6.2. SR 12-03-2007REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Ci Council 6.2.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Administration December 3, 2007 Catherine Mehelich, Director of
Economic Develo ment
Item Description Reviewed by
Authorize Hiring Process for Assistant Director of Economic Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator
Development Position Reviewed by
Action Requested
Staff requests the City Council consider approval of the attached position description for the Assistant
Director of Economic Development and authorize initiating the hiring process. Following Council
approval, staff is prepared to initiate the hiring process immediately with the anticipation of filling the
position within the next 3 months.
Background/Discussion
The position has been maintained by the City since 1999. The position description has been refined over
the years to fit the goals of the EDA and HRA with the growth of activity in the Economic Development
Division.
The four primary functions of the position continue to be:
1) Coordinate the business retention & expansion program
2) Administer micro loan and grant programs; manage the EDA subcommittees
3) Coordinate marketing and communications for business recruitment and community image
4) Coordinate HRA activities
Staff reviewed and discussed the position description and recommends adding the following function to
better suit current and future goals of the EDA and HRA:
• Develops, implements, and manages various EDA and HRA projects as assigned (e.g. micro loan
program, housing rehabilitation, or redevelopment programs)
The minimum quahfications for the position axe proposed to be the following:
• 4-year degree u1 community development related field
• 3-years applied experience (revised from 2-years minimum experience)
Financial Impact
The position salary and benefits are included in the 2008 EDA budget. No change is proposed to the
salary range ($55,165 - $64,900) for the position. The salary may be adjusted within the pay scale of the
position depending on qualifications of the selected individual.
S:\EDA\ED Admin\Assistant\Action Requested 12 3 07.doc
Attachments
Assistant Director of Economic Development Position Description
ACtIOn Motion by Second by Vote
FOllow Up
S:\EDA\ED Admin\Assistant\Action Requested 12 3 07.doc
City of Elk River
Assistant Director of Economic
1VeY' Development Position Description
Department/Division: Immediate Supervisor:
Community Development/Economic Director of Economic Development
Develo ment
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
9 Exem t 11/28/07
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Economic Development is responsible for undertaking a variety of
routine and complex economic development initiatives in industrial, commercial, housing and
redevelopment activities.
Essential Functions
Performs business development activities.
A. Assists in the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Economic Development and
the Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan.
B. Coordinates the business retention and expansion program.
C. Assists in the preparation, updating and implementation of various economic
development plans.
D. Maintains inventory of the properties available fox development.
E. Works to site all industrial lease space prospects.
F. Assists in promoting, recruiting, evaluating and facilitating prospective clients
through site selection process.
G. Develops, implements, and manages various EDA projects as assigned (e.g. micro
loan program).
H. Acts as staff liaison to three EDA subcommittees (Incubator Advisory, Finance and
Marketing).
2. Performs financial administration activities.
A. Reviews and writes grants.
B. Oversees grant administration.
C. Administers the EDA Micro Loan Fund.
Performs housing and redevelopment activities including project management functions.
A. Prepares agendas, staff reports and makes presentations to the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
B. Develops, implements, and manages various HRA projects as assigned (e.g. housing
rehabilitation or redevelopment).
C. Coordinates the preparation and updating of Elk River housing studies.
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4. Performs marketing activities.
A. Utilizes Economic Development Communication Standards in all marketing
materials and activities.
B. Creates, distributes and maintains marketing materials for promotion of economic
development and available commercial and industrial land.
C. Coordinates marketing events.
D. Manages all marketing activities fox the Energy City program.
E. Creates marketing techniques to promote and fill business and industrial parks.
F. Utilizes special writing skills to distribute public information in order to create better
awareness of development opportunities in the City of Elk River.
Performs communication activities.
A. Manages communication activities for redevelopment projects.
B. Acts as liaison between Downtown Business Association and City Hall.
C. Delivers presentations to the City Council, Boards, Commissions, the public and
other external groups to provide information and encourage use of services.
D. Receives and responds to requests for information.
E. Composes documents and reports.
Performs Economic Development Expansion duties.
A. Works to know and serve customers.
B. Clearly understands the basic functions and responsibilities of expanding businesses.
C. Develops effective action plan to address Economic Development issues or
concerns.
D. Keeps divisions and departments informed on a timely basis.
E. Attends and participates in all Economic Development Expansion meetings.
F. Achieves the City of Elk River's development goals.
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 industrial and commercial development.
^ Knowledge of central business district redevelopment.
^ Knowledge of community marketing and promotion.
^ Knowledge of Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement.
^ Knowledge of GAP financing and low interest loan programs.
^ Knowledge of housing programs.
^ Knowledge of growth issues.
^ Knowledge of public and private financing techniques for economic development.
^ Skill in business retention and recruitment.
^ Skill in working within the framework of a strategic plan.
^ Ability to work with various appointed and elected officials and boards.
^ 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 others.
^ Ability to comprehend the City of Elk River's Strategic Plan for Economic Development
and the Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan.
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Assistant Director of Economic Development
Minimum Qualifications
^ Bachelor's degree in community development, business administration, public
administration, or related field.
^ Three years of experience applying economic development principals and theories.
^ Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
^ Certified by the National Development Council as an Economic Development Finance
Professional.
^ Additional years of economic development experience.
^ Recent municipal government experience in related field.
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Iris witlwl the City of Elk River's discrcri~~n
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove dutic~ and responsibilities at anv titnc.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
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Assistant Director of Economic Development