SUMMARY/PURPOSE

To plan, direct, supervise, and evaluate the operations and staff of the Economic Development and Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) Division, and oversee the implementation of economic development goals established by the City of Duluth and Duluth Economic Development Authority.

The Manager of Economic Development is integral to the economic growth within the city. This position works regularly with local business owners, large employers, developers and other partners to navigate local and state processes to meet their needs. The manager is also the lead liaison with the Duluth Economic Development Authority, the City’s economic development agent working to stimulate business investment, expand economic prosperity, grow the local tax base and strengthen public-private partnerships. The position provides day-to-day operational direction for the economic development and housing staff members.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The supervisor provides administrative direction with assignments in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. Incumbents have responsibility for planning, designing, and carrying out programs, projects, studies, or other work independently.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Does have supervisory responsibility, typically for employees with little discretion. Makes decisions and/or recommendations about hire, termination, pay, and performance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

1.     Manage employee performance, and provide training, coaching, and mentoring for employees.
2.    Provide clear, sufficient, and timely direction and information to the employees about plans, expectations, tasks, and activities.
3.    Demonstrate highly-effective leadership by promoting and supporting the mission and vision of the organization, recognizing and defining issues,   and taking initiative towards improvements.
4.    Supervise activities designed to expand existing businesses, develop new businesses, drive private investment, and facilitate development projects through City permitting.
5.    Prepare, control, and monitor the Division's and Authority's budget, expenditures, and administration of funds.
6.    Formulate, implement, review, evaluate, and amend policies, objectives, goals, and plans.
7.    Partner with the Executive Director of the Duluth Economic Development Authority, employees in the department, private businesses, and developers to further the mission and goals of the DEDA.
8.   Develop and implement a strategic plan for economic development and support regional economic development efforts.
9.   Assist in the management of budget, including tax increment financing (TIF) and the DEDA budget.
10.  Lead the negotiation of large-scale development agreements, and conduct financial analysis for various projects.
11.  Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including, but not limited to, developers, business owners, nonprofit leaders, key legislators, residents, and representatives of other jurisdictions and agencies.
12.  Lead the coordination of projects with other departments, and ensure clear communication on expectations and progress.
13.  Partner with the Executive Director of DEDA to create, refine, and manage the process and standard operating procedures of the commission and establish efficient workflows.
14.  Act on behalf of the Executive Director of DEDA in their absence.
15.  Recommend the hire, transfer, assignment, promotion, employee grievance resolution, discipline, suspension, or discharge of assigned personnel.
16.  Provide for ongoing training of employees in emerging methods, trends, technologies, and proper and safe work methods and procedures.
17.  Coordinate with various City departments, other government agencies, and community groups to develop methods of sharing resources, minimizing duplication, and simplifying procedures.
18.  Establish and maintain positive working relationship with the employees by maintaining two-way communication, producing consistent results, advocating for the team when appropriate, and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and the organization.
19.  Other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience Requirements

A.     Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Geography, or a related professional field, and six (6) years of related professional experience; OR a minimum of 10 years of related education and/or full-time, verifiable professional Business/Economic Development experience.

B.     Three (3) years of experience must be in a supervisory/lead position of similar complexity and level of responsibility.