ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - Pascagoula, MS

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for developing, funding, and implementing comprehensive community and economic development plans, programs, and services in accordance with all applicable laws and City of Pascagoula policies and procedures, with a strong emphasis on retail and commercial development, business attraction, expansion, and revitalization of key commercial corridors and activity centers within the City.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

•Serves as the City’s business retention and community development strategist and provides assistance to the City Manager in the development of short and long-term economic and community development plans, as well as collecting data and preparation of studies, reports and recommendations to achieve such goals.

•Assists in developing an overall vision for the City’s economy consistent with and supportive of the City Councils economic development goals and Strategic Plan.

•Assists in identifying and prioritizing economic development opportunities for the City.

•Prepares and monitors departmental and project budgets; ensures that all purchases are within budgetary constraints.

•Plans, organizes, and prioritizes workloads and staff assignments; trains, motivates and evaluates assigned staff; reviews progress and directs changes as necessary

•Works with Grant Administrator to research and prepare grant applications; provides support assistance in the implementation and monitoring of funded projects.

•Provides accountability and control systems for progress payments, reports, reimbursement requests, file maintenance, contract compliance and closeout procedures.

•Provides professional planning and development advice in support of the City’s Strategic and Comprehensive Plan.

•Coordinates and communicates with the City Council, administration, other departments, private businesses, individuals, and groups to determine grant needs; researches possible funding sources.

•Acts as a liaison with state and federal agencies engaged in related activities.

•Monitors pending legislation or ordinances that may affect the department; takes appropriate action as needed.

•Negotiates and coordinates professional service contracts.

•Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of community development.

•Coordinates with City staff and developers to include the preparation of development agreements, develop and execute marketing and business development efforts, coordinate with other County and City agencies, and follow-up on business leads/interested parties.

•Must remain up to date on national business trends, expansions, and closures.

•Develops and manages creative methods to maintain existing businesses within Pascagoula.

•Responsible for City incentive programs including researching incentive programs, developing programs, and implementing programs; always exploring opportunities for new incentives.

•Serves as an advocate for business owners and stakeholders when operating within the City departments, locating new properties, seeking financial assistance, and any other stakeholder needs.

•Strategizes and manages tourism and promotes the area to retirees.

•Provides project oversight for several municipal capital projects.

•Develops and manages creative methods to maintain existing businesses within the City.

•Serves as advocate for business owners and stakeholders when operating within the City departments, locating new properties, seeking financial assistance, and any other stakeholder needs.

•Any other duties assigned by the City Manager.

                                                                           QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform this position's essential functions.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENT

This position may directly supervise the Grants Administrator and Grants Coordinator on a daily basis, as well as any staff assigned to or hired by the PRA.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Planning or a closely related field preferred, with a minimum of five (5) years substantial technical and managerial experience in urban development, planning and grant writing is required. An equivalent combination of a related Bachelor’s degree and extensive progressively responsible experience fulfilling the requirements that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities can be substituted.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Computer proficiency in MS Word and MS Excel is required; previous experience with MUNIS software is preferred. Thorough knowledge of modern theories, principles and practices of urban planning and community development, federal and state grant application administration and management, and public administration is essential. A thorough knowledge of the community, its needs, growth potential and resources is vital. Certified Economic Developer (CED) and Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) are preferred. A valid driver’s license is required.

LANGUAGE AND REASONING SKILLS

Ability to understand written or oral instructions; read, analyze and interpret complex documents, instruction manuals, policies and procedures is essential. Excellent communication skills are required to effectively present information in a one-on-one, small and large group setting. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of people. The ability to work effectively and efficiently, under stressful conditions, to ensure deadlines are met is essential. Must have demonstrated, through prior work experience, the ability to identify and resolve complex issues and problems in a courteous and professional manner while adhering to an appropriate policy and procedure.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires periods of sustained sitting, standing, and walking and the ability to see, speak, and hear. Work requires physical activity, and occasional light lifting is required.  Requires the use of hands and fingers to input data into computer and move materials for special events.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  This position typically performs work in a well-lit, climate controlled, and adequately ventilated office environment and requires observance of safe work practices, fire regulations, and avoidance of falls, trips, and similar office work hazards. Occasionally, outdoor work is required when attending special events and functions.

City of Pascagoula is an Equal Opportunity Employer