Economic Development Administrator – City of Dublin, Ohio

“Yesterday’s success does not mean that the City of Dublin can rest on its laurels today. The City’s thought leaders recognize that stagnation results in economic decline, and therefore Dublin must continue to proactively pursue cutting-edge economic development practices…” Dublin Economic Development Strategic Plan

While Dublin has long enjoyed a healthy and vibrant business climate, this has been the result of a sustained approach to monitoring economic trends and ensuring the City’s economic development policies and programs are responsive and relevant to the local and regional business community.

Primary Job Focus
The purpose of the Economic Development Administrator is to serve as an action-oriented project manager, proactively initiating cutting-edge economic development programs, executing the City of Dublin’s Economic Development strategic plan and supporting the City’s overall vision of being a global city of choice.

The Economic Development Administrator is responsible for building relationships with the Dublin business community and other regional, state, and international partners and developing/enacting policies and programs that serve as differentiators for the City of Dublin.

The Economic Development Administrator is responsible for administering the City’s Business Retention and Expansion Program; proactively marketing Dublin for economic development attraction projects (regional/state, national and international); assisting with programs related to business creation/entrepreneurship and corporate wellness; and working with partners to implement cutting-edge workforce development programs.

The Dublin Economic Development team is a dynamic, resourceful and strategic group of professionals comprised of one director, three administrators, an administrative assistant and a part-time college intern.

Given the nature of this classification’s duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Exempt under the governing Fair Labor Standards Act regulations and, therefore, is not entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None

Manages and executes economic development programs, sometimes led by consultants/contractors, consistent with the City of Dublin’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and Strategic Focus Areas.

Negotiates economic development agreements and incentives.

Proactively markets the City of Dublin for economic development attraction projects and programs both in person and through social media outlets.

Builds and maintains relationships with community partners and the regional economic development community, including Mid-Ohio Development Exchange (MODE), One Columbus, Jobs Ohio, Ohio Development Services Agency, local chambers of commerce, NAIOP, Dublin City Schools, Tolles Technical Academy, Ohio University, Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College, and others.

Monitors key performance indicators demonstrating the City of Dublin’s overall economic performance, including vacancy rates, lease rates, employment statistics, and income tax revenues, relative to the Columbus Region and other peer cities.

Collaborates with other City of Dublin Departments/Divisions (Planning, Engineering, Office of the City Manager, Finance, etc.) on projects and programs related to economic development initiatives.

Represents the City of Dublin at high profile City functions and regional events, and takes an active role in regional economic development initiatives along with presenting and participating in forums to promote the Dublin brand.

Evaluates the effectiveness of Economic Development programs and policies, and proposes alternatives where necessary to ensure that they remain responsive and relevant.

Continuously remains current on Economic Development trends and modifies strategies to keep Dublin on the cutting edge.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

International Economic Development Council Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification preferred.

Considerable knowledge of economic development programs, grants, loans, and services available at the state and local levels.

Considerable knowledge of marketing and communication concepts, principles, and strategies and the ability to translate these concepts, principles, and strategies into meaningful action.

Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, results-oriented organizational culture marked by high expectation levels, deadlines, time constraints, and the accompanying pressures inherent to such an environment.

Ability to consistently initiate and execute innovative economic development programs consistent with the Economic Development strategic plan and the City’s vision of being a global city of choice.

Ability to assemble teams of diverse collaborators, consultants, and stakeholders.

Ability to execute projects to deliver measurable results.

Physical Requirements
Ability to move about the inside of an office space to access file cabinets and office equipment.

Constantly operate a computer and other office machinery.

Must be able to remain in stationary position at workstation throughout scheduled workday.

Ability to exchange information with co-workers and citizens through use of email system, the telephone, and in-person interactions.

Ability to enter data into computer system in a sustained manner.

Special Requirements
Valid driver’s license.

Demonstration of the following established core values:  Integrity, Respect, Communication, Teamwork, Accountability, Positive Attitude, and Dedication to Service.

Regular attendance, as governed by and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, procedures and laws, is regarded as an essential requirement of this classification.

Compliance with training directives established by supervisory/managerial personnel.

Adherence to all applicable Federal and State safety laws, rules, and regulations and City safety policies/procedures.

Ability to occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

Action-oriented: Enjoys working hard; is action-oriented and full of energy for the things he/she sees as challenging; not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning; seizes more opportunities than others.

Business Acumen: Knows how businesses work; knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology and information affecting his/her business and organizations; knows the competition; is aware of how strategies and tactics work in the marketplace.

Composure: Is cool under pressure; does not become defensive or irritated when times are tough; is considered mature; can be counted on to hold things together during tough times; can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; doesn’t show frustration when resisted or blocked; is a settling influence in a crisis.

Creativity: Comes up with new and unique ideas; easily makes connections among previously unrelated notations; tends to be seen as original and value-added in brainstorming settings.

Customer focus: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.

Interpersonal Savvy: Relates well to all kinds of people – up, down, and sideways, inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably.

Listening: Practices attentive and active listening; has the patience to hear people out; can accurately restate the opinions of others even when he/she disagrees.

Negotiating: Can negotiate skillfully in tough situations with both internal and external groups; can settle differences with minimum noise; can win concessions without damaging relationships; can be both direct and forceful as well as diplomatic; gains trust quickly of other parties to the negotiations; has a good sense of timing.

Patience: Is tolerant with people and processes; listens and checks before acting; tries to understand the people and the data before making judgments and acting; waits for others to catch up before acting; sensitive to due process and proper pacing; follows established process.

Political Savvy: Can maneuver through complex political situations effectively and quietly; is sensitive to how people and organizations function; anticipates where the land mines are and plans his/her approach accordingly; views corporate politics as a necessary part of organizational life and works to adjust to that reality; is a maze-bright person.

Presentation Skills: Is effective in a variety of formal presentation settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, with peers, direct reports, and bosses; is effective both inside and outside the organization, on both cool data and hot and controversial topics; commands attention and can manage group process during the presentation; can change tactics midstream when something isn’t working.

Written Communications: Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect.