Director of Economic Development

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Economic Development, assists with planning, coordinating, and implementing the City’s retail/commercial development, industrial development, business recruitment, business retention and expansion, marketing, project management, and government affairs initiatives. Supports strategic efforts to attract private investment, strengthen the local economy, advance the City’s legislative priorities, and promote Red Oak as a premier location for business and development.

• Assists the Executive Director in developing, administering, and implementing economic development programs, policies, strategic initiatives, and work plans that support the City’s vision and long-term economic growth.
• Provides leadership and strategic direction to increase the City’s visibility through marketing, communications, branding, digital media, print materials, presentations, website content, and other promotional resources.
• Identifies quality business prospects and develops marketing and outreach strategies to attract, retain, and expand targeted businesses within the City.
• Maintains effective working relationships with developers, brokers, site selectors, landowners, business owners, consultants, the Chamber of Commerce, regional partners, and other stakeholders involved in economic development projects.
• Manages assigned prospects and development projects, including identifying key deal points, coordinating internal review, assisting with draft agreements, and communicating project status to the Executive Director, City Manager’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, and other parties as directed.
• Evaluates incentive requests and prepares data, fiscal impact information, cost-benefit analyses, and related materials for consideration by the Economic Development Corporation, City Council, or other appropriate bodies.
• Serves as a liaison between new or expanding businesses and City departments to support permitting, utility coordination, fire code compliance, zoning review, certificates of occupancy, and related development processes.
• Serves as the primary government affairs liaison between the City and federal, state, and regional governmental entities, helping advance the City’s legislative priorities and ensuring Red Oak’s interests are represented in governmental and intergovernmental forums.
• Monitors federal, state, and regional legislative activities affecting municipal operations, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, funding opportunities, and other City priorities.
• Monitor and navigate state and federal agencies regulating power, natural gas, transmission and distribution processes (PUC, ERCOT,etc.).
• Acquisition and real estate transactions involving city-owned, IDC and EDC properties.
• Designs, prepares, presents, and coordinates City presentations, proposals, reports, and marketing materials for business prospects, community partners, elected officials, boards, commissions, and other audiences.
• Prepares agendas, supporting documentation, reports, and presentations for City Council functions, Economic Development Corporation, Industrial Development Corporation boards, commissions, and partner meetings as needed.
• Assists with preparation and administration of the departmental budget, including forecasting funds needed for staffing, programs, equipment, materials, consultant services, and related expenditures; monitors spending and recommends adjustments as necessary.
• Conducts research, collects and analyzes data, maintains project and prospect information, and monitors economic, demographic, real estate, infrastructure, workforce, and market trends to support economic development decisions and promotional efforts.
• Works with outside agencies, regional partners, and professional consultants as necessary; assists the Executive Director in providing technical information on development issues to City leadership, City Council, boards, commissions, and committees.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings, conferences, training, and community events; stay informed of trends, best practices, and innovations in economic development and municipal government affairs.
• Represents the City professionally and positively with business leaders, community partners, residents, elected officials, and the public to promote Red Oak as a desirable place to conduct business.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance.
• Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers, elected and appointed officials, business representatives, and others in the course of daily work.
• Performs related duties as assigned when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is required. 
• Master’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred. 
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business recruitment, business retention and expansion, government affairs, municipal administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Preferred economic development certifications include completion of the Certified Texas Economic Developer Certification (CTED), University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) and/or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

• Knowledge of modern principles, practices, and techniques of local and state economic development, business recruitment, business retention and expansion, incentive programs, public administration, and business administration.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and policies related to municipal government, economic development, public incentives, open meetings, public information, and general governmental management.
• Specialized knowledge and experience with monitoring and navigating state and federal agencies regulating power, natural gas, transmission and distribution processes (PUC, ERCOT,etc.).
• Knowledge of real estate principles, site selection, market research methodologies, demographic analysis, infrastructure considerations, and economic trend analysis.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparing reports, presentations, correspondence, agendas, summaries, and briefing materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, City staff, developers, brokers, business leaders, consultants, community partners, residents, and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, work independently and collaboratively, and make sound recommendations in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to analyze complex information, evaluate alternatives, prepare cost-benefit information, and support decisions involving prospects, expenditures, incentives, agreements, and strategic priorities.
• Ability to respond appropriately to requests and inquiries, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality when required, and handle stressful or sensitive situations professionally.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service, maintain a professional demeanor, and treat coworkers, internal customers, external partners, and the public with respect.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, comply with City rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and adapt to changing priorities and conditions.
• Skill in using computers, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, website, customer relationship management, and general office software and equipment.
• Ability to work extended hours as needed to attend City Council, board, commission, community, prospect, and partner meetings.
• Ability to travel locally and overnight for meetings, conferences, training, recruitment activities, and related business needs.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements of the position.