(May include, but are not limited to, those

• Coordinates and performs project management, administrative and technical duties necessary to achieve project objectives in the areas of economic development, business attraction and retention, small business assistance and business financing, and employment.
• Provides direct assistance to businesses navigating the startup process to provide information about business plan assistance, financing, grant programs, and permitting (in coordination with other City Departments).
• Arranges meetings with multiple City departments for project related information.
• Works with other agencies and community partners for coordinated solutions to business and development issues.
• Continually develops and maintains business resource information to provide on-line tools to enhance understanding of the permitting process, market information, and other key information needed to start a business in Santa Cruz.
• Assists in the development of marketing and promotional programs to enhance the implementation of economic development activities including brochures, websites, software, databases, editorials, social media and other media.
• Connects businesses to sustainability programs and resources.
• Provides targeted information on demographics, trends, sales, and other business decision information.
• Prepares and analyzes economic data/reports to determine the economic feasibility or potential of specific development, transportation or land use plans.
• Identifies potential properties for businesses and provides businesses with property listings and broker contact information.
• Arranges meetings across departments to evaluate permitting requirements and provides a single point of contact for businesses.
• Maintains communication and collaboration with the Planning Department to identify and assist high-priority businesses that fit within the Economic Development Department’s targeted industry clusters.
• Communicates the City’s economic development strategies, programs, and policies in meetings with individuals and public and private organizations.
• Participates in the development of goals and recommendations and implements program objectives, policies and priorities.
• Assists in the development and direction of an effective and efficient economic development organization, including establishing standards, performance goals and procedures.
• Assists in the development and management of the economic development work plan; monitors work flow; and reviews and evaluates the work of professional development consultants.
• Writes grants to obtain funds for economic development projects.
• Works closely with local businesses and recruits potential business.
• Responds to inquiries regarding economic data, trends and resources such as industrial and commercial development opportunities.
• Participates with the other Economic Development groups and organizations in regional marketing efforts.
• May occasionally make presentations to business and community groups.
• Coordinates the preparation/implementation of special projects.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

Position requires prolonged sitting and occasional standing, walking, kneeling, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when talking on the phone or in person.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

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  A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, urban planning, economics or a closely related field and;
• Three years of progressively responsible management analyst level experience in the area of economic development in a public sector organization.

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  Principles and practices of economic and community development and demographic research and analysis.
• Principles and practices of business formation, expansion, and attraction and permitting procedures.
• Principles and practices of marketing, social media, and communications.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration, and organizational and administrative systems; economic development finance trends and practices.
• Laws, codes, rules and regulations governing municipal activities and operations, and economic development and land use.
• Use and application of modern data and information systems and technologies, including spreadsheets, word processing and data base applications.
• Principles and practices of leadership, management and supervision.
• Techniques of public presentation and group dynamics.

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  Be sensitive to the needs and desires of the business community and work with existing businesses to help eliminate barriers to retention.
• Act as a liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, and other business associations and individual businesses to assure that business needs are appropriately considered in city policy formation.
• Assist new and/or changing businesses through the regulatory processes.
• Learn the needs and interests of businesses and help communicate these to appropriate city advisory and policy-making bodies.
• Understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations, administrative policies and rules, and direct their application.
• Analyze and make recommendations regarding complex and non-routine problems, programs, and systems.
• Organize and direct a function, program, or project.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Write and develop creative and engaging content for presentations, websites, social media, and other communication channels.
• Utilize modern information and communication technologies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Lead community meetings independently.

• Possession of a Master’s Degree in one of the specified fields.
• Experience directing or supervising the work of support, administrative, technical, or professional staff.

• Economic Development and Redevelopment Director
• Economic Development Manager
• Business Liaison
• Economic Development Coordinator I/II

Reports to: Economic Development Manager
Supervises: Economic Development Coordinator
Bargaining Unit: Mid-Management