Director of Economic Development- 03544

Job Description

Historic Stafford County is a high-performing local government organization that maintains a culture of embracing inclusion and inspiring individual and organizational excellence. As the major employment center of the Fredericksburg Region, Stafford is also a growing contributor to the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area – a region with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $608B. Stafford has prospered, in both investment and job creation, from the growth in its targeted industries; Healthcare, IT/Cybersecurity, Law Enforcement, Defense and Finance/Insurance. The State of Virginia has invested billions of dollars into the I-95 Corridor in Stafford County, including a new six lane interchange. These improvements have spurred development in the retail, restaurant, distribution and logistics industries. All the enhancements and improvements continue to make Stafford an enviable business and residential address.

Performs difficult professional and administrative work in developing and directing the business and industrial development activity of the County. Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the work of professional and technical personnel within the Economic Development department. Provides administrative and professional leadership and direction for the economic development program. This position utilizes strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills, as well as having excellent oral, written, and presentation skills with ability to serve as an interface between economic development and local government. Identifies and responds the community and County Board of Supervisors’ issues, concerns, and needs. Work is performed under general direction of the Chief Director of Development Services.

The hiring range for this position is from $118,518.40 to $160,014.40 annually based on experience.

The full range for this position is from $118,518.40 to $201,489.60 annually to provide opportunity for growth and development.

Examples of Duties

• Direct, plan, organize, and supervise the County’s economic development program to enhance the economic health and vitality of the County; develop, recommend, and implement short and long-range economic strategies; develop and manage programs to recruit and retain businesses and aid businesses seeking expansion.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with local agencies, developers, private consultants, citizen groups, community service organizations, and others to retain and recruit business and economic development to the County.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement effective marketing strategies and tools to attract businesses and development.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate economic development projects; prepare requests for qualifications and proposals; establish scopes of work for consultants; negotiate and manage the work of consultants and contractors. Determine consultant requirements; select consultants and negotiate contracts; oversee and coordinate special projects, administer contracts for services according to established guidelines for the department; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations.
• Prepare and present staff reports to Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, advisory committees, the public, and other groups to explain technical aspects of economic development projects and programs.
• Interprets and applies pertinent Federal, State, and local rules, laws, and regulations and ensures project compliance with these requirements.
• Staff, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of assigned economic development staff. Prioritize and assign work to ensure efficient economic development activities and programs; assess and monitor workload, administrative support systems; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend and implement changes.
• Formulate strategies for implementing economic development policy; develop and maintain an overall economic development plan for the County.
• Provide representation to a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional groups and committees. Serve as primary liaison to the Economic Development Authority.
• Participate as a member of the County’s Leadership Team to assist in planning, organizing, and administering policy. Coordinate economic development activities with those of other departments and offices to assure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests.

Typical Qualifications

• Knowledgeable of principles and practices of economic development.
• Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of economic development programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Knowledge of modern and complex principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Knowledge of Economic analysis techniques related to market, feasibility, and impact studies.
• Able to apply methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Demonstrated use of research methods and utilization of sources of information related to economic development.
• Experienced in the use of negotiation, mediation, and facilitation skills, techniques, and procedures.
• Supervisory skills and interpersonal skills that are collegial, decisive, direct and approachable
• Computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, etc.) and Adobe Acrobat Pro as related to the position;
• Effective time management skills and the ability to work under specific time constraints;
• Ability to work cooperatively with County employees, citizens, elected officials, and the media;
• Ability to use innovative and strategic approaches to identify issues and problem-solve proactively;
• Ability to articulate a compelling vision and motivate people to act with a shared vision;
• Ability to work flexible hours.

Supplemental Information

A combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Business, Urban Planning, Economics, Public Administration, or closely related field and seven (7) years of increasingly responsible management experience related to economic development, community development, or a closely related field. A Master’s Degree and/or professional certificate designation are desirable.