4.9. SR 10-06-2014 �i
EOty lk Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and Council Members 4.9
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent 70ctober 6, 2014 Suzanne Fischer, Director, CODD
Item Description Reviewed by
Revised Position Description for Economic Lauren Wipper, HR Representative
Development Director Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve,by motion, the revised position description of the Economic Development Director.
Background/Discussion
The Economic Development Director position description was revised to more accurately reflect the
goals of the EDA and HRA Strategic Plan. Specifically to concentrate work efforts in the plan's four
areas of focus,which include:
■ Business Development
■ Rehabilitation and Redevelopment
■
Community Brand, and,
■ Transportation
The revised position description identifies more tangible deliverables desired of this position. Pending
Council approval, the position vacancy will be posted for a minimum of two weeks.
Financial Impact
None. The position is funded in the 2014 budget.
Attachments
■ Revised position description
P0WInII a
Template Updated 4/14 [NATUREJ
City of Elk River
Cty Elk Economic Development Director
River Position Description
Department/Division: Immediate Supervisor:
Community Operations and Deputy Director, Community Operations and
Development/Economic Development Development
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
12 Exempt 10/2014
Positions Supervised:
Economic Development Specialist, Intern
Position Summary
The Economic Development Director supervises and coordinates economic development planning
activities for the City including marketing, analysis of financial assistance resources, and acting as a
resource to commerce and industry developers. Serves as Executive Director to the Economic
Development Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Essential Functions
1. Performs economic development administrative activities.
A. Develops and implements short- and long-term economic development strategies,
business development assistance programs for public/private partnerships, and for
existing and prospective businesses.
B. Achieves the City of Elk River's economic development goals.
C. Assists in preparation,updates, and implementations of various economic
development plans including the Strategic Plan for Economic Development.
D. Supervises and coordinates consultants involved in economic development activities.
E. Serves as Executive Director of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and
the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
F. Serves as a "broker"in recruiting and assisting businesses interested in locating to
Elk River to identify suitable properties for their enterprises.
G. Negotiates the acquisition/disposition or lease of properties needed for economic
development projects.
H. Identifies sectorial opportunities for economic development (i.e. retail, dining,
information technology, digital media, arts, etc.)
I. Understands the city's political environment and sensitivities, and functions
effectively within that environment.
J. Effectively represents the city in situations which are potentially adversarial or
stressful.
2. Promotes and maintains community/business contact.
A. Interacts extensively with city staff, the business community, elected officials, and the
public.
B. Explains the city requirements and facilitates the development review process to
clients.
C. Works closely with the Finance Department and other divisions within the city.
D. Interacts with business and community leaders to educate and promote awareness of
Page 1
economic development programs and issues.
3. Performs Economic Development Retention and Expansion duties.
A. Works to know and serve customers.
B. Clearly understands the basic functions and responsibilities of retaining and
expanding businesses.
C. Develops effective action plan to address economic development issues or concerns.
D. Provides timely updates to affected city divisions and stakeholders.
E. Attends and participates in all Economic Development retention and expansion
meetings.
4. Performs marketing activities to promote economic development.
A. Works effectively with consultants in marketing and promotion of the community to
prospective businesses and encourages existing business expansion.
B. Works with the department Director and Deputy Director to develop strategies for
the allocation and delivery of city financial assistance including tax increment
financing, tax abatement,industrial revenue bonds, community development block
grants and applicable federal, state, and local programs for commercial,industrial,
housing projects and the city's revolving loan fund.
C. Creates and/or modifies programs used in the marketing, attraction or retention of
business.
D. Prepares and provides information regarding land availability, markets,workforce
availability, taxes, transportation,utilities, and financing to city businesses.
5. Performs financial and administration activities.
A. Develops and monitors EDA and HRA and related program budgets.
B. Prepares agendas, staff reports and makes presentations to the EDA and HRA.
C. Prepares written and graphic materials, composes clear and concise reports,prepares
and makes presentations.
D. Performs timely annual performance reviews of all employees supervised.
6. Performs staff liaison activities.
A. Serves as the city liaison to the business community,chamber of commerce, EDA,
HRA, and local development and governmental agencies in furthering the city's
economic development policies.
B. Develops strategies for working with appropriate commissions and task forces as
needed.
7. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
❑ Knowledge of public and private financing techniques for economic development.
❑ Knowledge of industrial and commercial development.
❑ Knowledge of central business district redevelopment.
❑ Knowledge of community marketing and promotion.
❑ Knowledge of housing programs.
❑ Knowledge of growth issues.
❑ Skill in business retention and recruitment.
Page 2
Economic Development Director
❑ Skill in dealing effectively with a wide variety of personalities.
❑ Ability to use spreadsheet,word processing, and database software proficiently.
❑ Ability to effectively coordinate support from City staff and outside consultants to ensure
successful completion of economic development activities.
❑ Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
❑ Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
❑ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
❑ Ability to comprehend the City of Elk River's Strategic Plan for Economic Development
and the Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan.
❑ Ability to work independently.
❑ Ability to effectively provide work direction and supervision to others.
Minimum Qualifications
❑ Bachelor's degree in community development,business administration,public administration
or related field with extensive course work in economics, marketing and finance.
❑ Five years experience in economic development with emphasis on marketing and
public/private financing.
❑ One year supervision experience.
❑ Valid driver's license and good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
❑ Master's degree in community development,business administration,public administration
or related field with extensive course work in economics, marketing and finance.
❑ Experience in municipal government.
❑ Certified by the National Development Council as an Economic Development Finance
Professional.
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 Director