Economic Development Manager

Employer: Clackamas County
Job Title: Economic Development Manager
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 105125
Division: Business & Community Services
Location: Oregon City, OR
Opening Date: 07/16/2019
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Salary: $86,549.21 - $116,841.90 Annually

Job Description: 

Growing a vibrant economy is a top priority for Clackamas County. We are seeking a creative and innovative Economic Development Manager to lead the County’s economic development efforts.With direction from the Board of County Commissioners and the Director of Business & Community Services (BCS), the Economic Development Manager will plan, implement, manage, and evaluate initiatives and services designed to attract, retain, and grow businesses, increase the supply of employment lands, and create living-wage jobs. Some of the current initiatives and services provided by BCS Economic Development include:

  • Programs and services to retain and grow existing traded-sector firms in the County, and recruit new targeted industry firms.
  • Programs and services to reduce barriers to property development, and to improve the supply and visibility of available industrial sites and employment lands.
  • Initiatives to support the development and growth of the regional CLT (cross-laminated timber) industry.
  • Leading efforts to create the State’s first Land Bank Authority.
  • Development of a Global Trade Strategy to help Clackamas County businesses access international markets.
  • Supporting the redevelopment and revitalization of downtown areas through the Clackamas County Main Street program.
  • Planning and execution of distinct economic development strategies and initiatives for both the urban and rural areas of the County.
  • Supporting the Economic Development Commission, a board-appointed advisory body which makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) on matters pertaining to the support and growth of a balanced, sustainable economy within the County.

The Economic Development Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the BCS Economic Development division, including coordination and implementation of economic development strategies and projects, providing policy and program analysis, directing and supervising the work of assigned staff, managing the division’s budget, and building and maintaining strong relationships with numerous stakeholders and partners. This position reports directly to the Director of Business and Community Services.

Job Duties:

  • Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
  • Develops, recommends, and oversees economic development strategies, programs, and goals, consistent with Board policy objectives;
  • provides vision, leadership and direction on major strategic initiatives and projects;
  • manages staff to implement and execute developed strategies;
  • Hires and supervises professional staff to provide quality service to citizens, businesses, organizations and County staff;
  • coordinates activities of staff; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments;
  • prepares and conducts performance evaluations;
  • initiates and implements progressive disciplinary action as warranted;
  • resolves grievances and other personnel matters;
  • provides training opportunities and career development as appropriate;
  • promotes cooperative team efforts among staff and with other departments;
  • Researches, analyzes, interprets economic data, and prepares studies and reports on a variety of economic issues, including labor market trends and other regional economic planning issues;
  • Develops qualitative and quantitative measures to monitor, ensure, and evaluate program/project effectiveness;
  • recommends and implements actions for improvement as necessary;
  • Acts as liaison and provides support to private-sector commercial enterprises;
  • provides technical assistance and customer service focused on traded-sector businesses wanting to establish or remain/expand in Clackamas County;
  • Coordinates responses to inquiries, resolution of complaints, problems or emergencies related to area of responsibility;
  • responds to the most sensitive or complex inquiries and service complaints and facilitates resolutions that may involve Planning, Engineering and Building Services divisions, other County departments and County Service Districts;
  • creates goals and objectives designed to improve relations between the private and public sectors;
  • Develops innovative, effective marketing materials and programs that promote Clackamas County to site selectors, developers and the business community;
  • Identifies, establishes and fosters partnerships with other jurisdictions and the state and federal government in the development of strategies and funding needed to support regional economic development;
  • participates in organizations and task forces as needed to network and represent Clackamas County in regional and state-wide economic development initiatives;
  • Manages departmental and business development events and serves as County representative for public involvement on special committees and groups;
  • functions as primary contact for information and assistance regarding economic development programs and projects.
  • Attends Board of Clackamas County Commissioner meetings and meetings with other public agencies including council meetings of cities within Clackamas County as needed;
  • provides staff support to the County Economic Development Commission (EDC);
  • participates as a member of and/or leads various Chambers and other civic, private or public organizations to promote business and economic development programs;
  • Participates as a member of the BCS leadership team;
  • coordinates with BCS management to prepare, administer and monitor the Economic Development division annual budget;
  • Identifies and pursues grant funding opportunities to enhance County economic development efforts;
  • Performs other related duties as assigned including project assistance to other departments

Experience/Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills:

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:

All Business and Community Services (BCS) managers are expected to demonstrate:

  • Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to organize content, employ proper grammar and audience-appropriate vocabulary, and convey information accurately and succinctly. (A writing sample will be required as part of the application process)
  • Excellent verbal presentation skills, including the ability to organize content, employ proper grammar and audience-appropriate vocabulary, and convey information accurately to audiences of differing backgrounds and subject matter expertise
  • At least three years of experience managing a program or operating unit, which should demonstrate proficiency in:
    • Developing and executing initiatives, projects, and business plans
    • Development of program budgets and management/monitoring of program revenues and expenses
    • Management of line and professional-level staff including staff development, hiring, performance reviews, coaching and disciplining staff as needed
    • Preparing requests for proposals/qualifications, negotiating contracts, and monitoring consultant/vendor performance
  • At least three years of experience organizing, leading, or facilitating community groups, advisory committees, task forces, and meetings
  • Strong computer skills, including the ability to find information online, use web-based apps, use email and calendaring software, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
  • Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.
  • In addition, the Economic Development Manager must demonstrate:
    • At least five years of professional work experience in Business and Economic Development, which should demonstrate advanced proficiency in:
    • Principles and practices of economic/business development strategies, including methods for business attraction and retention
    • Experience researching the general economic environment, consulting economic forecasts/models, and conducting research and analysis of complex redevelopment and economic-related issues
    • The principles and practices involved in the acquisition, disposition, relocation, demolition, construction and rehabilitation of real property
    • Resolving development challenges between developers, contractors and governmental departments
    • Connecting businesses with appropriate assistance and incentive programs, including County, State, or Federal programs, grants, loans, and informational resources

Preferred Special Qualifications/Transferrable Skills:

  • At least three years of professional work experience in Business and Economic Development specifically within the government sector.
  • At least three years of experience gathering and analyzing economic and other statistical data.
  • Demonstrated experience defining desired program/service outcomes, developing applicable performance measures, and collecting, analyzing, and evaluating performance data.

For Veterans qualified for Veteran’s Preference:

  • If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

How to Apply:
Find more details and apply online