ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - EXAMPLES OF WORKCreates and administers economic development programs and serves as primary contact regarding economic development programs, process and review all economic development program applicationsAttracts and retains businesses to the cityImplements the city's Economic Development Strategy, including the creation and implementation of a Business Retention and Expansion ProgramFamiliarize public officials, retailers, community groups, the general public and others with the nature and orientation of this effortDevelops and maintains a cooperative working relationship with existing businesses, develop and maintain contacts with landowners, developers, site consultants, realtors, entrepreneurs, private industry representatives, and economic development related organizations and agenciesCoordinates a wide range of projects, from supervising promotional activities to assembling market informationProjects may include: property inventory, external marketing, maintaining the Economic Development website, business recruitment, small business assistance programs, and brandingServes as an authority on information, resources and programs related to operating a business in the city and acts as a data and information source for current and prospective businessesEngage and interface with the International District Businesses to build relationships and promote better understanding of their business needs and plansPrepares updates to community demographic information and maintains current data regarding the community on the economic development page of the city's websiteAssist with the Loop Special Business District (LSBD) and Economic Development Retail Sales Tax Board (EDRSTB)Provide leadership in the development and implementation of short and long range plans and policies related to economic development activitiesServe as staff liaison to the Economic Development Retail Sales Tax Board and other boards/commissions as assigned. Must demonstrate strong community engagement/outreach skills and experience High level of technical ability with strong working knowledge of computer software programs such as desktop publishing, graphic design, website administration, and Microsoft office suiteKnowledge or principles and practices of economic development, redevelopment and reuse, business retention and recruitment programs, and marketing and advertisingExperience with event planning and organizational/membership/community meetingsKnowledge of federal, state, and local economic development tools available (i.e. brownfields, tax increment financing, historic tax credits)Ability to produce quality materials and assigned responsibilities with competing demands, changing priorities, and required timelines and work under pressure to meet deadlinesAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public, and gain the trust and cooperation of others to effectively communicate concepts and ideas Strong organizational, analytical, research, evaluation and problem-solving skillsAbility to exercise a high degree of sound, independent judgment and work within established guidelinesAbility to attend evening or weekend meetings as requiredPHYSICAL/VISUAL ACTIVITIES OR DEMANDSSitting, talking, hearing, walking, reaching, stooping, bendingConcentrated mental and visual attention with normal hand-eye coordinationClarity of vision at 20 inches-corrected or uncorrectedOccasional moving/lifting of items up to 30 lbs EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM JOBTelephone, computers, cameras, copy machine, fax, printers, scanner EXPERIENCE AND TRAININGBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning or related field; Master's Degree preferredFive years related experience and/or training in economic development, downtown development, or industrial and commercial real estate development preferredSupervising experience.