Director, Economic Development (At-Will)

Overall Job Objective

Description

"What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same and nothing that you did mattered?" (Bill Murray, Groundhog Day)

Does that sound like your career? Perhaps it feels like your workday is a cross between endless commuter traffic and a bland, repetitive workload? Crave excitement? Purpose? A work/life balance? A less stressful commute to the fastest growing county in Arizona? It's time you find out more about Pinal County.

We're all about shaking up the stereotype that working in government is dull. We're disruptors; we're innovators, all passionately sharing the same vision of making Pinal County the best place to live and work in the country. Want to escape Groundhog Day?

If this sounds like you, then we want to hear from you, because Pinal County is looking for their next rock star Economic Development Director!

Applicant Notices:

• Grade/Salary Range: Pay Grade 18: $87,718.00 - $140,349.00. The starting salary for this position is typically between $87,718.00 up to $114,034.00 DOE.
• Applicant Screening: Applications will be screened as they are received.
• Continuous Posting Notice: This recruitment may be closed when a sufficient number of applications have been received.
• At-Will: This position is not covered under the Pinal County Merit System. Incumbents in this position serve at the pleasure of their respective Appointing Authority. The employment relationship of incumbents in this position is "at will"; the employee may be terminated at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.

JOB SUMMARY
Performs professional work of considerable difficulty in directing strategy and execution of the Economic Development and Workforce Development Department. Key responsibilities will be the strategic planning, policy development and execution of the Departments activities. These items will include building and maintaining key business relationships with community groups, trade associations, economic development allies and businesses while striving to diversify the economic base of Pinal County. Directs, oversees and implements strategic planning, policies, department activities, programs and fosters business partnerships through interagency coordination and collaborations, incentive negotiations and business services.

This position is not covered under the Pinal County Merit System. Incumbents in this position serve at the pleasure of their respective Appointing Authority. The employment relationship of incumbents in this position is "at will" the employee may be terminated at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.

Example of Duties

Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this description.

TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Directs and oversees the programs, activities and staff of the Economic Development and Workforce Development department.
• Serves as an ambassador for the County by effectively representing the interests of Pinal County.
• Actively support the economic vitality and expansion of existing businesses; attract new business to the County and working with entrepreneurs to establish new enterprises by using a variety of economic development strategies.
• Evaluate, identify, develop, plan and direct economic and workforce development initiatives, policies and programs in support of Pinal Countys strategic business priorities.
• Fosters and builds strong working relationships and networks with local business, associations, cities/towns, and state agencies that serve Pinal County business needs.
• Maintain working knowledge of the federal, state and regional business landscape.
• Maintain and enhance relationships with the Countys major employers.
• Coordinate business site selection and workforce services for the County as a one stop solution to businesses interested in locating or expanding in Pinal County.
• Actively recruits new business to Pinal County in order to address local and community workforce and economic goals and initiatives.
• Promote Pinal County programs through a variety of platforms to continuously attract new business ventures that meet the economic and workforce business plans and goals.
• Oversee the development of policies and outreach strategies that assist the County in understanding local business needs and how to better meet those needs.
• Maintain working knowledge of federal and state incentives and related tax credits associated with economic development.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of the workings and requirements of WIOA,
• Perform regular assessments of the Economic Development and Workforce Department structure and staffing in order to maximize resources and to effectively and efficiently meet Pinal County business priorities.
• Performs research to assess current economic and workforce market conditions; identify pertinent information needed to conduct studies; analyzes information; and develops communication strategies to persuade and inform the target audience.
• Develop a yearly strategic plan for the department with clearly articulated goals and objectives.
• Conceptualize, design and implement business assistance tools that will be useful in advancing the economic development goals of the County while maintaining sound fiscal philosophies.
• Provide training and assistance to local businesses on related economic and workforce related issues in support of business success.
• Develop, direct, and align short and long term economic strategies with workforce development program services offered to Pinal Countys business community; create promotional concepts to raise awareness and discover solutions to workforce related issues.
• Serve as the Pinal County Representative on economic development and workforce development committees and boards.
• Prepare reports detailing current market and labor conditions, i.e., supply/demand and effect of the labor market on the regional community.
• Apply for grants that are applicable in advancing Pinal Countys economic development goals.
• Develop and manage a department budget that conforms with interagency agreements as well as federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Propose new services and programs to County Management and provides input on topics related to economic and workforce development and growth.
• Support, ensure and uphold the County policies, goals and vision. .
• Effectively manage and maintain records for the Economic Development department in accordance with County policy and public record laws
• Promote and adhere to the workplace values of accountability, commitment, and teamwork to help enrich lives beyond expectation.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues; including but not limited to the identities of prospects, project negotiations, customer records and restricted County information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• None.

Minimum Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• A Bachelors degree in Business Management, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in economic development, business administration, business assistance, workforce development or related field and two (2) years of experience in a supervising role.
• Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience may substitute for the minimum requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Masters degree in Economic Development, Business or Public Administration or related field.
• Certification as an Economic Developer.
• Experience in successfully developing business relationships that resulted in economic and workforce growth.
• Experience with or as a site selector.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Principles and practices of managing economic development programs and initiatives.
• State and Federal regulations and standards governing economic development.
• Administering and maintaining department budget and financial obligations which can include grants.
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting market data, economic trends and growth.
• Promoting and marketing business interests for economic development.
• Establishing and maintaining partnerships with local business agencies.
• Effective communication and time management skills.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of economic development, small business administration, and urban redevelopment.
• Knowledge of business retention and expansion practices.
• Knowledge of business, market, and economic indicators and trends.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of public relations and marketing including promotion and sales methods, strategies, and techniques.
• Real estate feasibility, financing practices, and techniques.
• Principles and techniques of successful negotiations and conflict management.
• Principles and practices of public administration and local government.
• Knowledge of County policies, procedures, and office practices.
• Knowledge of applicable policies, procedures, and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of government project management.
• Knowledge of principles of record keeping, case management, and confidential records management.
• Knowledge of specialized County and state agency technical forms, software applications, and network operating environments.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and protocols.
• Knowledge of business computers and standard MS Office software applications.
• Skill in building and managing complex relationships with diverse individuals, organizations, and stakeholders.
• Exceptional problem solving skills.
• Skill in planning, prioritizing, and completing assignments with minimum oversight.
• Skill in defining and resolving complex data management and case management problems.
• Skill in researching and implementing new and revised procedures and technical solutions.
• Skill in analyzing operational issues, evaluating alternatives, and developing recommendations.
• Skill in conducting research and preparing reports, technical documents, and correspondence.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and managing administrative services and technical operations.
• Skill in meeting critical time deadlines.
• Ability to provide effective customer service and deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to respond to shifting priorities and engage in a diverse workload.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work is moderate requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. The work also requires the ability to crouch, finger, reach, perform repetitive motion, lift, hear, speak, mobility and demonstrate mental and visual acuity. The work requires travel throughout Pinal County and the state.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment that may periodically require contacting and visiting companies mainly in unincorporated areas.