City of Johnson City Director of Economic Development - TN

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is seeking an Economic Development Director to join its Leadership Team. This position reports directly to Assistant City Manager.

Johnson City is a place where individuals, families and businesses can grow and thrive. We must take advantage and capitalize on all of these assets to ensure we remain a destination for investment, tourism and population growth. As a result, and with input from citizens, businesses and strategic partners, we have created a roadmap for the future. We believe our city is poised for new growth and that we must lay the groundwork now for our children and grandchildren to enjoy this great city that we call home far into the future. - Extract from Letter from the City Commission - Strategic Plan 2020-2025

This attractive, fast growing City seeks candidates who will succeed in an organization that strives for a culture of excellence with accountability, continuous improvement, and communication among its core values. Candidates who are forward-thinking, highly motivated, innovative, and results-oriented with strong ethical standards and integrity are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate for this position must exhibit a demonstrable record of successfully improving living conditions for the City's residents through customer service, a strong commitment to strategic growth, revitalization and support of the business environment, in-depth knowledge of the practices, principles and methods of economic development, and be able to lead and manage a team providing guidance, support and professional development opportunities while fostering a positive work environment.

All economic development efforts in this position will center on the City's strategic four areas of focus:

• Economic Vitality
• Quality of Place
• Future Ready Infrastructure
• Excellence in City Government

Essential Functions:

• Perform highly responsible managerial and administrative work in the coordination, organization, and direction of City Economic Development programs and services.
• Implement targeted plans and programs that integrate multiple platforms to influence and build relationships with prospects, consultants, company decision makers, and media information sources.
• Proactively identify and address community business climate issues.
• Provide research, information, and/or technology support needed to execute approved plans and programs.
• Align efforts by working with local, regional, state, and federal economic development agencies and other groups to coordinate efforts for supporting current businesses and identify opportunities to develop new businesses in the City, while avoiding duplication of services.
• Collaborate with Communications and Marketing; Planning and Development Services to:
• Create and provide relevant information to existing and potential businesses while establishing and strengthening relationships with local businesses.
• Support current and future efforts of the City's Planning and Development Services department.
• Provide information and outreach to existing businesses regarding the availability of assistance including project management assistance, support grant efforts and financing programs.
• Create and provide detailed and targeted responses to business leads.
• Utilize GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping and a variety of other resources related to developing, writing, producing, updating, and designing marketing and promotional materials for attracting new business as well as encouraging current business retention and attraction.
• Serve as a liaison to other governmental agencies, university entities, neighborhoods, and community/non-profit economic development groups.
• Foster innovation, critical thinking, and creativity in developing new approaches and solutions to meet the demands of a growing and vibrant City.
• Participate with departments and community partners in the growth and development plans of the City to ensure current/future availability of appropriate resources to meet growth demands and to ensure provision of optimum services.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, municipal officials and the public.
• In alignment with the City's strategic plan and priorities; prepare, implement, and administer short term and long-range, strategic economic development planning.
• Conduct any additional duties as assigned.

Acceptable Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or related field with a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible Economic Development experience or equivalent education and experience as determined. IEDC certification preferred. Post-offer physical, and background check required.

TO APPLY:  https://johnsoncitytn.applicantpro.com/jobs/3556933

For questions or more information contact:  Juan Cardona Santiago 423-434-5972 or jcardonasantiago@johnsoncitytn.org

Johnson City is the largest city in the Northeast Tennessee Region with a population of 71,275, and the Northeast Tennessee Tri-Cities area has a combined statistical area population 510,400. The city spans 43 square miles and is the eighth-largest city in Tennessee. Nestled in the foothills of the scenic Appalachian Mountains in Washington County, this thriving urban community has consistently ranked as one of the nation’s best and most popular small metro areas boasting an affordable cost of living, no state income tax, and outstanding schools, parks, sports, and fitness facilities. The city is directly accessible from interstates 26 and 81 and is a short drive to access commercial air service at the Tri-Cities Airport (TRI).

Johnson City provides a full service municipality providing public works, public safety, parks and recreation, planning, transit/school transportation, water, wastewater, and solid waste services.  These services are provided by over 1,000 full- and part-time employees with an additional 150-200 temporary seasonal employees. The City’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget (which includes the City School budget) is approximately $322.7 million.

Johnson City is the home of East Tennessee State University, which has a current enrollment of approximately 15,000 students.  The City operates under the Commission-Manager form of government with a Mayor and four City Commissioners.  The City Manager is appointed by a five-member City Commission.