Full-Time, exempt position. This position is responsible for assisting in the creation of economic development and redevelopment programs; promoting and marketing the City; implementing strategies to attract and recruit business and industry to the City of Cocoa; and support and retain existing businesses. This position is also responsible for preparing and coordinating economic development related committee meetings and maintaining information on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, incentive programs and innovative financing tools. The position also assists in implementing the City’s annexation program. More specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: processing and reviewing all economic development incentive applications; providing information to site consultants; interfacing and coordinating with the local economic development commission; responding to the general public regarding economic development projects and matters; formulating and implementing marketing and promotional activities; and providing technical and professional advice to city administration. This position will also assist in developing the City of Cocoa’s workforce, small business development initiatives and the planning and development of public facilities and infrastructure. Performs additional duties as required including special projects as assigned by supervisor.Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Evaluates economic, statistical and demographic data to analyze best means to attract, retain or expand businesses and/or industries within the City of Cocoa. Implements business development activities and meets and confers with business officials to assist in solving problems and coordinating logistics (e.g. financial solutions, site selection, availability of utilities, transportation, real estate, etc.) to facilitate location and/or expansion of business in the City of Cocoa. Identifies and recruits likely business prospects, responds to new business inquiries, maintains an inventory of available sites/building and aggressively markets suitable sites to such business prospects. Coordinates program development and implementation with external resources (Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Enterprise Florida, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, county, regional and statewide economic development organizations, along with utility companies servicing the area). Promotes retention and expansion of industry and commerce within the city; develops and maintains a cooperative working relationship with existing businesses; identifies existing business retention and expansion needs, conducts research and identifies and utilizes available resources to address those needs. Maintains and develops contacts with land owners, developers, site consultants, realtors, entrepreneurs, government officials, private industry representatives, Chambers of Commerce and economic development related organizations and agencies. Coordinates financial incentive programs, grants and loans available to industry through local government; organize corporate entities or boards to administer such; plans and analyzes the impact of such incentives on business expansion. Coordinates activities and/or resolutions of problems/complaints through federal, state and local government agencies (e.g., utilities, local transportation boards, local development departments, etc.). Promotes job development and civic improvements within the community. Assists in promoting and implementing the City’s Annexation Program. Remains familiar with governmental legislation, taxation, and other fiscal matters to determine effect on economic development, annexation, and redevelopment interests. Plans and prepares advertising and publicity materials; plans and implements business education programs and represents economic development and redevelopment efforts through speaking engagements and radio, television, and newspaper interviews. Works with various public agencies at the local, regional and state levels to obtain funding for design assistance, promotional publications, parking and public improvements, and encourages economic growth through image enhancement campaigns. Assists in creating and implementing specific development concepts in support of established goals; and identifies economic development related funding from federal, state, local and private foundation sources.
Knowledge, ability and skills: Principles and practices of economic development; redevelopment and reuse; business retention and recruitment programs; marketing and advertising; real estate; development/redevelopment financing alternatives; annexation procedures; Florida community redevelopment agency laws, programs and regulations; as well as principles, practices and methods of public administration, to include budgeting, financial management procedures and organizational productivity improvement. Apply economic development practices and principles to recruit and maintain businesses. Work confidentially with discretion in regard to economic development projects. Comprehend and understand local, state and federal programs and/or incentives benefiting economic development initiatives and projects. Apply policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the municipal planning process; interpret maps, graphs and statistical data. Manage assigned responsibilities with competing demands, changing priorities and required timelines. Exercise sound independent judgment, interpret and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations. Attend evening meetings as required. Analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and prepare grants, technical reports, proposals and correspondence. Work in a team environment. Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with city officials and employees, the general public and representatives of other agencies toward the accomplishment of assigned projects; deal tactfully and courteously with the public and maintain composure in difficult and/or stressful situations. Gain the trust and cooperation of others to effectively communicate concepts and ideas. Operate with proficiency a variety of office equipment to include an office computer and a variety of word processing, spreadsheet, analytical, and project management software applications, as well as graphic and presentation programs. Communicate effectively and persuasively in a variety of situations; preparing clear and comprehensive written reports; perform basic and complex mathematical and statistical calculations. Exercise a high degree of sound independent judgment and work within established guidelines with little or no direct supervision. Solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where little or no standardization exists. Interpret a variety of information and instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Meet the physical demands of the job and perform the essential job functions. Perform effectively, efficiently and consistently the responsibilities of the position. Work under pressure to meet deadlines for economic development opportunities. Work proactively and utilize innovative techniques and ingenuity in implementing economic development programs. Develop, write and implement strategic plans and provide necessary documentation to support economic development program requirements. Independently design, plan and conduct research and analysis on basic to complex research projects. Gather, analyze and evaluate a variety of data.
