LOUISA COUNTY
TITLE: Economic Development Director

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SUMMARY:

The Economic Development Director performs difficult professional and administrative work developing and directing the industrial and economic development activity of Louisa County. This position is a Department Head position under the direct supervision of the County Administrator. The Economic Development Director is responsible for planning, directing and supervising economic development and tourism activities; supporting existing business and industry; recruiting new business and industry; conducting market research; serving as liaison between business, industry, local, regional, state and federal regulatory agencies; and preparing and maintaining files and records.

This is a highly visible position requiring public appearances on behalf of Louisa County, tact, sound judgment and confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Directs and administers the Economic Development office; supervises preparation and distribution of business development information; develops and administers annual department budget; monitors expenditures and maintains budget records; proposes and administers departmental marketing program.

2. Works with the County Attorney to apply, explain, and ensures compliance with all federal, state and local law and coordinates with the County Attorney and County Administrator any action necessary to correct deviations or violations.

3. Consults with the County Administrator, and/or other officials to review department operations/activities, review/resolve problems, receive advice/direction, and provide recommendations; prepares Board of Supervisors draft agenda request forms and draft resolutions.

4. Develops and implements Louisa County's Economic Development Strategic Plan; develops and implements long and short term plans, goals, and objectives for the County and for the department.

5. Serves as liaison with appropriate local, state, and federal agencies; serves as liaison with the general public on economic matters as appropriate; coordinates programs with other agencies. Builds and maintains strategic partnerships and professional relationships between the County government and local economic development agencies, such as the Louisa Chamber of Commerce, the Industrial Development Authority, Thomas Jefferson Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, educational institutions and other appropriate professional and trade associations.

6. Researches, compiles, and/or monitors various statistical, demographic, or administrative data; makes applicable calculations; analyzes data and identifies trends; prepares/generates reports and charts; maintains records.

7. Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals; interviews, selects and hires staff.

8. Attends meetings, serves on committees, makes speeches or presentations as needed; represents the department in key staff meetings, department head meetings, and other meetings/events.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The successful applicant will benefit from experience in; business and/or tourism development, deal negotiations, knowledge of real estate transactions, zoning regulations, financial analysis, loan and grant placement, community involvement and working with Senior Management to accomplish goals as set by a governing body or board of directors. Additionally, the following areas would be beneficial:

• Knowledge of modern principles and practices of economic development, small business development and tourism;
• An ability to attract industry and business for Louisa County;
• An ability to plan, assign and coordinate the work programs of the department;
• The ability to prepare clear and comprehensive financial, administrative and industrial reports;
• The ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees and the general public;
• The desire to travel and work outside normal working hours to include evenings, weekends and occasional holidays;
• A working knowledge of automated systems of data collection and word processing.

Education, Experience and Training:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in business, finance, economics, economic development or a related field and extensive increasingly responsible experience in a field related to business, finance, or economic development and a minimum of three years in a leadership, supervisory or managerial position.

Applicant must also consent to a background check, including criminal record, driving record, substance abuse testing and must possess a valid driver's license.

Education, Experience and Training:

Hazards, none known; Environment, office; Physical Effort, occasional lifting in excess of ten (l0) pounds.