The Town reserves the right to modify the application deadline, and/or accept
applications after the deadline, to best serve the interest of the community.
All applications will be reviewed, and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited
to one or more interviews. All applicants will be notified of their standing in the process
as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application.
Prior to appointment, the final candidate may be required to pass a CORI check.
Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this process should
contact the Human Resources Department.
Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to the:
Human Resources Department, Town of Lexington
Email: jobs@lexingtonma.gov, Phone# (781) 698-4590
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420