City of Worthington
Position Description
Position Title: Assistant to the City Manager/Economic Development Manager
Class No: 229
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Under the general direction of the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, this position plans, organizes, and implements an economic development program to promote the growth and development of the City’s economic base; assists in the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and seeks out new businesses for the City. This position performs a variety of complex administrative, technical and professional work in the preparation and implementation of economic development plans, programs and services. The position has considerable interface with all departments of the City, the City Council, and the development and business community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION
Provides a leadership role in all issues related to economic development. Plans, directs and organizes the City’s economic development activities.
Responsible for formulation, negotiation and implementation of economic development tools such as tax increment financing, community reinvestment areas, and Worthington’s Venture Grant program. Prepares annual tax abatementreports and other documentation associated with the City’s business incentive programs.
Proposes strategies to achieve goals and objectives for economic development to the City Manager and Assistant City Manager; exercises broad discretion and makes independent judgments to attain goals and objectives. Implements strategies identified in the City’s economic development plan, Comprehensive Plan and other strategic documents.
Develops short- and long-range economic development plans; gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
Develops and maintains economic development information systems. Assists with marketing the community to attract and retain businesses.
Provides information on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans and responds to requests for information for economic development purposes. Makes presentations to boards, commissions, City Council, civic groups and the general public.
Establishes and maintains relationships with Worthington businesses, developers, property owners and commercial real estate professionals to determine needs, identify and create opportunities for development/redevelopment, and to increase their familiarity with and interest in Worthington.
Responsible for establishing, maintaining and coordinating a working relationship with federal, state, county and regional agencies involved in economic development and workforce education and training. Prepares and maintains a list of local resources to assist businesses in finding training programs for employees, financing, developing marketing plans, locating business services.
Supports the Worthington Community Improvement Corporation, including administrative support and monthly meeting material preparation.
Engages in the development and implementation of Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDDs) as opportunities arise. Represents the City on established JEDD Boards.
Coordinates and manages professional service contracts, as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of business development, economic development, municipal zoning and infrastructure, and planning programs and processes.
Comprehensive understanding of the operations of local and state government as they apply to economic development; advanced skills in finance, marketing, communications and problem solving.
Knowledge of state, federal and regional incentive and grant programs pertaining to economic and community development.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to make presentations before private and public groups.
Ability to make important judgments with regard to varied business matters of significance to the City.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the business community; City staff; City Council; boards and commissions; federal, state, local and regional economic development officials; and the general public.
Ability to think analytically and creatively and work independently.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION
Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, business or public administration, economics, marketing, finance or other related field and five years progressively responsible economic development experience, preferably with a municipality.
The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not list all of the duties or functions of the job. The individual in this position may be asked by supervisors to perform other duties. The City has the right to revise this job description at any time.
Adopted by Resolution No. 30-2024; Effective 04/15/2024
ED Manager Profile (Worthington)
Link/Instructions to Apply