The Economic Development Department completed a strategic planning effort in 2023.  Now, the department has been focusing on implementation of programs and policies to support the identified priorities.  The position is responsible for assisting in the Director in overseeing the activities and operations of the Economic Development Department including business recruitment, retention, expansion, budget and financial operations and marketing activities.  Position works in close collaboration with other city departments, Garland Chamber of Commerce, various community entities and stakeholders.

1. Manage business recruitment, retention and expansion activities.
2. Provide leadership and strategic direction for increasing the visibility of the city by developing and administering strategic marketing initiatives.
3. Obtain and retain the Accredited Economic Development Organization status.
4. Assist in managing the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
5. Assist in coordinating departmental activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
6. Work one-on-one with local business and real estate professionals to identify, develop and implement plans to expand Garland’s tax base and improve quality of life.
7. Serve as a proactive problem-solver for challenges faced by the City’s business stakeholders.
8. Coordinate and promote the City’s existing real estate assets, incentives and programs to better encourage private investment that advances the community’s development priorities.
9. Establish relationships with local, regional, and national site consultants, corporate real estate executives and real estate brokers.
10. Assist the Director in creating policy reports, ordinance amendments, presentations and other written documents for the department.
11. Assist with the growth and expansion of existing companies by processing incentive applications and assisting with development review and entitlement processes.
12. Promote and support investment in the City’s identified catalyst areas.

 Master’s Degree in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Real Estate Development, Finance or related field
 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in economic development
 Knowledge of economic development principals
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Education/ Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Real Estate Development, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications or related field
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in Urban Planning, Government Administration, Economic Development or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of economic development, real estate investment, urban revitalization and finance principles, programs and applications
• Management of complex projects and processes that rely on the active participation of stakeholders internal and external to the organization
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple complex projects and the flexibility to adjust to changes
• Developed knowledge of business development and expansion techniques and resources
• Developed knowledge of planning, coordinating and managing complex projects
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships, listen and provide assistance.
• Skill in Microsoft Office (including Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally
• Ability to perform effective public outreach, marketing and investor recruitment which secures public and private sector resources

 Valid Class C Texas Driver's License

The incumbent works in a typical office environment; occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards; occasional outside work.

Models Organization Values
Customer Focus/Results Focus
Communication
Adaptability/Flexibility/Decision Making
Managing Projects/Managing People