Economic Development Director

Job Title: Economic Development Director

Salary range: $45,000

Department: Economic Development

Hours: Part Time

Start date: TBD

Job Description:

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

The Town of Seymour is accepting applications for a part-time Economic Development Director.  Prospective candidates must submit a cover letter and the completed Town of Seymour Job Application to cpelosi@seymourct.org no later than 4:30 pm on Monday, June 21, 2021. 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Plans, organizes, and implements economic and community development projects and policies from conception to completion including business development, creation and retention, tourism, revitalization, redevelopment and marketing. Acts a liaison with the land use boards and officials. Establishes economic development goals and objectives for the Town, interfaces and coordinates with developers, businesses, and governments. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develops and implements short- and long-term economic development goals in accordance with the Master Economic Development Plan (MEDP); gathers information and prepares studies, reports and recommendations to retain existing business, to attract new business, and to present a positive image of the Town.
  • Develops and recommends economic development strategies to Strategic Planning Committee
  • Work in conjunction with EDC and BOS to develop annual goals for performance evaluation
  • Assist with growth and development of commercial and retail tax base through implementation of an aggressive economic development program.
     
  • Analyzes existing economic situations relative to business attraction and expansion; reviews modern techniques for business attraction and retention and negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; monitors the economic and community development program and reports to the Board of Selectmen.
     
  • Establish and update an inventory of existing available, public and private buildings, businesses and land areas in the Town.
     
  • Coordinates infrastructure development (industrial parks, utilities, transportation) to support business growth and expansion.
  • Work in conjunction with the Town of Seymour Board of Selectmen to develop, promote & create new tax incentive plans and revise older plans for businesses in Seymour or seeking to relocate to Seymour.
     
  • Provide a detailed quarterly summary of commercial, retail or industrial contacts or inquiries made each month.
     
  • Development of a business retention and expansion program including site visits, marketing, and business advocacy and recruitment program including target industry analysis, marketing, site selection, and resources.
     
  • Markets and assists in sale of town owned properties.  Assists with the marketing and sales of privately owned properties, rentals and leases.
     
  • Assists in maintenance of the EDC website with additional web-pages for the on-line promotion of the Town of Seymour.
     
  • Researches, identifies and utilizes resources for community and economic development, including sources of funding, grant opportunities, and technical expertise.
     
  • Attend EDC meetings and as necessary other board/commission meetings (Board of Selectmen, Planning and Zoning, Inland Wetlands, Conservation Commission).
     
  • Work in conjunction with Town Departments, boards and agencies; business organizations; community groups; and local, regional, state, and federal agencies.
     
  • Serves as the media contact for Seymour economic development activities.
     
  • Attends conferences, seminars, workshops, classes, lectures, etc., as appropriate, to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in the field of economic development; attends professional, civic, and social gatherings, as appropriate, to represent and promote interests of the Town and to collect information pertinent to advancement of interests of the Town.
     
  • Monitors local, state, federal legislation and regulations relating to community and economic development, and reports findings, trends, and recommendations to the Board of Selectman.
  • In addition to the essential duties and responsibilities, the employee will be required to perform any other duties assigned by his or her supervisor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

  • Works in conjunction with Economic Development Commission, but does not report to them.
  • Works under the general supervision of the First Selectman

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

  • Currently none.

QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES:

  • Thorough knowledge of economic development planning, strategies, implementation and program evaluation.
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of local planning and development; planning, zoning, design and subdivision law, theory and applications; local government structure and operation, including budgetary procedures.
  • Considerable knowledge of research methodology and statistics, modern management practices; financial management, banking and real estate practices.
  • Skill in the translation of technical data, financial documents and accounting records into an easily understood format.
  • Skill in public relations; making presentations, writing reports and other communication practices.
  • Skill in general office management and practices, interpersonal communication, employee supervision, motivation, and the ability to direct the work of others.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, business owners, developers, financiers and other government agencies.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written material
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

  • Graduation from college with a Bachelor’s Degree in business, urban planning, public administration or closely related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience performing above or related duties, to include two (2) years in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • Master’s Degree in business, urban planning, public administration and/or five (5) years’ experience in real estate preferable.

License or Certificate: Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) preferred. Valid Driver’s License.

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