Economic and Community Development Director December 2017
City of Martinsburg Martinsburg is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of West Virginia, located in the tip of the state s Eastern Panhandle region. With a picturesque historic downtown, Martinsburg serves as the county seat of Berkeley County. Through several downtown revitalization projects, the expansion of interstate-related commerce, economic development initiatives, transportation projects and infrastructure improvement projects, the City s leadership has demonstrated its commitment to fostering community and economic development. Following a strategic plan developed for the City by Garner Economics LLC, Martinsburg is working to preserve its historic heritage and ensure its future. Nearby metro areas of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore are readily accessible by train and interstate highway. Within a short drive, the outdoor adventures of the C&O Canal, the Appalachian Trail, and historic national parks and battlefields enhance the many recreational and cultural opportunities within the City. 232 N. Queen Street PO Box 828 Martinsburg, WV 25402 APPLICATION PROCESS For consideration, please submit a letter of interest and résumé Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. at Martinsburg@jci-inc.net www.jci-inc.net The City s mission is to expand economic opportunities for its citizens by expanding the tax base and retaining and creating jobs. As part of its commitment to the future, the City has created and developed dedicated funding for a new position, Economic and Community Development Director. The Director will facilitate, administer and promote economic development initiatives for the City of Martinsburg, including programs to secure growth through job creation and increased capital investment, job retention, commercial development, and redevelopment opportunities, including Brownfields projects. Reports to: City Manager Budget: $325,000 Page 2
The Director will perform professional and administrative work in planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing community and economic development efforts in accordance with the economic development strategic plan and the short and long-term work plans of the City administration. The Director is expected to exercise independence, initiative, ethics and professional expertise. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES Identify, source and foster economic and community development opportunities and strategies. Develop initiatives to attract, expand and retain business in order to further develop the community. Secure and administer funding for development plans and projects. Manage the public process dealing with development initiatives and maintain data tracking systems. Cultivate professional networks and promote the community to expand the general business footprint. Evaluate program/project effectiveness. Build and maintain stakeholder relationships with local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Mainstreet, Visitors Bureau; county, regional and state economic development organizations; other economic development partners; and local residents and civic groups. Help build consensus around economic development program, targeted recruitment goals, and community development projects. The Person KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE Economic and Community Development Expertise Understand the principles and general trends within the industry. Demonstrate experience in economic and community development programs. Effectively speak the language. Analysis and Decision-Making Under the direction of the City Manager, make decisions and solve problems by gathering, diagnosing and analyzing the information to identify and evaluate options and select the best course of action. Industry Vision Stay abreast of best practices in economic and community development, including brownfields redevelopment, marketing principles, business planning and industry targeting. Relationship and Teaming Effectively build relationships with individuals by being inclusive and responsive to the needs of others and by communicating effectively and collaborating with others. Page 3
Administration As required, prepare financial reports, grant applications and reports, and understand generally accepted accounting principles. Knowledge of Local Government Understand relevant municipal legislation, policies and procedures, and planning programs and processes. Be aware of the impact local economic, cultural and political environment on development. SKILLS AND TRAITS Ability to develop and analyze business plans. Ability to identify and promote economic and community development projects and initiatives. Ability to explain complicated matters and negotiate for the purpose of reaching an agreement and to facilitate effective discussion and sharing of ideas. Team building skills. Accounting and bookkeeping skills. Analytical and problem-solving skills. Decision-making skills. Effective verbal presentation and listening skills. Effective written communication skills. Effective negotiation and mediation skills. Computer skills to include the ability to operate computerized accounting, spreadsheet, word processing, graphics and website development programs at a highly proficient level. Stress management skills. Time management skills. Sound work ethics. Cultural awareness and sensitivity. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university is required in business, economics, marketing or public administration combined with related financial experience with two (2) years of experience that will enable the candidate to effectively and successfully implement the Economic and Community Development Strategic Plan. Any equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered. Professional certification with the International Economic Development Council is preferred (Certified Economic Developer CEcD) Must possess and maintain a valid West Virginia drivers license. COMPENSATION Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Page 4
SELECTION PROCESS Candidates for this position will be evaluated by Jorgenson Consulting. The most qualified individuals will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process. For consideration, please submit a letter of interest and résumé to Dianne Reid at Martinsburg@jciinc.net. REFERENCES AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION It is the City s policy to complete an extensive background and reference check of candidates. Once strong mutual interest has been established, candidates are asked to provide a list of references that should include, but not be limited to, a supervisor, a peer, a development client and a subordinate, as applicable. Candidates will be asked to sign an authorization to release Information for the purpose of the background investigation, which may include verification of education, credit check, criminal and driving records. Should an offer be extended prior to the completion of these checks, the offer will be made contingent on the successful completion of the reference and background checks. Page 5