Economic Development Manager bei City of Azusa, CA

About the Department

DEFINITION

Under administrative supervision, plans, organizes, directs, and manages the activities of the Economic Development Division; researches and prepares projects and services to attract, retain, and expand business opportunities and towards the development and administration of the City’s Economic Development programs; ensures compliance with the City’s General Plan; can work independently; requires experience in managing social media activities as part of outreach and communication efforts; performs related duties as required. 

Position Duties

• Coordinates and participates in the development, implementation, and administration of the City’s Economic Development programs; develops goals, objectives, policies, and priorities Economic Development programs; identifies resource needs; recommends and implements policies and procedures.
• Reviews, implements, and revises the City’s Economic Development programs as needed.
• Identifies opportunities for improving business assistance service to streamline processes and procedures; participates in the development and administration of the Economic Development Division budget.
• Collaborates with staff (internal and external) to coordinate related activities with other departments, outside agencies, and the business community to provide highly responsible and effective staff assistance.
• Serves as the official business liaison representing the City at various marketing events. 
• Serves as an ombudsperson to residents, business owners, property owners, and developers regarding City processes.
• Prepares market surveys and other studies to identify trends and determine viable development and redevelopment opportunities and projects.
• Assists the Director with the implementation or modification to the City’s Community Development Block Grant Program when needed.
• Coordinates with Federal, State, and Local agencies to keep current on the changes in legislation and regulations, as well as the requirements and availability of  funds.
• Coordinates the City’s economic development marketing efforts and dissemination of information to attract, retain and expand businesses in the City of Azusa; markets programs to citizens, property owners, realtors, and other parties; gathers, analyzes, and presents written and graphic presentations for Boards, Commissions, City Council and public hearings.
• Develops and maintains strong professional working relationships with existing State, County, and Local agencies in support of the City’s Economic Development programs; responds to and resolves complex or sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Supervises, organizes, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; leads or assists the Director with staff training, motivation, and development.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes information from various sources on a variety of specialized legislative topics; prepares comprehensive records and reports to present and interpret data; identifies alternatives and makes and justifies recommendations.
• Performs technical analysis and interpretation of pertinent economic, demographic, and physical data as it relates to economic revitalization.
• Serves as a liaison for economic development with employees, public and private organizations, community groups, organizations, contractors/consultants, and quasi-governmental groups; provides information and assistance regarding the legislative programs and services; delivers or assists in oral presentations as requested; responds to and resolves inquiries and complaints.
• Responsible for assisting with the oversight of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, as needed; Confers with other City departments on matters regarding CDBG-related programs; informs citizens of program opportunities through participation in public meetings and makes presentations before the City Council and/or Planning Commission.
• Prepares and administers grants; receives and audits applications for assistance; monitors affordability requirements and covenants; processes monthly purchase orders and invoices; monitors program compliance with appropriate laws and regulations.
• Compiles and maintains information containing inventory of economic data on the City, such as population growth, income levels, labor rates, taxes, transportation, vacant land data base, and other information relating to factors of business locations (both in hard copy and website formats).
• Assists in the coordination, marketing, implementation, and monitoring of various programs intended to strengthen the economic base of the community; negotiates financing tools and packages to implement the City’s revitalization programs; Represents the City with such organizations as the Chamber of Commerce and other business-related agencies.
• Develops and manages content for the City’s economic development-related social media channels; regularly creates and posts stories, updates, and promotional content to highlight local businesses, programs, and community initiatives.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration, Urban Planning, Real Estate, or a related field from an accredited college. A Master's Degree from an accredited college in a related field is highly desirable.
• Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in economic development, redevelopment, and/or city planning, with at least three (3) years of experience in a supervisory, lead, or managerial position. A Master's Degree may qualify as one (1) year of experience.

• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class C California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.

• Theories, principles, practices, and laws related to economic and business development, including market analysis. 
• Current processes, practices, and services related to the administration of economic development programs and activities..
• Working knowledge of community agencies and resources in order to effectively assist interested individuals in locating or relocating in the City.
• Principles of Federal program funding.
• Principles of public administration, budget preparation, and control.
• Principles and practices of sound personnel management and supervision.
• Techniques of marketing and promotion as related to economic development activities.
• Community characteristics, including but not limited to, planning, zoning, schools, budgets, recreational facilities and civic attractions.

• Manage and plan economic development programs and  by identifying, interpreting, and applying the appropriate policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations. 
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient economic development and housing services.
• Analyze economic studies, financial statements, marketing studies, and plans.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with consultants.
• Work independently and exercise considerable independent judgment in resolving issues.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and implement recommendations.
• Provide leadership and direction for the Economic Development Division.
• Plan, assign, and supervise the work of subordinate employees.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
• Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.
• Communicate and provide excellent customer service with all levels of City staff, management, government agencies, officials, and the public, as well as outside community organizations and businesses.
• Coordinate multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.

Other Qualifications

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting.
• Incumbents will be required to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, from time to time.  

• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist.
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight.
• Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard.
• Verbally communicate to exchange information.