Director of Economic Development

City of Torrington

Director of Economic Development

Economic Development Department

 Salary = Negotiable, based upon experience

To be considered, candidates must provide a completed application to Human Resources.

Interviews will be ongoing until filled.

Reports To: Mayor

FLSA Status: Exempt

Management Resolution

JOB PURPOSE: Highly responsible administrative and professional work involving a broad range of economic development functions to support and grow the City’s economy, job market, and tax base. The position is a liaison between private companies, developers, state officials, planning consultants, City merchants and property owners, and City boards, agencies and departments.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participates in, facilitates and/or conducts negotiations with developers, businesses, and others regarding the public participation necessary for desired economic development.
• Analyzes financial and market feasibility data on projects under negotiation including sources and uses of funds, cash flow analysis, security provisions, business profitability, underwriting, and related data.
• Works with others to assemble cost estimates for various public actions such as land acquisition, relocation, demolition, and public improvements; researches and performs cost comparison analyses between proposed City development sites and alternative or competing development sites.
• Conducts tax cost-benefit analysis for economic development projects; prepares detailed written reports and recommendations for presentation to Mayor and the City Council, developers, businesses, advisory boards, and community groups.
• Makes oral presentations to public and private groups; provides technical assistance to small and start-up companies.
• Works with existing businesses to assist in expansion and growth of their business and workforce.
• Works on smart growth programs such as brownfield redevelopment and new land for commercial and industrial growth.
• Participates in meetings with developers, businesses, citizens, community leaders, and City personnel on economic development projects and programs.
• Acts as City representative to various regional development groups such as the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, Litchfield Hills Economic Development Partnership, and the Northwest Connecticut Economic Development Corporation.
• Works closely with entities involved in workforce development, tourism, transportation, education, nonprofit, community development and state and local economic development; serves as a central point of contact for businesses, developers and contractors who use City economic development services including financial assistance, site selection assistance, urban renewal, and other municipal actions and services related to a specific project; utilizes and develops financing sources from the Small Business Administration, private sector contributions, and other economic development assistance; continually seeks out new grant opportunities for the City.
• Prepares grant applications and subsequently manages and performs all implementation and administrative requirements of grants including: attendance at all conferences and training as required.
• Prepares all periodic reporting requirements and final reports.
• Prepares requests for proposals.
• Conducts evaluation of applicants.
• Interviews and hires qualified consultants.
• Visits sites.
• Obtains required legal services and documents.
• Establishes committees.
• Conducts meetings with teams and consultants conducting periodic performance evaluations.
• Produces all grant documentation as required.
• Directs and assists in preparing department budget and accounts for expenditures.
• Analyzes opportunities for promoting private development and for securing job creation and increased tax base investments.
• Follows leads supplied by commercial real estate contacts and facilitates meetings between potential businesses and real estate professionals.
• Assists private developers with loan packaging and applications for assistance, especially relating to governmental programs.
• Investigates sources of private and public financing for capital, development and tourism projects.
• Maintains and updates inventory of available office, retail, and industrial space.
• Maintains and updates current business listings.
• Maintains current industry profiles.
• Tracks unemployment and growth statistics.
• Maintains close communication with organizations concerned with development and tourism; implements a plan of promotion and publicity to bring tourism to Torrington or to assist Torrington in benefiting from regional efforts.
• Administers incentive programs such as tax abatement, enterprise zone, micro loan and façade improvement programs.
• Coordinates event scheduling; maintains a calendar of events; acts as point of contact for media inquiries (print, radio, and television).
• Responds to information requests.
• Drafts promotional and written materials
• Attends public meetings and hearings as required.
• Maintains detailed records and prepares reports of activities.
• Performs other related work as required.

PREFERRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree plus two years of professional experience in finance or economic development. Public sector experience preferred. Ability to complete complex research assignments. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with local business leaders, business association officials, nonprofit organizations, and federal, state, and municipal officials. Working knowledge of personal computers, office software and presentation media. Knowledge/Ability to Learn HTML for web- site management. Considerable ability to work independently and to exercise independent judgment and initiative. Ability to understand and interpret complex plans and specifications and to prepare technical reports. Ability to prioritize and coordinate the work of an office. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with building owners, architects, contractors, officials, the public, etc. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of state, federal, and municipal government as they relate to economic development. Ability to administer the activities of the Economic Development Department and to direct the work of others. Thorough knowledge of budgets and contracts. Ability to make difficult decisions within deadlines in an environment of limited resources and competing claims. Excellent oral and written communications.  Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities may be considered. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Ability to sit at a desk or stand at an assigned location and work continuously for extended periods of time utilizing various office equipment.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT OPERATION: Drive automobile and operate office equipment, including a personal computer, smartphone, telephone, etc.

This job description is not a complete statement of all duties, functions, requirements, and responsibilities that comprise this position. It is not an employment contract. As with all positions, the responsibilities and duties of this position may change. The City, in its discretion, may alter this job description at any time with or without notice.

To Apply:
Download the attached application, complete, and submit.  Applications are accepted via email to HR@torringtonct.org, by fax to 860-489-2381, or by mail or drop off to the address listed at the top of the application.  Resumes may be submitted in addition to applications but not in lieu of.   

***Note: Please do not write "see Resume" on application forms, as that will deem applications incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.***

The City of Torrington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  AA/EOE