Economic Development Director

 Economic Development Director

ABOUT HUDSONVILLE

  Experience Hudsonville, Michigan, a vibrant community of 7,800 residents in Ottawa County, one of the fastest growing areas in West Michigan. Nestled between Grand Rapids and Holland, Hudsonville blends small-town warmth with urban amenities. Enjoy picturesque neighborhoods, expansive parks, and top-rated schools, alongside ongoing efforts to revitalize the business district. Discover iconic destinations and lively community events, showcasing the city's rich local culture. Whether drawn by its friendly atmosphere or dynamic growth, Hudsonville fosters a welcoming environment for residents to thrive. 

JOB SNAPSHOT

The City is realizing rapid growth as evidenced by new developments and over $50 million in recent private investment. This evolving position seeks to add professional staffing with an innovative, creative, and visionary individual. The Economic Development Director directs the preparation of plans, policies, and programs to guide growth and conservation of the City, with an exciting focus on establishing a traditional downtown that blends historical charm with modern progress. In collaboration with other department directors, manages economic development, leads physical planning and land development, City building and land use regulations, housing conservation and rehabilitation, and community development initiatives.

Includes grant writing to secure funding for key projects. Communicates before various audiences on complex and sensitive issues while leading and assisting the City Manager with special projects. Serves as the Director of the Downtown Development Authority, heading all associated budgets, boards, and community meetings.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

An ideal leader for this role should embody a blend of strategic vision, effective communication, and collaboration. They should demonstrate a deep understanding of economic development tools and financing practices, such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), brownfield redevelopment, commercial rehabilitation, etc. Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, are essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders and effectively presenting complex information. Moreover, the individual should exhibit strong interpersonal skills, capable of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public officials, fellow employees, and the general public. They should showcase resilience in handling potentially stressful situations and possess the ability to navigate complex challenges with tact and diplomacy. Additionally, the individual should be proactive, detail-oriented, and resourceful, with a demonstrated track record of successfully managing budgets, leading meetings, and driving collaborative initiatives to achieve sustainable economic growth and downtown revitalization objectives. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following: (This list may not be wholly inclusive of expected tasks.)

·        Develop and implement strategies to promote economic growth and vitality within the city or region.

·        Prepare and organize development incentives and tax abatements.

·        Identify and attract new businesses, industries, and investment opportunities to the area.

·        Collaborate with local businesses, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations to support existing businesses and foster entrepreneurship.

·        Conduct market research and analysis to identify market trends, opportunities, and challenges.

·        Coordinate with developers, architects, and contractors to ensure projects align with city goals and regulations.

·        Oversee the planning and development of commercial, industrial, and residential properties.

·        Serve as Director of the Downtown Development Authority, including managing budgets, executing TIF capture, leading board meetings, and implementing downtown revitalization projects.

·        Coordinate with elected officials, city staff, community leaders, and stakeholders to support infrastructure improvements and public amenities that enhance economic development efforts.

·        Facilitate partnerships between public and private sectors to leverage resources for economic development initiatives.

·        Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of economic development programs and initiatives, adjusting as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

·        Represent the city or region at economic development conferences, events, and meetings with stakeholders to promote opportunities and attract investment.

·        Identify and pursue grant opportunities to fund economic development projects and programs.

·        Manage budgets, expenditures, and financial resources related to economic development efforts.

·        Lead various initiatives as directed by the City Manager.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

An employee in this class should have the equivalent of the following knowledge, training, and experience:

·        Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, economics, urban planning, business or a related field is required.

·        Desired: Master’s degree in public administration or planning and/or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certificate holder, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certificate holder, or other related accreditations.

·        Two years of experience working for a municipality, 501(c)(3) organization, or private entity in economic development, urban planning, or another related field.

SKILLS

An employee in this class should have the equivalent of the following knowledge, training, and experience:

Knowledge of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), brownfield redevelopment, economic development tools, and financials.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with business owners, developers, employees, and the public.

Ability to perform research and present information in a concise and professional manner.

Knowledge in the preparation, writing and administration of grants.

Knowledge of the laws, rules and policies governing city finance, planning/zoning, and land development.

Knowledge of Downtown Development Authorities and special districts.

Skill in handling potentially stressful situations and effectively communicating with affected individuals.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public officials, fellow employees, private businesses, and the general public.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

·        This is an exempt, non-union position with an annual salary step scale of $59K - $80K based on education and experience.

·        A generous benefits package that includes:

o  Medical – 82% employer paid

o  Dental – employer paid

o  Vision – employer paid

o  Life/Disability – employer paid

o  Flex Spending Accounts

o  Employee Assistance Program

·        Defined Contribution Retirement Plan 401(a) with up to 11% employer contribution.

·        Generous paid leave banks for Vacation, Holiday, Sick, and Personal time.

·        Flexible work schedule.

·        Cell phone reimbursement.

·        Access to City-owned gym, and other facility benefits.

·        Participation in the City’s Wellness program.

WORK ENVIORNMENT

This employee will spend 20% of their time dedicated to exclusively local travel.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee mostly works in a clerical office environment but will be periodically required to attend work sites in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate in the field.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the supervision of the City Manager.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, panel-style interview, and reference check.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the diverse types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.