Economic Geographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Economic Development Manager supports the City’s economic development services, projects, and programs by analyzing, coordinating, and administering initiatives that promote business growth, redevelopment, and community investment. The position facilitates project processing and permitting for local businesses, monitors and evaluates economic trends using business license and business retention and expansion data, and serves as a resource to City staff, external agencies, and the public.

This role oversees Main Street initiatives through planning and direct supervision of the Main Street Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conducts Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis and prepares mapping documents for clients, consultants, City staff, and developers to support business attraction, relocation, expansion, land use decisions, marketing, and sales tax analysis. Utilizes economic and demographic data from CoStar and other databases to support economic development initiatives.
• Assists in the preparation of economic and community development reports for boards, commissions, committees, and other stakeholders; gathers, analyzes, and synthesizes data to support short- and long-term planning efforts.
• Prepares meeting agendas, minutes, summaries, and informational materials as required.
• Supports community and economic development projects throughout the City, including implementation of the Downtown Master Plan, Northside Redevelopment Plan, Urban Redevelopment Plan and other adopted plans through project coordination and analysis.
• Manages and coordinates selected community and economic development projects that utilize tools to encourage revitalization and public improvement; identifies, evaluates, and recruits eligible projects for Tax Allocation District (TAD) grants and other incentive programs based on readiness and feasibility.
• Advises and coordinates meetings and activities of the Downtown Development Authority, Urban Redevelopment Agency, and Public Arts Commission; provides technical guidance, prepares presentations, and ensures compliance with adopted plans, ordinances, and economic development goals.
• Provides briefings, reports, and presentations to the Mayor and City Council as requested, communicating departmental information in a clear and professional manner.
• Coordinates business initiatives with new and existing businesses within City limits; implements business retention and expansion efforts through outreach, site visits, meetings, and coordination with internal and external partners to strengthen the local business climate.
• Exercises independent judgment in managing property leases for City-owned properties in the downtown area.
• Builds and maintains relationships with businesses, property owners, developers, consultants, brokers, regional partners, and other stakeholders; serves as an advocate for economic development by providing customer-focused problem solving and assistance with application and permitting processes.
• Supports additional initiatives consistent with the Downtown Master Plan, Urban Redevelopment Plan and Northside Redevelopment Plan; develops programs, tools, and promotional materials in coordination with communications staff to support small businesses and encourage investment.
• Assists in coordinating major development projects citywide; prepares and maintains information related to utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, financing tools, and incentives; and coordinates responses with other departments and external agencies.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or closely related field; five (5) years of professional experience related to economic development or working with small businesses.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of economic development principles, strategies, incentives, financing tools, market, business, and economic trends.
• Knowledge of research methods, statistical analysis techniques, and report preparation practices.
• Knowledge of planning, zoning, development review, project processing, and permitting procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of City organizational structure, departmental functions, records management practices, and modern office systems and technologies, including GIS.
• Skill in using computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and GIS tools, to perform analysis and prepare reports, charts, graphs, and related materials.
• Skill in clear and professional oral and written communication using standard English grammar and usage.
• Ability to conduct research and prepare accurate analyses, reports, and recommendations to support economic development programs and projects.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and development standards while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Ability to represent the City effectively when working with boards, commissions, community groups, businesses, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and coordinate activities across departments and with external agencies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires light physical activity, including prolonged sitting and standing; walking throughout City facilities and the community; occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of light materials; frequent use of hands and fingers for handling documents and operating computers and office equipment; repetitive motion; and sufficient visual, hearing, and mental acuity to analyze data, communicate effectively, and perform detailed work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in an office and community-based environment that requires responsiveness to changing priorities, multiple concurrent projects, and frequent interaction with City staff, businesses, boards, commissions, and the public.