Economic Development Director

For more information about this opportunity please click this link.

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the County Administrative Officer develops organizes and manages a broad range of economic development strategies and collaborative efforts to develop economic growth within the region; assumes major responsibility for planning and administering economic development programs; interacts with the Board of Supervisors department heads legislators and a variety of economic development partners across the county and state; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the County Administrative Officer. Exercises direct supervision over professional and administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a division director classification responsible for planning organizing reviewing and evaluating a broad range of economic development programs and manages the day-to-day operations of the Economic Development Office. The incumbent is responsible for performing diverse specialized and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities which include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs budget administration and reporting and program evaluation. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational managerial and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence initiative and discretion within broad guidelines.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add modify change or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Develops and implements goals objectives policies procedures and work standards for the Economic Development Office.
• Plans organizes directs and evaluates economic development programs and activities to ensure the provision of effective and efficient services to the community.
• Develops and carries out economic development initiatives consistent with countywide strategic and economic development goals established by the Board of Supervisors.
• Selects trains develops and directs assigned staff; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; makes discipline recommendations; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Prepares and administers budgets; assists with forecasting additional funds needed for staffing equipment and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures.
• Ensures compliance with division department and County policies and procedures and applicable local state and federal laws and regulations.
• Directs reviews and conducts studies to analyze and evaluate program performance needs and resources; monitors changes in laws regulations and technology; researches and recommends policy and procedural changes and implements changes as directed.
• Establishes strong working partnerships and serves as a liaison with business and property owners investors commercial brokers and developers and state and local economic development officials to represent and promote the countys interests maximize opportunities and facilitate economic development in Humboldt County.
• Negotiates and manages complex financial arrangements associated with real estate development.
• Facilitates development projects within the County and provides specialized administrative support for grant applications and the oversight of funds and program activities.
• Conducts independent research and market and data analysis to monitor trends and inform and direct business development and attraction efforts; ensures continual reviews of data sources for market/company intelligence and improves lead generation effectiveness.
• Develops proposals by aligning value proposition across multiple dimensions to a businesss unique needs/concerns in compelling and creative ways.
• Develops and promote distinct and coordinated services and incentive-based packages to attract developers and encourage a business-friendly environment.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of:

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development analysis and evaluation of programs policies and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision including work planning assignment review and evaluation discipline and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Administrative principles practices and methods including goal setting program development implementation and evaluation policy and procedure development quality control and work standards.
• Principles and practices of community and economic development business recruitment expansion and retention; tourism; small business administration and similar loan programs; and demographic research and analysis of market conditions and public relations.
• Research and data analysis methods.
• Local regional state and federal economic development dynamics resources needs and strengths and weaknesses including tax and incentive structures financing tools utilities transportation community services and the roles of public and private agencies in the development process.
• Customized proposal development.
• Applicable federal state and local laws regulatory codes ordinances and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Recent and on-going developments current literature and sources of information related to assigned programs projects and services.
• Principles and practices of budget grants and contract preparation and administration.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public vendors contractors and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words rules of composition and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program project and task coordination including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Plan organize direct and coordinate the work of professional and administrative support staff personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select and supervise staff provide training and development opportunities ensure work is performed effectively and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Develop and implement goals objectives practices policies procedures and work standards.
• Research analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods procedures and techniques.
• Conduct complex research projects visualize and present data for both qualitative and quantitative content evaluate alternatives make sound recommendations and prepare effective reports.
• Prepare negotiate and administer budgets grants and contracts.
• Prepare clear and complete reports and other written correspondence.
• Understand interpret and apply all pertinent laws codes regulations policies and procedures and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business professional and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work set priorities meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact initiative prudence and independent judgment within legal general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration community development urban or regional planning or a related field

and

Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in community or economic development including three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend stoop kneel reach push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift carry push and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

• Office environment with moderate noise levels controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening physical examination etc.).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.Applicants must apply online through the Countys automated application system at must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received the selection process may consist of additional application screening written and/or practical exam(s) oral interview or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application

Can I change my application after submitting it

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC Disabled Persons Veterans LGBTQIA community members etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the recognition of these structural and systemic factors the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways oftentimes outside of formal institutions and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicants qualifications for a position.

If youre excited about this role but your past work experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs activities and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation please contact Human Resources immediately at so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race religion or religious creed color age sex sexual orientation national origin ancestry marital status medical condition mental or physical disability military service or any other classification protected by federal state or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California drivers license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the Countys intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.