Position Description Date: 1/1/2024

Position Title: Economic Development Director
Department/Division: Economic Development Department
Reports To: Assistant City Manager
Classified or Unclassified: Unclassified
Exempt or Non-exempt: Exempt
Union or Non-union: Non-union
Salary Range: 170
____________________________________________________________________________
Position Summary
Responsible for coordinating efforts to enhance and diversify the economic base of the
City of Middletown through the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and the
attraction and development of new businesses.

This position is primarily sedentary, with some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, books, and equipment.

Position Qualifications
1. Bachelors Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Planning, Economics, or related field. Certified Economic Developer, preferred, with five years recent experience in economic development or closely related field.

2. Good working knowledge of economic incentives and project financing techniques. Must understand the real estate development process. Must have good communication and interpersonal skills. Must have an understanding of community qualities that are being sought by prospective businesses.

3. Possess and maintain valid Ohio Driver’s License.

Duties and Responsibilities (For Performance Appraisal)
1. Plan, coordinate, and direct overall economic development strategy for the City of
Middletown.

2. Coordinate and effectively communicate with City Manager, staff, Chamber of
Commerce, and such other organizations as the Butler County Port Authority, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati, and the State of Ohio Department of Development.

3. Respond to business inquiries seeking information about investment in the City.

4. Proactively pursue opportunities to increase the City’s inventory of market ready sites and buildings for prospective businesses.

5. Maintain a database of existing local employers and arrange for periodic site visits to determine opportunities to retain and expand businesses.

6. Develop and execute a marketing plan for the City.

7. Develop and administer the departmental budget.

8. Prepare and file necessary reports and forms, as required by State, City, or other entities.

9. Supervise other staff including the maintenance of an electronic database of
commercial properties and re-developable brownfield sites.

10. Maintain personal educational-level of expertise in Economic Development field through
annual continuing educational courses and/or seminars with other ED professionals.

11. Keep the organization prepared to expand its role and position regionally to include
other municipalities, townships, and villages. This implies not only knowing the
surrounding areas but having excellent working relationships with their ED
professionals.

12. Be the primary point of contact for new businesses seeking relocation, new businesses seeking their first locations, site selectors, consultants, and others such as governmental
agencies that are interested in the area.

13. Identify workforce skills needed by existing and prospective businesses and communicate these skill needs to area educational and vocational institutions.

14. Be the lead negotiator for economic development projects and initiatives for the City.

15. Conduct a regular and effective retention and expansion survey program that maintains up-to-date data regarding the capabilities, needs, and intentions of area employers.

16. Directly supervises full-time economic development staff.

17. Oversees the small business development assistance program.

18. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.