Economic Development Manager

Washington County is now hiring an Economic Development Manager to lead the creation and implementation of its economic plans, programs, and services. A primary focus of this position is to coordinate the County’s involvement in economic development initiatives Countywide. The role also promotes economic equity and competitiveness, with particular attention to urban unincorporated areas, small cities, and historically disadvantaged communities across the County. The Economic Development Manager, at times, supervises professional, administrative, and technical support staff.
 
 Duties of this position include:

1. Partnering with local jurisdictions and the State of Oregon in support of regional economic goals.
2.  Influencing the County’s regulatory framework to support new business investment. 
3. Securing funding for new infrastructure and maximizing the supply of development-ready land. 
4. Recruiting new businesses and promoting business retention and expansion. 
5. Coordinating the County’s efforts to expand a diverse workforce for the new and future businesses.
6. Creating and managing economic development incentive programs.
7. Promoting the revitalization of urban unincorporated areas and smaller cities while striving to diminish the negative impacts of gentrification in these areas.
8. Cultivating diverse strategic partnerships that benefit the County’s economic equity priorities with community partners and increases community connections.
9. Overseeing and coordinating the development and administration of the department budget by aligning with the Board of Commissioners’ equity and inclusion goals and strategic direction.  

For a complete list of duties, use this link: Economic Development Manager
 
 Our Ideal Candidate is a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven leader with strong independent judgment to support initiatives affecting the equitable and inclusive economic prosperity of the County. They will build relationships with the business community, economic organizations, and communities of color at the local, regional, and state levels, primarily focusing on smaller cities and unincorporated areas, as larger cities have their own dedicated staff.  A successful candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
 
 Knowledge of:

• Local, state, and federal laws, including Oregon land use policies, incentive programs, urban renewal, and infrastructure funding.
• Real estate development, finance, leasing, marketing, and entitlements.
• Public-private partnerships, deal negotiations, and community engagement.
• Managerial, economic, business development, and project management principles. Budgeting, financial accounting, contract management, and customer service. 
• Community and vendor relations, and modern office equipment.

Skills to:

• Interpret and apply laws, codes, and regulations. 
• Manage and implement projects and programs.
• Research, analyze data, and identify trends.
• Oversee contracts, grants, and ensure policy compliance.
• Develop and manage budgets, presentations, and reports. 
• Provide technical support and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to:

• Align work with strategic goals and generate reports. 
• Use Microsoft Office and learn new software.
• Make decisions quickly and communicate effectively.
• Build relationships with diverse individuals and organizations.
• Lead and motivate staff, evaluate information, and oversee contractors.
• Present ideas clearly and manage communication systems (e.g., website, social media).

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• A Master’s degree in business or public administration, economics, real estate, urban planning, or a closely related field AND three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in local or regional economic development or urban planning. OR
• A Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, economics, real estate, urban planning, or a closely related field; AND five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in local or regional economic development or urban planning. OR
• Nine (9) years of increasingly responsible experience in local or regional economic development or urban planning.