Director of Economic Opportunity

The employee will be responsible for developing and managing the City of Tampa’s initiatives to promote a comprehensive approach to economic development. This work is of unusual difficulty, requiring the exercise of considerable initiative and independent judgement in planning, coordinating, and organizing development and redevelopment efforts. The employee also initiates, monitors, and evaluates development and redevelopment progress and maintains effective working relationships with diverse external and internal stakeholders.

Work is reviewed through conferences, written reports, and observation of results obtained. Appointed position; employee serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

General

• In concert with the Administrator’s Office, represents the City in matters related to creating economic opportunity in Tampa. 
• Leads the development and implementation of a common vision for equitable economic growth, development/redevelopment, and business development.
• Responsible for building and managing an economic development team.
• Works closely with citizen boards and commissions and public and private officials on development and initiatives.

Real Estate Development

• Leads the City’s efforts to attract investment and development across the city with particular attention to historically underinvested neighborhoods.
• Has familiarity with federal, state, and county financing tools including but not limited to New Markets Tax Credits, Opportunity Zones, and other tax credit programs.
• Works with the City’s Community Redevelopment Area leadership, staff, Board members, and community representatives to effectively align development initiatives and resources.
• Administers development agreements to assure compliance with agreement requirements.
• Responds to land development inquiries and opportunities.
• Participates in the acquisition, marketing, and disposition of city-owned real estate.
• Coordinates capital improvements related to City-owned properties managed by non-profit partners including: The Straz Performing Arts Center; The Tampa Museum of Art; The Glazer Children’s Museum; The Florida Aquarium; and the Tampa Theater.
• Collaborates with other Departments on topics such as: public realm improvements; streetscapes; mobility solutions and facilities; matters concerning the Riverwalk development and improvement; and development related to parks, arts, and recreation.

Business Development

• Initiates and implements business development programs to support Tampa’s small businesses, larger employers in key sectors and high growth startups.
• Develops strategies to support and drive targeted business sectors such as tech and innovation.
• Administers the Quality Targeted Industries (QTI) Program or similar type programs.
• Manages the city’s investment in the Tampa Bay Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Drives coordination and partnership working between the City, EDC, the Tampa Chamber of Commerce and its affiliates, the Downtown Partnership, and other entities to advance the City’s economic development initiatives.
• Coordinates the City’s international relations and Foreign Trade Zones.
• Advocates for and coordinates with business incubators and similar organizations.
• In due course, oversees the City’s small business support services.

Administration 

• Maintains databases and reporting systems to monitor and evaluate progress, outputs and impact.
• Participates in intradepartmental performance improvement initiatives to enhance economic and business development efforts.

Performs related work as required.

Comprehensive knowledge of: municipal administrative and management practices and procedures specifically concerning economic development, community and urban planning, and development principles and practices.

Extensive knowledge of and proven experience in successfully executing: real estate development in both private and public sectors; business development (business attraction, retention and growth); small business support; federal, state, and municipal legislation impacting municipal planning and development efforts; techniques of marketing, communications, and public relations.

Ability to: plan, assign, manage, and coordinate the work of others in a manner that promotes full performance; think strategically and participate as part of a team; write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and prepare analytical and technical reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, directors, managers and employees, business leaders, community leaders, officials of other governmental organizations, representatives of public and private organizations, and the general public.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning, or a related field and seven (7) years of experience in a lead role on private and/or public development projects and initiatives in an urban core setting with demonstrated success in community building and in working with diverse stakeholders; and three (3) years of public sector managerial experience.

Possession of a valid driver’s license required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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