Community & Economic Development Director

https://www.cityofcapecanaveral.org/community_/city_departments/human_r…

SUMMARY Under the direction of the City Manager, directs the activities of the Community and Economic Development Department. Performs professional and administrative work in the City's Planning, Zoning, Development, Re-Development, and Economic Development activities. The incumbent exercises independent judgment in determining work methods within the guidelines of the City code and comprehensive plan, requiring the use of discretion and diplomacy. Work is reviewed through oral and written assignments and results obtained. Performs other work as requested.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Under limited supervision, directs the economic and community development functions of the City. Responsible for the supervision and oversight of the Economic Development Division, including recruitment and attraction of new businesses and the retention and expansion of existing businesses and industries. Manages and implements economic development initiatives designed to attract industry, create quality jobs, and increase private capital investment in the city. Regulates business license types and verifies compliance with planning and zoning requirements related to business operations. Coordinates with department directors and management team to develop and implement long-range goals, strategies, and plans. Establishes and maintains relationships with legislative bodies, key stakeholders, and resource partners to facilitate community and economic development and promote the City’s public policy goals. Reports to the City Manager or designee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Community and Economic Development Department, including supervision of Building Department, Code Enforcement Department, and Resilience Division staff, departmental fiscal management, and coordination of activities with other departments.
• Monitors efficiencies and processes of Building and Code Enforcement Departments, ensuring compliance with established procedures and applicable law.
• Researches issues, stays current on legislative matters, and answers inquiries regarding land use, zoning, and economic development.
• Reviews development reports, and prepares and presents recommendations to the City Council and various boards.
• Coordinates activities with key City staff, providing periodic reports to City officials and other agencies regarding development/redevelopment activities.
• Supervises the redevelopment efforts and personnel within the City to develop strategic proposals to promote revitalization, diversification, expansion, and economic development.
• Prepares and maintains annual redevelopment budgets in accordance with state law.
• Oversees the public involvement process for property owners' input in the redevelopment effort.
• Evaluates the physical needs of the redevelopment areas in terms of public infrastructure, including traffic circulation, pedestrian access, mass transit, drainage, streetscaping, open space, aesthetics, and the like.
• Develops, implements, and coordinates redevelopment activities between the City and the public.
• Performs special studies, prepares reports, and memoranda to support department activities as directed by the City Manager.
• Oversees the City’s Comprehensive Plan and its implementation, as well as CRA, Brownfields, and Economic Opportunity Overlay District.
• Works with staff and various agencies to improve economic development opportunities for the City.
• Works with area businesses to aid with business development and retention and to solve problems faced by those doing business.
• Develops and maintains relationships with state, federal, regional, and local agencies and elected officials to advocate for and facilitate the implementation of community and economic development efforts of the City.
• Promotes retention and expansion of industry and commerce within the city; develops and maintains a cooperative working relationship with existing businesses; conducts research and business surveys to identify business impediments and utilizes available resources to address those issues.
• Evaluates economic, statistical, and demographic data to analyze the best means to attract, retain, or expand businesses and/or industries to facilitate economic growth within the city limits.
• Responds to new business and site selection inquiries, maintains an inventory of available sites/buildings, and markets suitable sites to such business prospects nationwide.
• Develops and assists Planning staff in implementing neighborhood and strategic plans. This includes working with various neighborhoods and homeowner’s associations to determine the desires of the residents.
• Coordinates and presents applications and agendas for the Community Appearance Board, Business and Economic Development Board, Board of Adjustment, and Planning and Zoning Board, and attends meetings.
• Coordinates and presents department-applicable agenda items for City Council and attends meetings.
• Assists with damage assessment inspections during emergency response situations.
• Leads staff in achieving milestones and benchmarks set by City Council, City Manager, and adopted strategic plans.
• Maintains a strong working relationship with City departments, key resource partners, and stakeholders to establish and implement the City’s community and economic development goals and policies.
• Promotes positive awareness of the city and its programs and accomplishments.
• Provides high-quality, responsive customer service to both internal and external customers of the department. Promotes interdepartmental collaboration, builds employee morale, and fosters a workplace culture of integrity.
• Monitors internal controls for fraud, errors, and omissions within the department.
• Maintains a strong commitment to City of Cape Canaveral Organizational Values:               City of Cape Canaveral Organizational Values
• Performs other related work as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Provides general supervision of Planning and Zoning employees, Building Official, Senior Code Enforcement Officer, Resiliency Services Manager, and administrative support personnel. Supervises the City’s Economic Development and Community Development Divisions.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Completion of a Bachelor’s degree program in planning, engineering, management, business, public administration, economics, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university, supplemented with eight years of planning experience, or any equivalent combination of acceptable education, training, and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida driver’s license and safe driving record. Experience in Florida real estate is desired. Minimum of three (3) years of responsible supervisory experience required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Knowledge of State laws relating to land development and legal procedures; the principles and practices of urban planning; Building Codes and related laws, rules, and regulations; the legal regulations and conduct of the Community Appearance Board, the Planning and Zoning Board, and the Board of Adjustment and relevant statutory prerequisites; management and supervisory techniques.
• Skill in the transmittal of information, both written and oral.
• Ability to review, analyze, and interpret data and complex plans; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City departments, public agencies, the general public, and boards and committees; to comprehend long-range goals provided by State, Federal and/or local programs.
• Excellent customer service skills.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Requires a valid Florida Driver’s License. AICP Certification preferred.