Director of Economic Development

Location

Providence, RI | United States

Job description

Job Type: Non-Union

Job Posting: COP-00121-23

Salary: $158,760 – $185,726

Job Grade Level: A33

Department: Mayor’s Office

The City of Providence welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce at all levels of the organization. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit hiring discrimination of any type. All City hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

PLEASE NOTE:
All persons employed by the City of Providence are required to have achieved a fully vaccinated status against the COVID-19 virus. “Fully vaccinated status” shall be defined as having received the full number of doses required to complete the vaccination series of one of the currently recognized COVID-19 vaccines. Proof of vaccination completion will be required before beginning employment with the City.

Job Summary

The Director of Economic Development is a cabinet level position within the Mayor’s Administration. The Director of Economic Development is responsible for leading the City’s comprehensive economic development program and works with departments that contribute to the City’s business development and retention efforts. The Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer. With an emphasis on business services, job creation, leisure and business tourism, housing and the Administration’s additional immediate priorities, the Director of Economic Development has considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in the application of methods, and the implementation of development and engagement strategies.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Leads economic development and job creation initiatives to achieve key priorities.
2. Serves as the City’s chief business development officer and formulates and implements marketing and business attraction strategies for Providence.
3. Serves as chief spokesperson to the community regarding economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
4. Leads and collaborates with city departments to identify assets upon which to build an effective economic development program supporting business, housing, real estate, and the local workforce while identifying similar gaps and needs based on direct and indirect input from constituencies.
5. Provides direct oversight of relevant city departments and contracting with partnering organizations.
6. Coordinates with, and builds consensus among, business, government, and community stakeholders to identify specific and actionable economic development priorities.
7. Implements policies and practices that foster business growth, including streamlining business processes, developing and monitoring incentives and business supports, and aligning workforce priorities with emerging human capital needs.
8. Coordinates the development and implementation of economic development financing tools.
9. Coordinates with relevant state agencies to ensure that Providence’s economic needs are prioritized and that the city’s strategies are aligned with the State’s.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, finance, economics, urban planning, or a related field; and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible, professional experience in a position engaged in economic or business development, business administration, public administration, urban revitalization or a related field; or a combination of equivalent education and experience. A master’s degree in a related field of study is preferred and may count for up to two years of experience.
2. Proven success and executive leadership experience in planning, organizing, and promoting economic development/redevelopment strategies, programs, and related activities. 3. Ability to work across stakeholder groups to produce tangible development outcomes. 4. Ability to demonstrate success in economic development or relevant business experience. 5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials and the general public.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills
4. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
5. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job.

Posting expires when position is filled.

Job tags

Salary