Economic Development Coordinator

SUMMARY – The employee in this position coordinates the economic development operations and activities to achieve the goals and objectives of the City of Laurel. The work is performed under the direction of the Director of Economic and Community Development, but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this position establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials; business and community groups; developers; county, state and federal officials and the general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Provides assistance in the development of short and long term economic and community development plans, as well as gathering information and preparing studies, reports, and recommendations to achieve such goals.This involves the preparation and maintenance of information on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, financing tools and incentives, in order to respond to requests for information for economic development purposes, and coordination with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Provides economic development advice and assists in the application and permitting process and serves as an advocate for economic development in line with the Comprehensive Plan, Unified Land Development Code, and the City of Laurel Community Redevelopment Authority Urban Redevelopment Plan and goals as established by the Mayor and City Council.
• Maintains a liaison with businesses and professional groups as they relate to the City’s Economic Development goals.
• Provides information and/or makes presentations to Mayor, City Council, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the general public on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
• Maintains an inventory of available buildings and business development sites within the City including both public and private buildings and land areas.
• Makes site visits to properties proposed for inclusion in the City’s redevelopment program.
• Monitors legislation and regulations relating to economic development and reports findings to the appropriate impacted parties, including, but not limited to the City Administrator, the Mayor and City Council, and the Community Redevelopment Authority.
• Maintains strong working relationships with the general public, area businesses, clients, the media, and others having an interest in, or impact on, economic development.
• Manages all City of Laurel Economic Development grant programs.
• Applies for and monitors various Economic Development grants.
• Manages the ECD Facebook page as well as all other social media platforms for the Department.
• Serves as Main Street Manager for the City designated Maryland Main Street.
• Works to retain and attract businesses to the City.
• Plans events that provide networking opportunities, training, and promotes local businesses.
• Provides staff support to the City of Laurel Community Redevelopment Authority.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, present and potential problems, and makes suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; reviews publications and audiovisual materials to remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Regularly communicates and coordinates with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Serves as a member of various staff committees, as assigned.
• Willingly and cooperatively accepts other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – The minimum eligibility requirements for positions within this Class are as follows:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE - Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in urban studies, city or regional planning, or other related areas.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS – Must possess a Maryland class “C” driver’s license, or a comparable driver’s license issued by the employee’s state of residence, and a proven safe driving record. Must be able to attain the following certifications in the Incident Command System (ICS) within 6 months of employment: ICS-100, ICS-200, and ICS-700.

Computer Skills – Ability to operate a computer terminal or personal computer and use typical office software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access. Able to learn and use other computer-based processes including the City’s software packages for permits, Smarter Select grant software, CoStar commercial real estate database, Canva Graphic Design Software, and Geographical Information Systems.

 DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS - An Applicant that is bilingual in English and Spanish.  Experience reading and writing grant proposals. 

MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A DRUG SCREEN, AND A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK.

The City of Laurel is an Equal Opportunity Employer.