Economic Development Director

JOB OVERVIEW
The City of Harrisburg is accepting applications for the position Economic Development Director. The employee in this position will lead planning and policy with the intent to increase business and residential growth in the City of Harrisburg and improve economic outcomes. This position oversees plans, programs and initiatives that will assist new and existing businesses, residential conversions, and citywide revitalization. Work is performed under the direction of the Mayor. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The City of Harrisburg offers a salary range of $73,000.00 to $76,000.00.(commensurate with experience and qualifications).This full-time position also includes an excellent benefits package: defined pension plan, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation, sick and personal time) and health care benefits (medical, dental, prescription and vision).

if interested, please submit a cover letter, your résumé, three employment references and salary history to (electronic submission preferred):



[email protected]

or

ATTN: Human Resources

The City of Harrisburg, Suite #402

MLK City Government Center

10 North 2 nd Street

Harrisburg, PA 17101



Wanda R.D. Williams, Mayor

Job Title

Economic Development Director
Office of the Mayor, Department of Economic Development

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES :

This management position will lead planning and policy with the intent to increase business and residential growth in the City of Harrisburg and improve economic outcomes. This position oversees plans, programs and initiatives that will assist new and existing businesses, residential conversions, and citywide revitalization. Work is performed under the direction of the Mayor. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.

JOB LOCATION/EQUIPMENT :

Work is typically performed at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center. Work involves the use of various machines such as computers, scanner, printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, video cameras audio recorders digital camera and other technological devices as necessary or required. Duties are typically performed weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, this position requires flexibility to include availability during evenings, weekends and occasionally holidays. Time beyond the standard work hours does not qualify for overtime earned, vacation, sick or personal time.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Work involves, but is not limited to, the following: Plan and direct the City’s economic development program with the goal of positive economic outcomes across the City; short and long-term development and implementation of economic revitalization strategies; economic development program management; business retention, recruitment, and aiding business expansion or startup. Develop professional working relationships with the Commonwealth and its agencies, regional elected officials, local organizations and agencies, residents and citizen groups, private consultants, community service organizations, and others that may assist the City in carrying out its economic development planning. Develop an effective marketing strategy and tools that will attract business, investors, residents, and visitors to the City. Establish scopes of work for consultants and stakeholders; coordinate economic development related projects; negotiate and manage the work of consultants, contractors, and City staff as it pertains to economic development programs and projects. Implement redevelopment assistance opportunities; assist businesses interested in starting or locating in the City of Harrisburg identify suitable properties; build relationships with brokers and property managers throughout the City. Determine consultant requirements; select and negotiate contracts with consultants; administer contracts for services according to guidelines for the department as established; authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations. Prepare and present staff and economic development reports to City Council, Planning Commission, advisory committees, the administration, the public, and other groups to explain aspects of the City’s economic development projects, programs, and plan. Staff, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of assigned economic development staff; assign work to assure efficient and effective economic development activities and programs; monitor workload and administrative support systems; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend and implement changes. Prepare and provide guidance for the economic development portion of citywide plans; formulate strategies for implementing economic policy; develop and maintain an overall economic development plan for the city, with regional stakeholders. Participate as a member of the City’s Management to assist in planning, organizing, and administering policy; coordinate economic development activities with other departments and offices to assure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests. Perform related duties as assigned.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Assist mayoral and City staff in the performance of normal office duties as required. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES :

• Principles and practices of economic development.
• Practices as it applies to the analysis and evaluation of economic development programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Techniques related to market, feasibility, and impact studies.
• Knowledge of state, local and federal laws, ordinances, policies, programs and processes.
• Working knowledge of local business and economic conditions.
• Short and long-term strategic planning,
• Excellent record keeping skills and knowledge of the use of standardized forms.
• Program management experience.
• Understanding of organized group mechanics.
• Able to work with small and large group development.
• Ability to meet, converse and work with a wide variety of people, including fed, state and local officials, employees and the public.
• Supervisory responsibilities including recruitment, selection, training, evaluation, and performance management of assigned staff.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Understanding of local municipal organizations.
• Ability to work with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and other software.
• Flexibility to work in the evening; weekends, and holiday meetings, as is necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Economics, Business or Public Administration, or closely related field and five years of economic development, commercial real estate development, or community development experience, or experience in a closely related field, with increasingly responsible management duties. A Master’s Degree is preferred. A valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Class C or equivalent is also required.