Sr Economic Development Specialist (X)

Full Job Description

Career Opportunity

The city of Las Vegas invites applications for Sr Economic Development Specialist for the Economic and Urban Development Department.

This position plans, initiates, and manages redevelopment and economic development projects.

Works directly with developers, real estate investors, existing and new businesses, etc., to increase and diversify the tax and job base of the city.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, with a strong work ethic and ability to easily connect with people and maintain relationships.

They will have experience in redevelopment, real estate development and/or economic development.

The ability to work with property owners, commercial property developers as well as real estate professionals and address their needs is required. Strong project management skills are required.

The ability to convey the development process, as well as excellent interpersonal skills is preferred.

Knowledge of redevelopment and financing programs such as TIF, NMTC, loan guarantee programs, and incentives is desired. Strong project management experience and attention to detail a plus.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the advanced journey level class in the Economic Development Specialist series. This class is distinguished from the Economic Development Specialist by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including planning and coordinating complex projects.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives direction from higher level management staff. May act as a lead worker, exercising functional or technical supervision, including scheduling and assigning tasks, providing guidance, ensuring work is completed according to proper procedure, monitoring work progress, and reviewing results.

Type of Examination
A civil service examination will be conducted in accordance with the Civil Service Rules of the city of Las Vegas. The supplemental questions are the examination. Falsification of information may result in disqualification from a recruitment or removal from a city position. Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date. The supplemental questions are weighted 100% for placement on an eligible list, and must be worked on individually by the applicant only. The supplemental questions of all qualified applicants will be reviewed for placement on an eligible list. The eligible list will remain in effect for a period of 6 months from the date of certification and may be extended for a period of up to years.

Eligible List
You must score 70% or higher on the examination to be placed on the eligible list.

Selection Process
Final candidate selection will include list placement and may include hiring interview (if applicable). Any individual offered employment will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test, complete background check, and may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the physical requirements of the job. Some positions may require preliminary background checks. The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list for current and/ or future openings which may include part-time or full-time positions.

Requirements

Essential Functions:

1. Initiates, plans, coordinates and leads various large, complex, multi-funded private and public economic development and redevelopment projects and special research projects; represents the city's interest in the project; works directly with companies to diversify and expand the city's economic base and provide retention, relocation, expansion and recruitment services.

Negotiates and structures deals with real estate developers and investors that result in new investment or new real estate development within the redevelopment area.

Manages real estate development projects through completion. Assists clients with land development process including site selection services.

2. Performs property analysis relative to value, ownership and change of title.
3. Manages client relationships.
4. Develops and implements target market programs to include preparation of customized presentations and coordinating placement and evaluation of various media advertising.
5. Provides commercial real estate acquisition, management and disposition services to the city, including property inspections and photos, appraisals, document recordings, and escrow services coordination.
6. Prepares market area information for businesses to use when evaluating Las Vegas as a possible location.
7. Develops and negotiates incentive packages.
8. Evaluates private development proposals for financial and technical feasibility; negotiates agreements for property transfer based on evaluations; assists in the structuring of development and loan agreements.
9. Monitors program budget.
10. Collects and analyzes statistics for a variety of research projects. Develops, reviews and analyzes plans, reports, and applications. Composes and edits promotional materials, prospect proposals, correspondence and related documents for distribution to a variety of targeted audiences.
11. Evaluates the effectiveness of marketing materials and approaches. Develops advertisements, press releases, and strategic marketing campaigns to expand businesses within the city.
12. Serves as liaison between the city and businesses, civic organizations and other stakeholders. Networks with businesses, trade groups, civic organizations, realtors and leaders to learn of new economic development and redevelopment opportunities.
13. Coordinates and schedules events; sets up and takes down event equipment and signage; coordinates event technical support.
14. Attends, participates in and coordinates a variety of meetings, conferences and commissions. Stays abreast of new trends, programs and innovations.
15. Maintains a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files; performs a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work.

Marginal Functions:

1. Assists with hiring outside consultants.
2. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

In addition to the qualifications for Economic Development Specialist:

Experience:

Four years experience in any of the following areas: economic development, business development, business management, regional economic analysis, marketing, land development, redevelopment, financial analysis, land planning, or a field related to the essential functions, including two years project management experience.

Training:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business, accounting, marketing, planning, real estate, economics, financial planning, or a field related to the essential functions.

May substitute combination of equivalent education and related experience.

The city assesses 1.5 years of fulltime experience as equivalent to one year of education.Licenses and Certifications:Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license on the date of application, and maintenance thereafter.

Possession and maintenance of one or more of the following certifications on the date of application is desirable:

- Certified Economic Developer (CED or CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council;
- Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council;
- Certified Planner from the American Institute of Certified Planners;
- Development Finance Certified Professional from the Council of Development Finance Agencies; or
- Real Estate Development Certificate or the Real Estate Development Finance Certificate from the Urban Land Institute.

Additional Information

In addition to the qualifications for Economic Development Specialist:

Knowledge of:

Research and statistical analysis techniques.
Marketing and advertising techniques.
Various computer programs and database techniques.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws.
Real estate and business law principles.
Activities involved in developing vacant parcels of land.
Methods and practices of tax increment financing.
Various federally funded programs.
Budgets, budget policies and financial statements.
Architecture and construction may be necessary for certain positions.
Principles of economic and industrial development.

Skills in:

Reading and interpreting laws, government documents, construction documents and financial statements.
Working independently with minimal supervision.
Using initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Interpreting, applying, explaining and enforcing applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Defining issues, collecting and analyzing pertinent data, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, drawing valid conclusions, proposing sound recommendations, and implementing approved solution in support of goals.