ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Minimum Qualifications
Acceptable Experience and Education

Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, economics, or related field and six (6) years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development or a closely related field, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.

A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of professional experience.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver’s license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.

Typical Duties
Essential Duties:
Manages and coordinates the planning and implementation of Economic Development Programs including business attraction, retention, job creation, business assistance, marketing, and related functions;

Communicates and coordinates with real estate professionals interested in establishing businesses in the community, including in managing staff assignments related to the development of strategies for implementation of economic and real property activities, schedules, and guidelines, including, but not limited to, property acquisition and disposition assistance, and developer selection and negotiations;

Reviews analysis, documents and reports prepared by consultants and staff to assure accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness;

Keeps abreast of legislative developments which may impact economic development programs, policies and/or procedures and implements action plan;

Responsible for overseeing, administering, and managing El Paso County incentive programs’ rebate management process;

Oversees all tasks and assigned staff assigned work related to the analysis, negotiation, and development of large and complex County incentive projects, which include general economic incentive programs, including but not limited to tax rebates, infill development, empowerment zone, green and sustainable incentives, historic tax exemption, state enterprise zone, County Enterprise Fund, and recruitment industries;

Contribute significantly to the timely processing of refund payments, accurate and effective administration of rebate applications, and compliance with program guidelines;

The specialist collaborates with various stakeholders, including program participants, county officials, and internal teams, to facilitate the smooth operation of rebate programs and promote economic growth within the county;

Ensures that rebate programs run smoothly and encourage economic growth in the county by working with various stakeholders, including program participants, county authorities, and internal teams; Attends the various public meetings, including Commissioners Court and the County Historical Commissioner, and may act as a staff resource to bodies and entities as directed;

Prepares documents related to economic development transactions including, but not limited to, easements, conveyances, notes, deeds of trust, grant deeds, rights of entry, licenses, permits, reconveyances and agreements;

Monitors contracts and agreements relating to economic development or property management activities which involve payments or financial calculations, including coordinating with the County financial offices associated with financial planning, accounts payable and auditing to ensure compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, laws, and procedures;

Analyzes economic data and prepares long-term business and financial forecasts in coordination with other Department employees, including drafting and preparing all state and locally required reports outlining the use of economic development tools and activities, including tax rebates and abatements, on behalf of the Department;

Develops and recommends overall economic development vision, goals, strategies, and policies, including providing written analysis, evaluation, and recommendations regarding economic development proposals to the Director;

Identifies and implements strategic, short- and long-range planning and programmatic framework to achieve agency economic development goals as identified by the Commissioners Court, Chief Administrator and Economic Development Director;

Coordinates economic development activities with other private and public sector agencies in order to promote financial health on a countywide basis; identifies and fosters partnering opportunities for various economic development programs and proposals;

Develops qualitative and quantitative measures to monitor, ensure, and evaluate program/project financial status, contract/grant/permit compliance, professional consultant/contractor performance, and customer satisfaction;

Prepares and oversees the preparation of project and program budgets and participates in the preparation of economic development budgets; and

Supervises, directs and coordinates and reviews the work of subordinate staff, including outside professional consultants and contract service providers as assigned by the Director.

Other Important Duties*

Performs other duties as assigned.

As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.

Job Summary
Summary of Position

The Economic Development Manager, under minimal supervision, conducts quantitative and qualitative economic analysis and assists with departmental planning and implementation.

Additional Information
Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: Principles economic development; basic principles of contractual law; methods and techniques of monitoring contract compliance; basic principles of grant management and compliance; basic fund accounting and auditing procedures; the principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; the principles and practices of conflict resolution; codes and regulations covering commercial development; local government organizational structure, functions, and management; local government operations and non-profit industry practices; government purchasing policies, procedures, rules and regulations; report preparation; research and statistical analysis; pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations; English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment and supporting office computer applications to include Windows and Microsoft based products.

Skill/Ability to: Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; strong communication skills to accurately communicate complex economic development issues to the media and other “economic development” persons; must have strong interpersonal relations, teamwork, research and analysis, organization and time management, use of office equipment including computers and applicable office software; research, collect, analyze and interpret data; read and comprehend contract and regulatory language; prepare written recommendations and reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships; learn the organization, procedures and operating details of the County department to which assigned; demonstrate strong organizational skills; experience prioritizing projects and working on several projects simultaneously with interruptions; efficient and accurate in completing tasks as required; attending to detail, and able to anticipate and meet deadlines while working under pressure of multiple and changing priorities; possess well developed, decision making skills, attention to detail with a high level of accuracy; excel in a diverse, collaborative team environment; a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential client, donor, and employee information and situations; multi-task and remain calm in demanding and unpredictable situations; understand various agency operations and procedures; maintain a professional, customer service-oriented attitude; possess excellent diplomacy, and social skills; display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently; operate with purpose, urgency, and accuracy in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment; maintain confidentiality and have the ability to exercise a high level of judgment/discretion; possess excellent time management; work with minimum supervision; Pass a Criminal Background Check.

Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and

necessary elements of performance:?

Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;

Work well with others and participate fully in a team-oriented environment;

Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;

Maintain strict confidentiality;

Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times; and,

Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence

Organizational Relationships

Reports to: Economic Development Director

Directs: Upon direction from the Director, the position may supervise the Economic Development Analysts or interns within the office. Additionally, at the direction of the Director, may request information and work closely with various project managers throughout the Department, managing various initiatives and corresponding administrative tasks.

Other: Has frequent contact with the Auditor’s Department, Budget & Fiscal Policy Department, County Attorney’s Office, Purchasing Department, Project Managers, Vendors, Private sector commercial and investment bankers, Investors, Developers and other key partners; and Elected and Appointed County Officials and other county employees.