Assistant Director of Economic Development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Application Information: To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and answers to the following four questions:

• 
  Why are you interested in this position?
• What attracts you to Roanoke County?
• What certifications/training credentials do you possess and why would they be good for this position?
• How do you approach building relationships with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations?

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serves as an ombudsman between the development community and County departments, as well as an inter-departmental liaison on development related issues
• Participates in preparation and management of the budget
• Collaborates with Director in evaluating, planning, and providing recommendations on department goals and objectives
• Represents the Department on regional committees and at special events
• Initiates, develops and coordinates specialized marketing campaigns and programs
• Prepares technical reports and delivers presentations to business prospects, the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, civic groups and the commercial real estate community among others
• Develops, coordinates and implements programs to encourage and assist businesses to locate and expand in the County
• Responds to prospect inquiries, visits and proposals, and facilitates real estate transactions with public and private property owners
• Provides technical assistance to businesses to encourage growth and expansion
• Participates in the development of feasibility studies, contracts, marketing and public information related to special projects
• Researches, recommends and oversees economic development grant opportunities
• Participates in the identification and maintenance of the County’s real estate inventory to determine public facility requirements, access and zoning; Recommend improvements which will enhance site marketability
• Manages the Department’s Existing Business Program and conducts retention visits to existing businesses to identify and mitigate concerns and to facilitate expansions
• Researches and maintains an awareness of national and regional economic trends and innovative practices to help guide the economic development work program
• Develops programs and partnerships to attract and retain talent
• Develops programs and partnerships to attract and grow entrepreneurs

REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES

Education
Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, management, economics, marketing, business administration, real estate or related field; or commensurate education and experience.
Preferred: Completion of the Basic Economic Development course sponsored by the American Economic Development Council.

Experience
Required: Considerable experience in Economic Development, planning, real estate, business or public administration.
Preferred: Business development experience providing technical assistance to growing companies. Some supervisory experience.

Certifications/ Licenses
Required: Valid Virginia driver’s license with good driving record

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in economic development to include business attraction and retention, marketing, branding and incentives
• Understanding of economic development, state and regional programs and resources, real estate transaction elements and business development techniques
• Comprehensive understanding of Community Development practices including land use, zoning and planning
• Reasoning ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve problems, interpret an extensive variety of technical information and incorporate several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to identify key stakeholders and create teams to solve complex issues. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and leverage resources to produce outcomes.
• Knowledge of County and State tax structures as they apply to commercial and industrial activity
• General knowledge of the businesses and community resources available in Roanoke County, as well as those resources offered by State and Federal offices and regional development organizations
• Knowledge of economic development techniques; state and regional programs; real estate transactions and marketing strategies
• Proficient in the use of computers including the Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge and understanding of real estate principles and practices to include selecting, assembling and marketing property for commercial or industrial prospects
• General knowledge of how to match needs and specifications prescribed by businesses who are seeking to locate or expand in Roanoke County.