Under general direction, positions in this classification assist in carrying out Citywide economic development activities including coordinating, directing, and implementing programs and projects that support retail, office, and development; workforce development; the attraction of and assistance to local businesses; tourism; small business development initiatives; and/or other economic development, redevelopment or capital improvement programs or projects. Incumbents perform work tasks focused on creating and growing a successful business climate capable of attracting, retaining and expanding local business. The work is project oriented and may be either short-term or long range. Incumbents take an active role in working collaboratively with internal staff and external stakeholders to solve problems, build the vibrancy of the local economy, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Public contact is extensive and frequent, these positions interact with public officials, business associations, and neighborhood and community organizations.
In addition, positions are responsible for advancing the City's goals around affordable housing development, preservation, and policy implementation. This role oversees housing program administration, funding allocation, and partnerships with developers, nonprofits, and regional organizations. The position plays a critical role in ensuring housing strategies align with broader community planning, equity, and economic development goals.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Incumbents perform a broad range of work tasks and oversee multiple projects and development initiatives. The work is distinguished from the Planning Series by the focus on projects and project management, and by primary responsibility for overall administration of the Economic Development Division.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
- Reports to the City Administrator or Deputy City Administrator.
- May supervise one or more administrative or professional staff in the Economic Development Division.
- Performs work independently with very limited supervision.
Position is open until filled with a first review date of June 9, 2025. The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.
- Serves as a representative of the City and as an economic development partner by assisting developers in areas like permitting, regulations, workforce training, financing, and marketing.
- Builds and maintains effective relationships with the business community, advisory groups, affordable housing organizations, other governmental agencies, community groups and residents; facilitates communications.
- Serves as a resource for the public, including developers, property owners, community organizations, facilitates decisions and problem resolution, negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues and assists with the permit process where needed.
- Serves as the City liaison to the business community, Chamber of Commerce, economic development advisory boards, economic development agencies, regional affordable housing organizations and developers and other governmental agencies to further City policy regarding economic development and development programs.
- Manages the Inclusive Housing Investment Pool (IHIP) program in coordination with A Regional Housing Coalition (ARCH), including application review, funding recommendations, and coordination with stakeholders.
- Develops and implements tourism related programs, manages consultants and projects related to tourism.
- Develops and participates in special business community events to promote business development and vitality.
- Manages development related projects, determines timelines, scope and budget, reports on progress.
- Oversees management and strategic planning of housing-related revenue streams, such as HB 1406 and HB 1590 funds. Develops and implements development incentives to meet City’s vision.
- Reviews regulation process for continuous improvements.
- Coordinates activities with appropriate City departments.
- Implements short- and long-term economic development strategies, public/private partnerships for development and business assistance programs for existing and prospective business. Recommends adjustments in programs, activates, policies and procedures to further economic development goals.
- Conducts business retention visits and assists existing businesses.
- Develops and implements business recruitment and retention campaigns and marketing strategies.
- Serves as a liaison in recruiting and assisting businesses interested in locating in Issaquah. Helps to identify suitable properties for business enterprises. Develops, implements and participated in special business community events to promote business development and vitality in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Issaquah Association.
- Presents proposed programs and projects to business community groups, agencies and the City Council.
- Researches, analyzes and reports on economic and market trends; tracks critical performance metrics to evaluate the impact of local economic development efforts such as jobs/housing, vacancy rates, etc.
- Proposes and writes resolutions, proclamations, ordinances, reports and other official documents as required related to economic development.
- Creates and executes a work plan to meet the objectives as related to the City’s strategic plan.
- Staffs volunteer Economic Vitality Commission.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- A bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college with a major in marketing, public or business administration or planning or a closely-related field; and
- five years of experience, two years of which include managing projects; or
- any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
- IEDC certification (CEcD) preferred.
Knowledge of:
- Economic development principles, practices, and implementation including community and business development, redevelopment, international trade, and local government financial incentives for business and marketing.
- Federal, State and local laws, rules, and regulations applicable to businesses, industries and real estate development.
- Affordable housing development.
- General business climate.
- Marketing and economic principles and practices.
- Current market trends in real estate development.
- Financial feasibility, pro forma analysis, current economic trends and economic forecasting.
- Structure and operation of municipal government principles, practices, procedures and legal requirements and its political environment.
- Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of economic development programs, policies and operational needs.
- Real estate practices, management, organization, and legal practices pertaining to real property, right-of-way, acquisition, and relocation; survey laws, and transaction methods, title records and instruments.
- Economic analysis techniques related to market, feasibility and impact studies.
- Methods and techniques for business and community involvement.
- Effective methods for organizing and utilizing data.
- Project management skills.
- Business recruitment skills and techniques.
- Research methods.
Skill in:
- Using computers and software to collect, process and analyze data.
Ability to:
- Implement economic development strategies.
- Interpret legal documents, laws, and regulations.
- Cultivate and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with elected officials, advisory boards, the business community, department directors, employees the media and the general-public.
- Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
- Effectively represent the City in situations which are potentially adversarial or stressful.
- Establish and maintain effective Working relationships and build trust with business clients and community associations.
- Assemble and analyze statistical, economic, and marketing information and make practical recommendations.
- Analyze complex issues and impacts and provide clear and concise recommendations and alternative solutions.
- Work independently with little direction in planning, prioritizing, scheduling and organizing work.
- Compile and prepare reports, requests for proposal, pro forma financial analysis and other documents.
- Facilitate the development process.
- Manage grant applications and processes.
- Develop and meet schedules, timelines, work programs and cost estimates.
- Negotiate and seek creative solutions using good interpersonal skills
- Read, interpret apply and explain rules, regulations, codes, policies and procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and judgment in dealing with sensitive or confidential information.
