ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LIAISON

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1 MAJOR FUNCTION This is a responsible professional and administrative position that works in concert with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership to ensure that initiatives, implementation and activities are well coordinated, executed, and aligned with the Board of County Commissioners vision and policies and are in accordance with the County Administrator s directives. The employee has total administrative responsibility for projects and is involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of projects and programs. The employee will support and implement the organization s economic development program; provide economic advice and consultation to County departments; and contribute to Marion County leadership for outside and community-wide economic development efforts. Work is performed under the direction of an Assistant County Administrator and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the work load. Serves as a liaison between County government, the CEO of the CEP, and the Executive Committee and Board of Directors to create, develop, and implement Marion County s economic development strategies, plans, and activities to produce significant quantifiable results. Develop and execute special projects that further the economic development objectives of the CEP, ranging from economic summit events and economic stimulus packages to interactive CD marketing material, etc. Leverage the capabilities of Marion County s economic development organizations, educational institutions, governmental entities, and other resources to achieve the economic goals of Marion County government. Advise and make professional recommendations on economic development issues and activities to the Assistant County Administrator, County Administrator, Board of County Commission, CEO of the CEP and/or pertinent advisory boards. Manages Department personnel including contracted labor for special projects. Work in tandem with the CEP to formulate and administer the organization s business incentives and retention strategies; develop, negotiate, and administer economic incentive agreements with companies that induce the creation of jobs and investment within Marion County. Collaborate with the CEP to develop, implement and monitor Marion County s economic 1

2 development agreements with outside organizations. Serves as a focal point for business assistance with County regulatory and permitting activity. Monitor, advise, and otherwise support development of updates to the Economic Element of Marion County s Comprehensive Policy Plan by the Growth Management Division. Provide Marion County leadership in the area of economic development, with active service on boards, committees, and working groups of local economic developmentrelated organizations. Provide Marion County leadership in the area of economic development, with active service on boards, committees, and working groups of local economic development-related organizations. Serve as an ombudsman to represent the county s economic development interests and to facilitate the permitting process for targeted projects, improve the one-stop permitting process and streamline the regulatory process. Prepare and/or provide supporting material for speeches and presentations on economic development topics as requested by the Assistant County Administrator, County Administrator, CEP and County Commissioners. Prepare and/or oversee economic impact and other economic studies as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. CUSTOMER SERVICE This is a front-line position for providing excellent customer service to members of the general public and other County and CEP employees. Personal contact occurs with other employees of the unit, employees of other departments in the County, citizens, and customers of the department. Service is provided in person or by phone contact. SUPERVISION Responsible for directly and regularly supervising work of a relatively small number of employees (one or more), with indirect supervision of all other staff. Includes assigning, directing, evaluating, and reviewing work of subordinate employees. Responsibilities include providing on-the-job training; evaluating job performance; recommending selection of new staff members, promotions, status changes, and discipline; and planning, scheduling, and coordinating work operations. 2

3 EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS Education and Experience. Bachelor s degree in economics, business administration, or related field, with at least five years of professional experience in economic development or business retention/incentives programs. A documented and track record of significant accomplishments and results in the area of local and regional economic development. Proven experience in grant writing in areas of public infrastructure including transportation, redevelopment and utilities. Proven knowledge and experience in Federal and State economic funding sources and programs and community development block grants. Experience and successful implementation of a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency.) A demonstrated ability to work as a leader alongside key community leaders and business CEOs to produce results. Evidence of excellence in preparing and presenting economic matters to a wide range of audiences. Evidence of using the latest technologies and techniques available to achieve economic development goals. Proven experience in public budget, grant management, and government finances. Other Requirements Due to the sensitivity of this position and job functions performed, the position will require close coordination with the County Administrator. Therefore, this position will serve at the pleasure of the County Administrator and provisions outlined in Section and Section of the Employee Handbook do not apply. Licenses Possession of a valid Florida Drivers License. JOB SKILLS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret highly complex documents. 3

4 Ability to respond effectively to highly sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards. Mathematical Skills Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis. Problem Solving Abilities Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. Analyzes major organization-wide policies, budgets, procedures, systems or accounting methods on a continuous basis. Specialized Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of planning, development and economic development. Knowledge of commercial development processes, practices and thorough understanding of the needs of private sector development. Thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques used in business solicitation or industrial promotion. Considerable skill in the collection, analysis and presentation of technical data, including property valuation. General knowledge of current and projected economic trends. Ability to organize work flow and coordinate activities for short term and long term projects. 4

5 Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment and discretion in establishing, applying and interpreting policies and procedures. Ability to research legislation to determine the effects on the ongoing programs. Strong organizational skills, with ability to prioritize tasks and meet multiple deadlines. Knowledge of computers, including word processors and spreadsheet applications. Ability to interpret legal descriptions, maps, aerial photography, and site plans. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Ability to plan and organize work and manage time. Ability to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns. Includes the ability to build a constructive team spirit where team members are committed to the goals and objectives of the team. Machines and Equipment This employee will be required to operate a computer, calculator, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, and other general office equipment, as well as drive a vehicle, in the completion of the tasks of the position. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally be required to use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and lift up to twenty-five pounds; will regularly be required to stand, walk, and sit; and will frequently be required to talk and hear. Special vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus to bring an object into sharp focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally be required to be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The typical noise level for this environment is moderate. Established: 08/2012 Category: 2 5

6 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LIASON Pay Grade: 23 Status: E Job Description Number: 2218 Revised: 01/22/2013 6