Director of Economic Development

Under limited supervision, performs responsible administrative work in planning, directing and coordinating economic and industrial development programs within the City.  Work involves encouraging the expansion of existing businesses and industries and the establishment of new businesses and industries in the City to include commercial development.  Employee is also responsible for promoting attributes of the area, developing a strategic plan for economic development, preparing reports and presentations concerning economic development activities, economic forecasting and maintaining a data base of City resources.  Employee will oversee the development of short and long term business plans for the City and the preparation of economic impact analyses.  Employee supervises departmental staff, the Division of Tourism and will spearhead downtown development initiatives. Employee must exercise independent judgment and considerable initiative in developing marketing strategies and associated materials. Employee must also exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with industry and business representatives and the general public. Reports to the Deputy City Manager.

 

Requirements:  Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration or a related field and 6 to 9 years of increasingly responsible experience in business, planning, public finance, industrial development, marketing, real estate, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

 

Residency Requirements:  Must become a resident of the City of Suffolk within one year of employment.

 

In order to be considered, please complete a City of Suffolk application.  For a City application or for additional information, please visit our website at www.suffolk.va.us or call 757-514-4110.