Economic Development Director – City of Springdale, Ohio

INTRODUCTION
Management Partners has been retained by the City of Springdale, Ohio to assist with the recruitment of its next Economic Development Director. This profile draws on our discussions with the City’s Mayor and other key officials. It describes our understanding of the characteristics of the organization as well as the professional and personal qualities the ideal Economic Development Director should possess. Interested individuals are invited to learn more about Springdale on the City’s website: www.springdale.org

THE COMMUNITY
The City of Springdale is home to 11,223 residents and is located in Hamilton County in Southwest Ohio. The community was settled in the latter part of the 18th Century by pioneers moving to the colonial-era land grant known as the Symmes Purchase. The community’s first subdivision was platted in 1806. Originally called Springfield, the Village later changed its name to Springdale to avoid confusion with other Springfields existing at that time.

The City’s location on I-275 at its intersection with I-75 makes Springdale a prime site for economic growth. As a result, it is one of the region’s major centers for commercial and industrial development. There are now over 1,000 businesses located in Springdale and its daytime population is estimated at 30,000 persons. Measured by payroll generation, Springdale’s economy produces over $800 million annually from employers in four major business sectors: office (49%), industrial (19%), retail (18%), and service (14%).

This location also provides easy access to both local and regional amenities including its award-winning local schools, institutions of higher education, a variety of highly accredited hospitals, major sport venues, regional parks, cultural opportunities and abundant shopping and dining options.

THE ORGANIZATION
The City of Springdale operates under a Mayor/Council form of government. The directly-elected Mayor serves as the City’s Chief Executive Officer. The Mayor, in turn, appoints the City Administrator who is the organization’s Chief Administrative Officer and reports to the Mayor. The Administrator has line authority over all the City’s operating departments and is responsible for the day-to-day management of City operations.

The Economic Development Director reports to the City Administrator and directs, and coordinates the City’s economic development activities, which includes developing and implementing economic development plans, programs and services. This position manages business attraction, retention and development; monitors current business activity and trends; coordinates economic development activities with other city departments and the community; and conducts studies, surveys and other research on related development matters.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Job Retention and Attraction
The Economic Development Director must be a dynamic professional who feels comfortable representing the City of Springdale in one-on-one meetings or large audience formats. This position requires strong interpersonal skills and a thorough knowledge of the various economic development tools that are utilized in the State of Ohio. The Springdale Economic Development Director will manage the City’s job creation and retention incentive program and will often act as the City’s first point of contact with the business community.

Marketing/Promotions
The Economic Development Director must be proficient with software applications necessary for developing and maintaining system databases for businesses, facilities and developable parcels within the community. This position also requires the necessary skills to generate development-related correspondence, marketing and promotional materials as well as maintain an Economic Development website, electronic newsletter and utilize various social media applications to promote the City’s development attributes.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL….

• Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public administration, business administration or economics; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Have 10 or more years of work experience in economic development, finance, or commercial real estate, or any equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Have knowledge of regional business, regulatory, and land use issues of the Greater Cincinnati Commercial Real Estate Market.
• Possess the ability to perform complex research and prepare concise, complete, and well-organized reports.
• Serve as Springdale’s liaison with outside groups and agencies such as the Springdale Chamber of Commerce, First Suburbs Consortium, Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI Cincinnati), and Hamilton County Development Corporation (HCDC).
• Provide site selection and technical development support to developers, commercial real estate brokers, site selection firms, and regional and statewide economic development agencies.
• Possess a strong understanding and proficiency of economic development tools such as Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDDS), Tax Increment Financing (TIFS), Enterprise Zones, Community Reinvestment Areas, and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs.
• Prepare and administer the annual budget as directed for all the City’s economic development activities.
• Have the knowledge and experience to negotiate and manage the sale and purchase of property on behalf of the City.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The compensation package includes a salary range of $81,147 to $126,589 and very competitive fringe benefits. Since the City of Springdale is interested in hiring the best possible candidate as its next Economic Development Director, the compensation package will ultimately depend on the qualifications of the candidate to whom an offer is extended. Confidentiality of candidates will be respected as long as possible.

HOW TO APPLY
Greg Horn
Special Advisor
Management Partners, Inc.
1730 Madison Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
Tel: 513-861-5400 | Fax: 513-861-3480 Mr. Horn’s direct line:937-478-6385

COVER LETTER AND RESUME MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOVEMBER 29, 2019 TO:
ghorn@managementpartners.com

Electronic correspondence only please