Deputy Economic Development Director

Job Description

Job Summary

This position will direct, manage, supervise, and oversee the programs and activities of a number of functional areas within the Economic Prosperity & Housing (EP&H) Department including economic development, redevelopment and parking. In addition, this position will advise on activities related to affordable housing as requested by the Director. Serves as the primary staff to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and represents the City on a variety of committees related to the City’s economic development priorities. Takes a lead role in implementation of and advocacy for highly visible and impactful projects throughout the City. Coordinates assigned activities with other city departments, divisions, and outside agencies and provide highly responsible and complex administrative and technical support to the Economic Development Director.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.

Position will be open until filled. First review will be on May 22, 2023.

Job Details
Essential Functions:

• Oversee the development of work plans and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, programs, and priorities for assigned program areas including traded sector economic development, small business retention and support, entrepreneurship support, and parking operations and management.
• Assist the EP&H Director in developing and implementing the Department’s strategic plan; develop and recommend economic development priorities, resources, strategies, and initiatives; advise City Council, City Manager, EP&H Director, and City Leadership on the impact of proposed policies, legislation and regulations and the recommended response.
• Lead and manage economic development and redevelopment projects that involve a variety of partners and have citywide implications and require coordination across the City organization. Provide leadership and high-level project management direction for cross-departmental staff teams.
• Direct, manage, and supervise staff of assigned functional areas within the Economic Prosperity & Housing Department. Conduct performance evaluations, coordinate training, work with employees to correct deficiencies, and implement hiring, discipline, and termination procedures. Recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels.
• Manage the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, including the development of work plans, priorities, agendas, etc. and ensure that meeting materials and presentations are of a high quality and align with City priorities and strategic policy direction provided by the City Manager and City Council.
• Present high-level policy and project information and recommendations related to EP&H programs to City Council for approval.
• Research best practices and consult with peers in other agencies to identify innovative approaches to achieving outcomes in assigned program areas.
• Represent the City in attending agency boards and commissions and community organizations that serve as City partners, such as Vancouver’s Downtown Association, Visit Vancouver, CREDC, GPI and Great Vancouver Chamber.
• Work closely with the Housing Manager to ensure good communication and collaboration between the Economic Development Division and the Housing Division staff, particularly on projects where the programs overlap (e.g., CDBG small business technical assistance, MFTE projects and redevelopment projects with affordable housing components)
• Acts as the EP&H Director for assigned projects, issues and in the Director’s absence; serves as point person on key strategic initiatives; interacts with City Leadership and City department directors to discuss initiatives, strategies, or concerns at both broad and detailed levels; represents City and EP&H interests in budget matters, employee relations, and legal agreements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
Experience and Education
• Minimum of six (6) years of increasingly responsible management experience including economic development and redevelopment program implementation, at least four (4) years of which were in a supervisory or management capacity; experience in a public sector environment is highly desirable.
• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, urban and regional planning, geography, or a closely related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.