Director
Economic Development Department in Columbia County, Florida

MAJOR FUNCTION

Plans, organizes, directs, and supervises the programs, projects, operations, and personnel of the Economic Development Department. Establishes the department's goals, objectives, strategies, and priorities in alignment with the Board of County Commissioner's vision, goals, and objectives. Prepares, administers, and directs annual departmental budget and programs. Monitors financial data related to tax abatements or other incentives. Directs and supervises the compilation and publication of statistics and other information important to the commerce and industry of Columbia County. Prepares reports and makes presentations to various public and private groups. Ensures that all Economic Development Department activities comply with County goals, policies, procedures, as well as local, Federal, and State regulations. Work is performed under the general guidance and limited supervision of the County Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

* Manages the department's operations, budget, and supervises staff.

* Manages the preparation and maintenance of a variety of technical and administrative reports, correspondence, and documents related to economic development operations.

* Develops programs for assisting new businesses with expansion or relocation.

* Applies for and monitors state and/or federal grants to use in location and expansion of industry in Columbia County.

* Develops and places advertising for the purpose of attracting business/industry to Columbia County.

* Cultivates and maintains relationships with key public and private partners.

* Cultivates and maintains working relationships with State Agencies that may provide economic development assistance including; Enterprise Florida, Inc, Florida Economic Development Council, Suwannee River Water Management District.

* Meets with prospective clients who are considering locating in Columbia County.

* Represents Columbia County at appropriate state, regional, or federal meetings dealing with economic development issues.

* Attends training and industry seminars to maintain education and understanding of trends in economic development.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs other related duties as required by the County Manager.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment, normally seated, but position requires mobility to attend meetings outside the office and beyond normal working hours.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration, planning, economics, or closely related field and eight (8) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in economic development and related activities; or any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

* Ability to work independently; must be a self-starter.

* Ability to supervise others to accomplish departmental goals

* Ability to communicate and work effectively with local government and community leaders in planning, developing and implementing special projects and economic development programs.

* Ability to work a varied and flexible schedule, including evening hours and weekends. Ability to travel out of town

* Knowledge of complex principles and practices or economic development programs and administration

* Knowledge of short-term and long-term economic trends in county, state, and national economies

* Ability to forecast and plan for future needs.

* Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, creativity, resourcefulness and leadership in dealing with the public, county officials, commissions and boards, outside agencies, and businesses.

* Ability to maintain confidential information

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS/DEMANDS

* Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)

* Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)

* Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in the English language

* Ability to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for extended periods of time.

* Lifting up to 25 pounds.

* Walking, standing, kneeling, bending, and stooping

* Manual dexterity required to operate office equipment

PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

* Valid Florida Drivers License

* Columbia County residency required within six months of date of employment.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To learn more about this opportunity or to express interest, please contact The PACE Group:

Daniel Logan
dlogan@thepacegroup.com
662.842.1818