Economic Development Specialist

Under general supervision the Economic Development Specialist is responsible for managing the Citys Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program and supporting other economic development initiatives.
The position builds and maintains relationships with existing Leander businesses provides resources and assistance to locally owned and independently operated small businesses identifies workforce needs and connects employers with appropriate resources and partners. The position also supports business attraction economic development projects research incentive compliance and departmental communications.
Works closely with Economic Development staff other City departments local businesses entrepreneurs developers property owners commercial real estate professionals chambers of commerce workforce and educational organizations business-support organizations governmental agencies and the public.

• Manage and implement the Citys Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program including business outreach visits follow-up reporting and performance tracking.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with existing Leander businesses and serve as a primary point of contact for business retention and expansion needs.
• Identify business challenges expansion opportunities workforce needs and potential retention concerns and coordinate appropriate City or partner resources.
• Develop and maintain relationships with locally owned and independently operated small businesses and entrepreneurs and provide information regarding available programs resources and City services.
• Identify employer workforce needs through BRE activities and connect businesses with workforce agencies educational institutions training providers and other workforce-development resources.
• Maintain relationships with workforce education chamber small-business and regional economic development partners.
• Support business attraction efforts by responding to routine prospect inquiries compiling demographic workforce property infrastructure and market information and assisting with Requests for Information and project follow-up.
• Assist with prospect meetings business visits property tours and coordination with City departments as needed.
• Maintain and update economic development databases business records BRE activity prospect information property information and other departmental data.
• Conduct demographic economic workforce industry and market research to support business retention recruitment and departmental initiatives.
• Prepare reports presentations correspondence briefing materials and other professional documents.
• Assist with monitoring economic development incentive agreements including tracking required documentation deadlines and performance requirements.
• Assist with economic development marketing business communications workshops meetings and local community events.
• Provide professional customer service to businesses prospects developers property owners commercial real estate professionals community organizations and the public.
• Maintain confidential business and project information and perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
• Bachelors degree in Economic Development Business Administration Public Administration Economics Marketing Urban Planning Finance Real Estate or a related field is preferred.

• Bachelors degree in Economic Development Business Administration Public Administration Economics Marketing Urban Planning Finance Real Estate or a related field is preferred.
• Two years of experience in economic development business development business retention and expansion small-business assistance workforce development community development municipal government or a related field is preferred.

Or

• Valid Texas Drivers License with an acceptable driving record is required.

• Three or more years of experience in economic development business development business retention and expansion small-business assistance workforce development community development municipal government or a related field is preferred.
• Successfully completed TEDC Basic Economic Development Course and Economic Development Sales Tax Workshop.

• Knowledge of economic development principles and practices; business retention and expansion; small-business development; workforce resources; economic and demographic research; general municipal government functions; and standard office procedures.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with businesses and community partners.
• Ability to manage the day-to-day operation of the Citys BRE program;
• Ability to identify business and workforce needs and connect businesses with appropriate resources;
• Conduct research and organize data.
• Prepare accurate reports presentations and correspondence;
• Skills in communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
• Provide excellent customer service;
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines;
• Skill in using Microsoft Office and related databases research and presentation technologies.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand walk sit use hands to handle and feel items reach with hands and arms climb or balance stoop kneel talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to lift or move 50 lbs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be considered.

Working Environment
Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment and includes regular visits to businesses within Leander. Some evening meetings or local business events may be required. Travel outside the local area is expected to be minimal.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.

Job offer and continuation of employment with the City of Leander is contingent upon:

• Proof of education certification(s) and experience as listed on the employment application based on the job posting requirements.
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background and driving record check.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship. *
• Compliance with the Selective Service Registration for male US citizens and immigrants who are ages 18-25.

*The City of Leander participates in E-Verify! Information from each new employees Form I-9 will be provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm work authorization.

The City of Leander is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex (including pregnancy gender identity and sexual orientation) national origin age (40 or older) disability or genetic information in employment.

Applicants should communicate requests for disability-related accommodations during the application process to our Human Resources Department at or . Deaf and hard of hearing applicants may contact our office via Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or(TTY/TDD).