Deputy Director of Economic Development

The Deputy Director of Economic Development, reporting to the Director of Commerce, is responsible for developing and supporting the Implementation of a comprehensive economic development and workforce development strategy for Montgomery County to local, regional, national, and international stakeholders.

The role and responsibility of the Deputy Director of Economic Development includes, but is not limited to, the following:

* Directly oversee the Communications/Strategic Partnership Coordinator, contractors, and other service providers assigned to carry out Commerce Economic Development programs, as directed by the Commerce Director.
* Ensure that common processes and procedures are in place for businesses seeking assistance from the County.
* Responsible for cross communication with key stakeholders through ongoing formal interaction.
* Work with staff to ensure proper fiscal management for the department and affiliated organizations listed above.
* Seek out opportunities to coordinate with county departments, partner organizations, and stakeholders on addressing matters broadly impacting economic mobility, economic growth, and other challenges or opportunities facing the county and regional economy.
* Manage outreach to businesses, communities, and stakeholders in Montgomery County, including, but not limited to, attendance at conferences, seminars, meetings of local or regional Chambers of Commerce, and any other activity that promotes the strategic growth and prosperity of the County.
* Serve, at the direction of the Commerce Director, as liaison to local communities' specific economic development projects, such as attracting new business, adopting new land use regulations, establishing tax incentive programs.
* Represent the County's interests with stakeholders in relevant departments within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Federal Government as well as regional partners.
* Assist businesses with expansion and relocation, including, when necessary, direct interaction and coordination with the County's Planning Commission as well as local authorities responsible for land use and developments.
* Maintain an ongoing knowledge of state and/or federal guidance or policy as relates to funding for programmatic and operational implementation across all boards.
* Create policies for revitalization of and investment in communities throughout Montgomery County.
* Develop and implement programs that assist businesses and owners with retention and expansion.
* Oversee program underwriting for economic incentive programs.
* Ensure all efforts are in alignment with state and federal guidelines for use of funds.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides direct oversight to the Communications/Strategic Partnership Coordinator. Develop and manage relationships with key County stakeholders including Chambers of Commerce and financing authorities and partners. Community partners include County Chambers of Commerce, the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board, and Montgomery County Community College.
• Responsible establishing goals and priorities, conducting annual reviews, providing regular evaluation, and managing personnel/performance issues.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The ideal candidate is an experienced career professional with a background in finance and economic development. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Applicant must have or be willing to obtain the skills noted. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
*Ideally seven or more years working in economic development, commercial lending, real estate brokerage or development, finance, or a related field.

* Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, communications, or a related field. Master's Degree in a related field preferred.
* Demonstrated aptitude to learn, or an understanding of and experience with, public sector economic and workforce development programs and practices.
* Capability to prepare and package grant and/or business finance applications, government reports, and/or publications and marketing materials.
* Proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, customer relations management (CRM) or similar project management software/database systems.
* Willingness and ability to seek, build, and further develop partnerships across a wide spectrum of public, private, and/or non-profit entities.
* Project and team management skills along with an ability to effectively manage deadlines and coordinate work across multiple ad hoc and/or established groups, task force and committees.
* Able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment 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 function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.