The City of Tacoma is seeking an innovative, visionary leader for the position of COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CLOSING: APRIL 2, 2018
I THE COMMUNITY Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim. Propelled by significant development such as the University of Washington Tacoma, the Tacoma Link light rail system, the restored urban waterfront of the Thea Foss Waterway, the expansions of both the MultiCare and Franciscan health systems, and a significant influx of foreign direct investment in its downtown core, Tacoma has evolved considerably since the 1990s. Tacoma boasts the state s highest density of art and history museums, and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city s vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome has endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry. 2
A magnet for families looking for affordable housing options in the Puget Sound area, Tacoma also draws those who prefer to live in a more urban downtown setting with competitively priced condos and apartments that feature panoramic mountain and water views. Tacoma s natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense s premier military installation on the West Coast only adds to Tacoma s desirability. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video! 3
CITY GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT The City of Tacoma operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a Mayor and eight Council Members. The City Council appoints the City Manager, and the City Manager selects and manages the activities of Department Directors. Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) a City entity responsible for Power, Water, Rail operations and the Click! Cable network is managed by a Director who is selected by a five-member Utility Board whose members are, in turn, confirmed by the Mayor and City Council. The City s 2017-2018 Biennial Budget totals over $3 billion with 3,700 employees. The Community and Economic Development Department is dedicated to creating a skilled workforce and a first class environment for conducting business recruitment, retention, and expansion while maintaining a dedicated focus on quality of life for Tacoma residents. The department has over 30 employees and a 2017-2018 Biennial Budget nearly $27 million. More information about the department s work is available at makeittacoma.com. 4
MISSION THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT CULTIVATES STRONG, DYNAMIC COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING THE EXPERTISE, GUIDANCE, AND SUPPORT NEEDED TO CITIZENS, BUSINESSES, AND INVESTORS TO ESTABLISH AND THRIVE IN TACOMA. 5
6 VISION THE COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WORKS TO MAKE TACOMA NATIONALLY AND GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED AS A VIBRANT DESTINATION CITY WITH QUALITY HOUSING FOR ALL, SUSTAINABLE LIVING WAGE JOBS, AND ABUNDANT LIFESTYLE AMENITIES.
I POSITION AND CANDIDATE PROFILE The City of Tacoma is recruiting candidates for the executive position of Community and Economic Development (CED) Director. The CED Director is a key member of the City s Executive Leadership Team with a critical leadership role in advancing the City s economic development strategy. The CED Director is expected to perform highly complex, innovative work resulting in positive, significant impacts to Tacoma and the regional community. The CED Director has a broad range of strategic, analytical, administrative, and project management duties. The position plans, organizes, manages and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the City s CED Department. The CED Director also develops strategic partnerships with community representatives, external agencies, and other organizations to guide economic strategic planning. 7
I IDEAL CANDIDATE The top candidate for this position will have a successful and verifiable career history with proven success as a strong leader with executive level experience in economic development, strategic planning, finance and budget development, and administration. This individual must have demonstrated performance in workforce development, as well as significant experience in developing and managing staff talent. This individual must have a record of building strong relationships with business leaders and collaborations with diverse business community districts. Experience and training in urban development, marketing, business administration or public administration are desirable. As the CED Director, this individual will be responsible for the creation, development, maintenance, and implementation of community and economic development strategies, programs/projects, and policies and services. The successful candidate must exhibit a high degree of understanding and performance in areas that include economic development, job creation, personnel management, municipal operations, innovative leadership, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners. 8
I KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Guided by City Council and community input, develops, an economic development strategy for the City, to include short and long range planning. Advises the City Manager and Council on emerging and existing economic development issues. Collaboratively and cooperatively works with the Mayor, Council Members, City Manager, department directors and other senior managers to analyze organization and community needs, and takes action in response to those needs. Proactively monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of economic development policies and programs, while identifying opportunities for improvement. Fosters external partnerships (locally, regionally and internationally) to further the City s economic development goals. Directs the development and administration of budgets, policies, projects and programs of the department to effectively and efficiently deliver high quality services to the City and the community. Ensures department operations conform withto local, state, and federal government regulations, and other applicable rules and policies. Manages, administers and implements the economic development strategy and programs for the City. Leads the City s business recruitment, retention, and expansion activities, with a focus on bringing living wage jobs to the City of Tacoma. Leads the development of economic development marketing strategies to positively represent the brand and identity of the City in cooperation with related City departments and external partners. Develops and implements strategies for workforce and entrepreneurship development in coordination with local and regional partners. Assists in planning, organizing, evaluating, and recommending changes to City housing policies and programs to optimize housing opportunities for all income levels and generations. Assists developers and local businesses with local activities and approvals necessary for project completion including, but not limited to, zoning matters, financial incentives, construction and general coordination activities with City Departments. Hires, disciplines, and evaluates employee performance; investigates and resolves grievances; and coordinates other human resources actions. 9
I EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Candidates for this position must possess a bachelor s degree (or equivalent experience) from an accredited four-year college or university and have eight or more years of progressively responsible related experience in community and economic development, strategic planning, and project management. The position requires experience in managing, planning, organizing and administering community and economic development, in a sophisticated business environment. A successful candidate will have demonstrated competencies and significant accomplishments from prior work experience. I COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The current salary range for the director position is $135,678.40 - $173,971.20. The City of Tacoma offers an attractive employee benefits package which includes retirement, medical, dental, vision and generous personal time off policies. Relocation assistance may also be available for a successful out-of-area candidate. cityoftacoma.org/newhires 10
I APPLICATION PROCESS To be considered for this challenging and rewarding career opportunity, please apply online through the City of Tacoma s website and attach a detailed resume and cover letter describing your experience, training and expertise as it relates to the responsibilities of this position and a list of six work-related references and current salary at the time of application. This recruitment closes April 2, 2018. Review of applicants will take place at that time to assess the viability of the candidates that have applied. Final interviews in Tacoma will be offered to those candidates that have the experience, training and expertise related to the responsibilities of this position. No reference checks will be conducted without receiving candidate permission. The final interview process will be held in late April or early May. For more information, please contact: Human Resources Analyst Kat Flores kflores@cityoftacoma.org (253) 591-5462 11
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. 747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 591-5000 cityoftacoma.org/jobs