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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.e. Economic Development Coordinator Position EXECUTIVE SUMMARY City Council Regular Meeting: July 16, 2019 AGENDA ITEM: Economic Development Coordinator Position AGENDA SECTION: Consent PREPARED BY: Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director Logan Martin, City Administrator AGENDA NO. 6.e. ATTACHMENTS: Economic Development Coordinator Job Description APPROVED BY: LJM RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to approve the job description and salary range for the Economic Development Coordinator position. Motion to authorize the hiring of Eric Van Oss to Economic Development Coordinator effective August 5, 2019. BACKGROUND Earlier this year, the City Council directed staff to create a new Economic Development position and bring the position on board in 2019. Staff researched similar positions at other cities and developed a comprehensive job description. Staff worked with Ann Antonsen of Baker Tilly (formerly Springsted) to evaluate this new job description and assign comparable worth points to the position. Ms. Antonsen has reviewed the Economic Development Coordinator position using the Hay Job Evaluation System and determined that the new position be assigned 375 job points based on the nature and scope of the position, other position responsibilities within the City, and pay equity data. Based on this data, staff is proposing the position be established at a wage range in 2019 of $70,657 – $88,982 annually (exempt). Staff is now requesting formal approval of this new job description and salary range. As Council is aware, a full recruitment occurred and 7 talented candidates were interviewed for the position. For the final interview, the 3 top finalists were brought back and were interviewed by two separate panels. Eric Van Oss was ultimately determined to be the best candidate for this position. Mr. Van Oss has extensive knowledge and unique skills in both the private and public sector. He brings a variety of economic development experiences and a fresh perspective. Staff is requesting consideration and approval of the hiring of Mr. Van Oss in this newly created position. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the approval of the job description and salary range for the Economic Development Coordinator position. Also requested is the authorization to hire Eric Van Oss to the position of Economic Development Coordinator effective August 5, 2019. CITY OF ROSEMOUNT JOB DESCRIPTION APRIL 2019 POSITION TITLE: Economic Development Coordinator DEPARTMENT: Community Development ACCOUNTABLE TO: Community Development Director ______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY OF POSITION Under the general guidance of the Community Development Director (and in coordination with the City Administrator) this position is responsible for developing and implementing economic development initiatives for the City with the purpose of business retention, expansion and attraction. This self-motivated position serves as the City's business liaison and requires public contact and continued relationship management with existing business owners and managers, developers and real estate brokers, the Chamber of Commerce, the Port Authority, City Council, Commissions, Committees and other economic development agencies. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Develop and implement dynamic economic development marketing and promotional activities aimed at retaining and attracting new economic development and redevelopment investment in the City. Creatively leverage the assets of the City. Attend trade shows, conventions, and conferences to keep abreast of the market to network and promote the City. 2. Initiate contact with individual business sectors to introduce them to Community and available sites for expansion or relocation. 3. Create strategies, policies, and initiatives that support the implementation of the City’s overall economic development goals and objectives. This includes assisting in preparation, update, and implementation of an Economic Development Strategic Plan and the City's Comprehensive Plan as it relates to Economic Development. 4. Work closely with the Chamber of Commerce, Dakota County Community Development Agency, Department of Employment and Economic Development, Metropolitan Council, Greater MSP, School Districts, Dakota and Scott County Workforce Centers, Dakota County Technical College, and other groups to ensure a coordinated effort toward economic development, redevelopment, job training and workforce development. 5. Respond to general inquiries for information on available land, buildings, development opportunities, or proposals for development within the City and maintain database access to such information. 6. Assist in the negotiation and implementation of development agreements and redevelopment projects; including tax increment financing, tax abatement contracts, and other state and federal programs. 7. Monitor and engage in legislative initiatives and practical issues relating to economic development and redevelopment which may affect the department or City. 8. Attend and make presentations at City Council, Port Authority and other meetings as necessary. 9. Lead communication efforts on Community & Economic Development activities, including working with internal staff on the coordination and production of materials on web site and social media. 10. Coordination of the monthly business e-newsletters. Conduct business interviews, write articles and prepare features, and coordinate news items with City Communications staff. 11. Organize and convene workshops of special interest to the industrial/business community. Plans and coordinates special events targeted at business retention and recognition efforts. 12. Research grant opportunities and prepare grants for development needs. Manage grant activities and submit required reporting and reimbursement information. 13. Assist in the coordination and implementation of the Community Development Block Grant program. 14. Perform other duties as needed or assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Political Science, Public Administration, Economic Development, Urban Studies, Regional Planning, Marketing, or closely related field or equivalent of combined education and experience. 2. Minimum of two years of experience in business management, economic development, or consultative interaction with business owners. Experience interacting with local government entities and knowledge of City development processes. 3. Strong working knowledge of technology, Microsoft Office products, and use of social media for marketing purposes. 4. Valid driver’s license. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS 1. Master’s degree in a related field. 2. Experience working with land/community development related activities in private or public sectors. 3. Experience in real estate or entrepreneurship. 4. Experience in researching, preparing and/or administering grants. 5. Experience recruiting and working with employers on expansion of local businesses. 6. A working knowledge of business development marketing techniques and processes. 7. National Development Council or IEDC Certification. 8. Basic Economic Development Course Certification or comparable. NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 1. Knowledge of economic development, redevelopment, and marketing techniques and practices. 2. Ability to analyze needs and solve problems creatively; prioritize and manage multiple projects. 3. Knowledge of local, county, and metropolitan economic development issues and programs. 4. Knowledge of business location and expansion considerations and ability to address those concerns utilizing sensitivity, tact and diplomacy. 5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others 6. Ability to work flexible hours to attend evening or early morning meetings or travel as required. 7. Effective oral and written communication skills including memo and report writing, the ability to make public presentations, and the ability to develop written, graphic, video and other materials for marketing. Must be able to present a positive image of the City to prospective business clients and the community. 8. Computer proficiency including a working knowledge of and the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and GIS mapping/analysis programs; ability to learn new computer applications and office equipment as needed. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. The employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, hand, feel or operate objects; and reach out with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee can occasionally be required to stand for extended periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment is primarily in a standard office environment that includes exposure to computer screens, and the workload of this position is such that during some periods of time activities will be hectic and stressful with numerous and diverse tasks being performed at fast pace. Field work may include construction sites and sites planned for development/redevelopment. Frequent work is out in the field at meetings or community events or traveling to promote the City. Must be able to drive a vehicle, carry marketing materials, and occasionally set-up booths or tables. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the positions if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirement of the job change. STATUS Exempt Reviewed by: ___________________________________ ________________________________ Emmy Foster, Assistant City Administrator Logan Martin, City Administrator