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8.4. SR 11-04-2013 /i Elk Request for Action Fiver To Item Number Mayor and City Council 8.4 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General Business November 4, 2013 Brian Beeman,Economic Development Director Item Description Reviewed by Economic Development Specialist Position Jeremy Barnhart,Deputy Director, CODD Description Lauren Wipper, Human Resource Representative Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Approve by motion a position description for economic development specialist. Background/Discussion As a replacement for the recently departed assistant director of economic development, staff proposes a new position entitled economic development specialist. Since the vacancy, staff has analyzed the needs and goals of the division as well as the department structure that was changed in mid-2012. The major difference between the positions is that this position will assist the economic development director in promoting FDA and HRA goal implementation,planning,marketing, and research,with a strong emphasis on marketing and communication. The financial analysis component previously assigned to the assistant director will be handled by the economic development director and our financial advisor. National Development Council Financial Certification is not required for this position. The job description was provided to members of the HRA and FDA for comment and input. Their input is reflected in the job description. The position scored a pay grade lower than the former position with the responsibility changes. The position is budgeted for 2013 with the current vacancy and upon approval staff intends to advertise the vacancy in early November. Financial Impact Salary is split 60% from FDA and 40% HRA. Attachments ■ Economic development specialist job description P 0 w E H E D 0 T 1`4A U City of Elk River EIE Economic Development Specialist River Position Description Department: Immediate Supervisor: Community Operations and Economic Development Director Development/Economic Development Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date) 7 Exempt 10/2013 Positions Supervised: N/A Position Summary The Economic Development Specialist is responsible for supporting economic development, housing programs, and redevelopment consistent with the City of Elk River,its Economic Development Authority (FDA) and its Housing and Redevelopment Authority's (HRA) goals and policies through implementation,planning,marketing and research to strengthen and broaden industrial, commercial, retail, and housing. Implementation includes business recruitment,retention and expansion, and aiding expansion of existing businesses. The Specialist is responsible for creating and maintaining information resources and databases and preparing reports and analysis. Essential Functions 1. Performs Economic Development marketing and communications activities. A. Prepares reports and delivers presentations to the City Council,Boards, Commissions, the public and other external groups to provide information and encourage use of services. B. Receives and responds to requests for information. C. Composes documents and reports. D. Prepares information packets including economic, statistical, financial,population, growth,demographic, and other information for dissemination to potential businesses. E. Serves as staff liaison to community development organizations including, but not limited to: EDA and HRA, and their subcommittees,Northstar Corridor Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce,Energy City, River's Edge Business association, and local and regional organizations. F. Initiates planning, research, and marketing efforts to attract new business and industry and assist with expansion. G. Assists existing businesses with marketing and revitalization programs. H. Creates, designs,distributes and maintains marketing materials for promotion of economic development and available commercial and industrial land. I. Administers and develops a comprehensive marketing plan for Economic Development to encourage and enhance civic engagement in accordance with the city Communication Policy. J. Creates content and maintains the Economic Development page of the city website. K. Develops and maintains contact lists. Identifies and coordinates presence at local, regional and national trade shows and conventions for targeted industries. L. Ensures the city goals and vision are consistently and successfully communicated to the public. M. Develops and maintains a strong and productive relationship with both print and electronic media outlets. Page 1 2. Performs business development and financial administration activities. A. Administers the micro loan fund program and grants. B. Develops and monitors EDA and HRA marketing and advertising budgets. C. Utilizes the city Visioning Plan, Strategic Plan for Economic Development and Housing, the Mississippi Connections Downtown Plan, and EDA/HRA Department Measures and Goals, as well as other plans and studies to communicate and implement a variety of initiatives and programs. D. Coordinates the business retention and expansion program. E. Maintains records and data bases of business prospects and contacts. F. Assists potential new businesses in site analysis,including demographic,tax, fee, development,and related information. G. Assists in the preparation,updating and implementation of various economic development and housing plans. H. Maintains inventory of the properties available for development. I. Assists in promoting, recruiting, evaluating and facilitating prospective clients through development process. 3. Performs housing and redevelopment activities. A. Administers,researches,implements, and provides education for city foreclosure initiatives and strategies,including grant programs. B. Creates, designs, and promotes housing program materials. C. Assists in the updating and implementation of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. D. Assists with the coordination of the redevelopment planning process. E. Assists in the preparation and updating of the Elk River Housing Study, Historic Context study, and Marketing/Redevelopment studies. F. Assists in the preparation,updating and implementation of redevelopment plans. G. Assists with the Small Cities Development Grant Program application and administration. H. Assists with the research,development,implementation, and updating of an HRA housing policy. 4. Performs economic development expansion duties. A. Works to know and serve customers. B. Understands the basic functions and responsibilities of expanding businesses. C. Develops effective action plan to address development issues or concerns. D. Keeps all departments and divisions informed on a timely basis. E. Attends and participates in economic development expansion meetings. F. Assists in achieving the City of Elk River's development goals. 5. Performs other essential job duties. A. Regular and timely work attendance. B. Follows all safety procedures. Participates in safety training. Works in a safe manner and reports unsafe activity and conditions. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities ❑ Knowledge of principles,procedures,and strategies of economic and community development and analysis in a government,planning and zoning, demographics, economic trends, forecasts, and impacts, and related principles and practices. ❑ Knowledge of marketing and research methods,principles, and procedures. ❑ Knowledge of computer software and applications related to land use and economic planning and development procedures. ❑ Knowledge of industrial, commercial,retail, &housing development programs. Page 2 Economic Development Specialistx8.4a at 1 Economic Development Specialist Final Draft(1) • Knowledge of central business district redevelopment. • Knowledge of marketing, communication and promotion. • Ability to understand GAP financing and low interest loan programs. • Knowledge of growth issues and solutions. • Knowledge of website administration. • Skill in business retention and recruitment. • Skill in working within the framework of a strategic plan. ❑ Ability to understand GAP financing and low interest loan programs. • Ability to understand Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement. • Ability to comprehend statistical and financial analyses and presentation. • Ability to follow written and oral instructions. • Ability to read and interpret economic,marketing, statistical, and analytical documents, reports,research material and information,blueprints, and maps. • Ability to prepare oral,written and graphic reports,documents,brochures and pamphlets, and related planning and economic development documentation. ❑ Ability to plan and implement economic development programs and marketing strategies. ❑ Ability of operate standard office equipment including a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties. • Ability to work with various appointed and elected officials and boards. • Ability to utilize and administrator various social media sites. • Ability to use spreadsheet,word processing, and database software proficiently. • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with the public, developers, customers, citizen groups,various appointed and elected officials and boards, and other employees. ❑ Ability to comprehend the City's Visioning Plan, Strategic Plan for Economic Development &Housing,Mississippi Connections Plan,Economic Development and Housing Plans, and various marketing plans. Minimum Qualifications ❑ Four-year degree in Economic Development,Business,Marketing, Finance, Economics, Administration, or related field; and ❑ Two (2) years' experience in economic development,marketing, or related field; or ❑ Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work. ❑ Valid driver's license and good driving record. This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River's discretion to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time. This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment. Page 3 Economic Development Specialistx8.4a at 1 Economic Development Specialist Final Draft(1)