JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Assistant City Manager.  Provides management and oversight of the City of Live Oak’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and marketing functions.  Facilitates business development for the community, management of the EDC Budget, ongoing retention and attraction programs, and community involvement.  The EDC and Marketing Manager is charged with developing strong community relationships and providing critical analysis and insights into the economic conditions of the EDC Board and other community stakeholders. 

Job Responsibilities:

•    Develops and presents EDC Annual Strategic Work Plan, Annual Budget and proposed projects to the EDC Board of Directors and to City Council for approval.  Provides regular management level reporting to the EDC Board and City Council and annual and quarterly reporting to State agencies.
•    Develops and presents to the Visit Live Oak Board, Annual Budget and proposed projects to the Visit Live Oak Board and to City Council for approval.
•    Develops and implements projects, recommendations, economic analyses, incentive analysis, and proposed policy changes for consideration by the EDC Board of Directors in keeping with Board directives, the EDC’s Articles, Bylaws and Mission.
•    Networks and builds relationships with the business community.  Works to retain/expand existing businesses and works to recruit new businesses from designated target industry sectors to Live Oak and develops Request for Information (RFI) and the responses and submissions.
•    Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, other community development agencies and the general public.
•    Monitors financial performance of the EDC.  Provides analysis of revenue and expenses to anticipate and propose changes/altercations in the EDC’s best interest.
•    Assists in the development and management of the EDC budget, including all contracts, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
•    Negotiates vendor contracts for design, marketing, and public relations services, with the approval of the EDC Board, as part of targeted recruitment and marketing campaigns; and monitors contract compliance.
•    Ensures that orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect.
•    Collaborates with City staff and leadership for strategies, planning, and is an active member of the Development Review Team.
•    Manages the branding, marketing, and advertising of the EDC which represents the City of Live Oak as the premier community for businesses, including City’s bi-monthly publication, Hometown news magazine, City’s website, and City’s social media platforms.
•    Manage, in conjunction with the City Secretary and legal counsel, the provision of open records request responses and archiving of records.
•    Prepares for monthly EDC Board meetings, special board meeting(s), and strategic planning, as well as meeting follow-up.
•    Develops and maintains EDC programs and initiatives such as Live Oak VIP program, ribbon cuttings, scheduled newsletters.
•    Serves as a City liaison for the city marketing needs, including social media and website coordination. 
•    Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.

Knowledge of – 
•    The principles and practices of economic/business development strategies, program administration, and resources, including methods for business attraction and retention.
•    The principles and practices of researching and analyzing the economic feasibility of local community and business development projects.
•    The principles and practices involved in the acquisition, disposition, relocation, demolition, construction, and rehabilitation of real property.
•    Marketing, public information, and promotional techniques used in economic development.
•    The functions and relationships between private and public sector groups in the economic community.
•    Federal, State, and local laws, rules and regulations affecting planning, zoning, and community development.
•    The principles and practices of basic real estate.
•    Information sources to identify and understand regional market trends, market analysis and development costs related to the potential development of a specific site.
•    Public financing tools and their applicability as potential incentives for the achievement of public purposes.
•    Applicable laws, codes and regulations concerning land use and the development process.
•    Effective methods of organizing and utilizing data, equipment, personnel, and resources.

Skill in – 
•    Planning, organizing, and promoting economic development strategies, programs, and related activities.
•    Establishing and maintaining cooperative and strong working relationships with private and public entities.
•    Interpreting and applying department standards and City policies.
•    Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
•    Effective public speaking as well as the preparation of supporting print, online materials, and multimedia presentations. 
•    Working independently with little direction.
•    Analyzing complex issues and impacts and providing clear and concise recommendations and alternative solutions.
•    Negotiating with the development community to create win/win solutions to potential problems.
•    Initiating and negotiating private/public partnerships on behalf of the City.
•    Performing work in confidence and under pressure for deadlines.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Public Policy, Business or Public Administration, or related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible management and supervisory experience in the field of economic development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
 

BENEFITS

Flexible work schedule, education assistance, medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance; vacation and sick leave; 11 paid holidays; employee assistance program; and longevity pay of $10 per month. The organization pays 100% of employees’ medical and dental premiums and 45% of premiums for covered dependents. TMRS: 7% contributions with a 2:1 employer match and offers a voluntary 457 deferred compensation plan.