Economic Development Manager

Economic Development Manager

At the City of Plymouth, we all work together to add quality to life. This mission and our guiding values - CIVIC: customer focus, integrity, visionary, inclusion and connection - shape our work as we advance the City Council's strategic priority to be a city of choice. We are seeking candidates who are eager to adopt and champion our mission and values.

The Economic Development Manager will develop and implement economic development strategies, programs and services to encourage local employment growth, tax base expansion and economic vitality. This position will collaborate with elected and appointed officials, staff, business owners, developers and residents on a variety of development activities and projects.

Essential Functions

Facilitate business development, growth and expansion

• Work in collaboration with city leadership and the city's destination marketing organization (DMO) Hello! Plymouth to create, refine and implement economic development strategy and recommend policies that support economic vitality and further the city's priorities.
• Oversee economic analysis and monitor trends.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for businesses; provide information, connect to resources, advise on permitting, licensing and zoning, and help resolve issues as they arise.
• Develop and manage economic development programs and services, such as revolving loan funds, incentive programs and new initiatives.
• Maintain effective relationships with local businesses, lending partners, business groups and organizations and state/county agencies. Present to local groups as requested.
• Identify key industries and companies for business retention and attraction opportunities and guide marketing efforts toward these businesses.
• Respond to site requests and RFPs from businesses, state and regional agencies, and site selectors.
• Respond to economic development inquiries from local reporters, papers, and other organizations.
• Advocate within city government for business interests and perspectives.

Oversee redevelopment projects and economic development activities and initiatives.

• Facilitate various development projects including coordinating with others and preparing regular progress and technical reports and updates regarding status of such projects.
• Communicate with local and prospective businesses, property owners or brokers regarding available programs, projects, and properties.
• Attend Development Review Committee (DRC) meetings to collaborate on upcoming development projects, meet with prospective projects to discuss potential funding opportunities.
• Assist with city land purchases and sales.

Identify and pursue funding opportunities on behalf of local businesses and development projects.

• Manage applications to the DEED Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) and Job Creation Fund (JCF) and other similar applications.
• Oversee applications for grants and other funding, administration of grant awards and amendments, monitor budgets, and ensure compliance.
• Manage TIF applications and TIF compliance reporting alongside the city's financial consultant.

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including property owners, developers, key industries, as well as state and regional economic development agencies.

• Maintain contacts with local real estate brokers and stay apprised of occupancy and leasing trends.
• Identify opportunities for businesses to expand or relocate and connect with property owners that might be interested in selling or leasing.
• Work closely with city staff and other agencies including Hello! Plymouth to ensure a coordinated effort toward development and redevelopment.
• Work closely with brokerage, real estate, and development communities to ensure the city responds to private sector needs in a timely manner.

Lead, supervise and develop economic development staff in a manner that inspires professionalism, strong inter and intradepartmental communication, team building and alignment with city values.

• Fosters a respectful workplace culture and champions diversity and inclusion.
• Provides effective management by appropriate supervision, delegation, coaching, and training.
• Participates in professional organizations and implements best practices where appropriate.
• Provides feedback through formal and informal performance improvement plan.

Perform other duties as assigned

• Attend internal and external meetings as needed and give presentations assigned.
• Assist in the development and execution of division goals and budget.
• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to perform in accordance with the City of Plymouth's CIVIC values (customer focus, integrity, visionary, inclusion and connection) and comfort with supporting and advancing the city council's strategic priorities.

• Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, political science, public administration, economics, closely related field, or equivalent experience.
• Three years related economic/community development experience.
• Knowledge of local, regional, and state government processes and programs related to economic development as well as land use/zoning principles and requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with coworkers, other departments, elected/appointed officials, staff, and the public.
• Organize, coordinate and multitask on a variety of projects and assignments and meet required deadlines.
• Skilled in computer use, including Microsoft Office/Excel.

Desired Qualifications

• Valid driver's license.
• Experience with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects at a local level.
• Experience with redevelopment programs.
• Master's degree in urban planning, Economic Development, Public Administration, or related degree.
• Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) or Certified Economic Development (CEcD).
• Supervisory experience.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Frequent (usually required to perform the job): standing, sitting, repetitive hand motion, walking, stationary desk or bench work with neck bent forward, handling objects (grasping, turning or otherwise using hand or hands)

The employee must be able to lift/carry items from 0 – 24 pounds from 0 – 50 feet. Employee must be able to lift/carry items such as files, binders, office equipment and building plans.