Economic Development Manager

Classification Definition

DEFINITION

Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the execution of the City's economic development and housing programs on a City-wide basis; assists representatives of business, real estate and the development community in working with the City; develops and implements business recruitment, retention and expansion programs. Serves as primary liaison between the City and downtown businesses and representatives; leads research and attraction of targeted businesses.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a professional level classification located in the Redevelopment/Economic Development Department. The incumbent exercises professional judgment for duties related to the economic development of the City's private and public sector economy. Work involves responsibility for the application of professional knowledge and skills to effect research, analysis, planning, and the implementation of economic development programs and requires frequent use of independent judgment. The work frequently requires attending meetings and hearings, and making presentations to City Council, business and community groups. Assigned duties and responsibilities will require work to be performed outside of normal office hours, weekends, and holidays.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Director of Redevelopment/Economic Development. Duties may include direct, functional or technical supervision of administrative support personnel and lower level professional staff.

Essential Duties and Responsiblities

Essential Functions:

1.Prepares and recommends the City's economic development policy goals, recommendations and implementation plans including program objectives, policies and priorities to meet City goals and objectives.

2.Plans, schedules and carries out economic development program activities including initial planning, feasibility determination, community involvement and acceptance, implementation, scheduling, project review and evaluation; serves as a project manager for agency projects, including administration of agreements, special projects, real estate acquisitions and liaison activities in processing development plans or proposals.

3.Organizes and assists in City processes to be responsive to the needs of the business community in the capacity of business ombudsman, including the conduct or preliminary development review, coordination with City Development Services Department, preparation of due diligence documentation, and coordination with outside agencies.

4.Serves as a "broker" in recruiting and assisting businesses interested in locating in Rialto to identify suitable properties for their enterprises and prepare professional site prospectus.

5.Develops and implements programs for business enhancement, business retention and business expansion; works with Chamber of Commerce and other external organizations on projects related to business retention and attraction.

6.Develops, plans and implements strategies and programs to encourage business growth, development and investment while improving the quality and mix of uses of the downtown area, including programs to attract anchor uses or key tenants to the downtown.

7.Evaluates and analyzes data with the assistance of community groups such as business organizations, developers, governmental agencies and departments, and others for input in targeting specific types of industries to be attracted to the City.

8.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).

9.Provides continuing services to industries located in the City to help identify and recruit companies offering services in support of incumbent industries in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce, the County of San Bernardino, Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP), and the State of California.

10. Develops directories and publications to assist companies with relocation and development decisions.

11. Makes presentations to business and community groups and attends industry trade shows such as International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) to represent the City of Rialto.

12. Researches economic development challenges and solutions and prepares a variety of comprehensive reports for policy development.

13. Implements redevelopment projects, including land acquisition, relocation, public improvement construction, and other obligations of Disposition and Development Agreements (DDAs) and Owner Participation Agreements (OPAs).

14. Monitors professional service contracts, including planners, architects, and engineers in a variety of project assignments; works with other City departments on joint or related activities, including Development Review Fee studies, Undergrounding Ordinance and expediting approvals.

15. Prepares grant applications for various programs, implements grant programs for specific projects, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, and oversees all aspects of project execution.

16. Prepares budgets, conduct sophisticated financial assessments, and prepares staff reports, recommendations, and related documents.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINESMinimum requirements as a condition of hire:

Experience:

Four years of public economic development planning, community development, redevelopment, real estate or public administration involving related program development experience, including two years at a supervisory level.

Training:

Bachelor's degree in public economic development planning, community development, economics or a closely related field.

Licenses and Certifications

Possession of a State of California driver license.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of economic development and redevelopment.

• Public and private sector considerations in making business expansion or location decisions.

• Principles, practices and techniques related to business financing, employment development and related programs.

• Principles and practices of effective employee supervision and administrative management.

• Working knowledge of community agencies and resources in order to effectively assist interested individuals in locating or relocating in the City or County.

• Federal, State and local ordinances, policies and procedures related to economic development, planning, zoning, and building.

• Techniques of marketing and promotion as related to economic development activities.

• Community characteristics including planning, zoning, schools, budgets, recreational facilities and civic attractions.

• Statistical methods for management analysis, including present value concepts and computer modeling techniques.

• Urban land economics.

• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize and administer comprehensive economic development programs.

• Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.

• Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with members of the public and community organizations, business leaders, City staff, City Council and representatives of other government and economic development agencies.

• Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.

• Represent the City effectively in professional relationships with business leaders, elected officials, and others.

• Coordinate multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.

• Work independently and exercise considerable independent judgment in resolving issues.

• Gather and analyze a variety of complex data, including economic studies, financial statements, marketing studies, plans, specifications, and bid documents.

• Prepare comprehensive written and oral reports.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

• Foster a spirit of teamwork and cooperation with City staff and appropriate organizations in meeting the City's economic development objectives.

• Effectively plan, assign and evaluate the work of others.

• Negotiate and manage contracts with consultants and complex real estate transactions.

• Utilize personal computer to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions.

• Provide excellent customer service.

• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Supplemental Information

Application Procedure:

A City application form and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.yourrialto.com. All other employment inquiries can be directed to The City of Rialto, Human Resources Department. 246 S. Willow, Rialto, CA 92376. Telephone: (909) 820-2540.

Selection Process:

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.

Veterans Preference Credit Eligibility:

Veterans of the armed forces, who have been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable (Government Code: 18540.4), shall receive an additional five (5) points to their final examination score for ranking purposes only. This preference will apply only to the first appointment to any regular full-time City appointment. A copy of your valid DD214 must be submitted on or before the final filing date in order to be eligible for Veterans Preference Credit. For more information, please see the City's Veteran's Preference Policy.

E-Verify:

The City of Rialto is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.