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Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus

Assistant Director of Economic Development

Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus, Sugar Land, Texas, United States, 77479


Assistant Director of Economic Development

The Assistant Director will provide back-up to the Director and Deputy Director of Economic Development for all programs and departmental responsibilities. The position will perform a variety of management and fiscal duties in support of the City of Sugar Land Economic Development Divisions: Community Development, Business Development, Marketing and Tourism. Essential activities include business retention and expansion, business recruitment, integrated marketing program, tourism, compliance, entrepreneurship/small business assistance, major departmental projects and initiatives, management and support of various funds and boards such as: City Council, Type A & B Corporations, etc.).

This position will interact and work directly with all City departments, the City Council, City-appointed boards and commissions, the general public, corporations, consultants, statewide organizations/associations and various governmental agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. The position description is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements of the position change.

Recommend incentive packages to the City Council Economic Development Committee, the City Council, the Sugar Land Development Corporation, the Sugar Land 4B Corporation and assist in the negotiation of direct incentive agreements, tax abatement agreements and other agreements or new programs that may require funding.Assist in carrying out all goals of the City’s Economic Development Plan.Initiate, develop, manage, and maintain primary industry recruitment programs – including marketing and strategic initiatives – and aggressively pursue industrial and commercial leads and prospects. Equal responsibilities for the Tourism division and recruitment of conventions, meetings, visitors and events that produce hotel occupancy.Provide oversight for the initiation, development, and maintenance of programs that encourage retention and expansion of existing businesses, industries, real estate development, conventions, meetings and other revenue generating projects within the City.Develop relationships with Sugar Land businesses executives, developers, commercial realtors, site selectors, hoteliers and regional partners as a key point of contact within the City, including hosting business leaders at City events, functions, and venues, such as Constellation Field and the Smart Financial Centre.Provide oversight for the performance of economic impact analysis of all business and tourism leads as well as provide oversight for all existing incentive agreements, tax abatement agreements, and other grants (existing or new).Provide oversight for the development and implementation of the City’s integrated marketing program through the oversight of the Marketing Division and Sr. Marketing Manager.Oversee the initiation, development, management and maintenance of programs that assist entrepreneurship and start-up businesses within the City.Provide retail industry information support to retail brokers, shopping center owners, property managers and retailers.Develop and manage annual budgets with staff for the Department, through the Economic Development Corporations, HOT Fund, Cultural Arts Fund and Special Events Fund.Oversee the development of surveys and research of economic trends, demographic trends and infrastructure issues relative to Sugar Land in order to effectively promote economic development analyses such as employment trends, commercial building occupancy rates, availability of land sites, etc.Oversee the preparation and maintenance of various statistics, data, and narrative economic development reports for presentation to the City Council, City Boards & Commissions, the general public, etc.Deliver presentations before business groups, as appropriate, on topics pertaining to the activities of the City’s economic development efforts; work with the Marketing Division and City’s Communications Department to prepare and distribute news releases explaining activities and/or accomplishments of the Department.Attend meetings of various boards and committees (e.g., the City Council Economic Development Committee, Sugar Land Development Corporation, Sugar Land 4B Corporation, etc.) as required. Assist in preparing and managing each Board’s annual budget; maintain knowledge of regular reports and recommendations regarding the programs, policies and business affairs of the Corporations.Maintain working knowledge of federal, state, regional and local incentive statutes and best practice applications for effective competitive positioning of Sugar Land for corporate recruitment.Maintain an active role in local, regional, state and national economic development, tourism and real estate organizations, including membership applicable organizations.Assist in managing all Economic Development Department major initiatives and projects including assigned City strategic projects.Oversee the management of the City’s Tourism program which includes aTourism Marketing Grant and the attraction of large scale commercial producers and the oversight of the City’s Special Event Ordinance and corresponding interdepartmental Special Events Policy.Oversee the management of the City’s visitor center which includes part time personnel, state regulated cash handling processes, and management of a historical building as well as partnership oversight with the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation.Required to work as an essential employee before, during and after an emergency or disaster, whether natural or acts of war.Stay abreast of, and comply with, all City and departmental policies and procedures.

Perform all other duties and responsibilities as instructed by the Director of Economic Development.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities: To perform this position successfully, an individual(s) must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge of and proven ability to respond to industry specific RFPs/RFIs, perform economic impact analyses on potential economic development projects being considered by the City and draft appropriate & competitive incentive packages.Knowledge of and proven ability to use market research methodologies and public relations principles and practices.Knowledge of common business, governmental, economic development, tourism, marketing and real estate terminology and practices, as well as current innovations in business and economic development tourism and marketing activities.Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations relating to economic development and effective incentive practices.Knowledge and proven ability to assimilate researched data and deliver effective presentations.Knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications, Salesforce, Simpleview, Munis and other CRM or budget programs.Knowledge of municipal government functions and inter-governmental relations activities.Networking and leadership skills and the ability to work effectively with business leaders, government officials and community, regional and state organizations are imperativeSkilled in performing effectively in professional situations and execution of assigned responsibilities.Skilled in establishing a rapport and eliciting cooperation from co-workers, the business community, and citizens.Skilled in effective communication both orally and in writing.Skilled in effective time management and resource utilization.Ability to handle confidential matters, use discretion and make independent judgments.Ability to work effectively with all levels of employees and management and assist in providing solutions to projects and tasks.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the organization.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: The preferred way to obtain the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position are listed below. The City reserves the right to allow substitutions in the event that a candidate or incumbent exceeds requirements in one area but may be deficient in another.

Formal Education:Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate Development, Finance, Hotel and Hospitality Management or a related field from an accredited school or university.

Relatable Work Experience:Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in an economic development field (note: experience in the banking, finance or real estate industry alone will not sufficiently satisfy the requirement).Minimum of 4 years of direct supervisory experience.A Master’s degree or a recognized economic development certification may be substituted for 2 years of experience.The candidate should have a proven track record of developing, implementing, managing and evaluating a wide range of economic development, tourism or marketing programs, projects, and initiatives.Extensive experience with Texas economic development incentive programs (Type A & B Corporations, Tax Abatements, Direct Incentives, Chapter 380’s, Enterprise Zones, Skills Development, Hotel Occupancy Tax, Art grants and funding etc.) and an understanding of the restrictions associated with the usage of funds derived from these sources is preferred.Economic Development or Tourism experience is preferred.

Training (License and/or Certification):Valid Class "C" Texas Driver License.Recognized Economic Development Industry Certification Preferred – may include:Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)Professional Community & Economic Developer (PCED)Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP)Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)

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 this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Stand/Walk Occasional walking within City Hall and City departments.Sit For most job tasks at a standard desk with an executive chair; at meetings; to drive; to meet with others in their office.Talk/Listen To be able to orally communicate with department staff, other employees and citizens.Dexterity To be able to write, use the computer and the telephone.Climb/Balance To be able to reach top of file cabinets with supportive assistance, such as a stool.Stoop/Crawl/ Kneel/Crouch To be able to retrieve files from bottom of file cabinets.Lift/Move/ Push/Pull To be able to move file boxes weighing up to 25 lbs.Vision To be able to use a computer (50% of the workday is spent at the computer); to read and write.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Business hours/ days of work 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (with after hour requirements for business program activities and meetings) Partial work from home option is available.Description of daily work environment Work area is located in a climate-controlled environment that is shielded from direct public access. Work site may be an open-design space, a cubicle, or a private office.

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