Economic Development Director - Osage County

Salary to be negotiated based upon qualifications

Nature of Work:
Performs a variety of administrative, technical and professional work in preparation and
implementation of economic and community development plans, programs and services.

This full-time position is responsible for working closely with the Economic Development Advisory Committee and other city and community leaders throughout the county promoting the business and economic development interests with the community. This position will include work in providing guidance to individuals and companies to establish, relocate, or expand their business within the community. The position will include assistance in the planning and coordination of community development projects, assisting business and residential applicants with local and State permitting processes, and providing research for county sponsored projects. This position also is responsible for social media for the County of Osage, including the County Website. This position is a direct report to the Board of County Commissioners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Direct economic development initiatives to achieve the goals and objectives outlined by the Economic Development Plan with assistance from the Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Provides assistance in the development of short and long term economic and community development plans, as well as the gathering of information and preparation of studies, reports, and recommendations to achieve such goals. This will involve the preparation and maintenance of information on utilities, taxes, zoning transportation, community services, financing tools and incentives, in order to respond to requests for information for economic development purposes, and the coordination with other departments and agencies as needed.

Provides professional economic development advice, assist in the application and permitting process, and serve as an advocate for economic development in line with the zoning ordinances and goals as established by the Board of County Commissioners and Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Works closely with local Chambers of Commerce and Pride Organizations to identify areas of need in the promotion of existing businesses and attracting new business and industry to the county.

Maintains a liaison with various local, State and Federal agencies, coordinating projects with agencies as deemed necessary and appropriate.

Provides information and/or make presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups,business, individuals, and the general public on economic development issues, programs, services and plans.

Becomes familiar with the existing inventory of available buildings and business and residential development sites within the community.

Prepares grant proposals and applications, contracts and other necessary documents as may be required for necessary community services.

Assists with the negotiation and the management of professional service contracts, property sales or acquisition, and the economic development-oriented negotiations, as assigned. Works with the Economic Development Committee to formulate and implement marketing and business attraction strategies, including familiarity with the goals and objectives of Osage County and the Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Serves as a member of economic development groups or task force that promote economic and community development at the local, State or Federal level, as deemed necessary or appropriate.

Monitors legislation and regulations relating to economic development, and report findings to the appropriate impacted parties, city councils and managers, the Economic Advisory Committee and the Board of County Commissioners.

Maintains strong working relationships with the general public, areas businesses, clients, the media, and others.

Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of economic development, and to represent the interest of Osage County on matters related to economic development.

Work with other departments in the county, city offices and any other organizations required. Conduct other related work as assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.

Training and Experience Required:
Considerable experience in economic and community development, including administrative responsibility; graduation from a four-year college or university, preferably with specialization in economic and community development or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Considerable knowledge of business development, community and economic development.

Working knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure, and planning programs and processes.

Ability to communicate effectively to groups and individuals, engineers, architects, contractors, developers, businesses, supervisors, employees, community leaders, the Board of County Commissioners, and general public.

Ability to establish working relationships with other organizations and economic development practitioners.

Exceptional technology skills needed for social media and website duties.

Ability to prepare and analyze reports and data, and have skill in the operation of necessary tools and equipment, i.e. computer, word processing, spreadsheet software, and general office equipment.

More information can be found on the Osage County Website at https://ks-osagecounty.civicplus.com/Jobs.aspx

Job Posted Until 1/13/23