Economic Development Assistant Director

Description

The City of Caldwell is looking for an Assistant Director to join their Economic Development team. Individual in this position will develop, implement, and guide projects that foster new job creation, investment, and revitalization in the City of Caldwell. This includes a strong focus on urban renewal activities that support redevelopment efforts in designated Urban Renewal Districts. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Economic Development Director, but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The principal duties of this class are performed in an indoor environment with outdoor travel to other city departments and local businesses.

**Interviews will be held the week of November 10th, 2025 **

Responsibilities

• Assist in the management and operations of the Economic Development department, including its programs, personnel, budgets, assets, and resources.
• Assume responsibility for all department activities in the absence of the economic development director.
• Identify, develop, and implement tourism-related economic development strategies.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for enhanced economic development in collaboration with the Community Development department, consultants, and others.
• Assist in supporting and managing business recruitment, retention, and expansion projects.
• Assist in responding to business location inquiries.
• Assist in developing and implementing economic development strategies by assessing the needs of businesses for relocating to the City of Caldwell.
• Assist in preparing and providing cost comparisons, site analysis reports, and information on utility, labor, and tax rates regarding business location inquiries.
• Assist in researching and providing information on workforce availability and training.
• Assist in evaluating and recommending appropriate business site locations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of marketing strategies, analyzing and researching competitive markets, using GIS and other economic data to provide demographics, maps, statistics, and other city information to interested citizens and prospective clients.
• Assist in the management of all marketing efforts, including but not limited to website maintenance and enhancements, creation of promotional materials, generating presentations, press releases, social media, advertisements, and newsletters, working with the economic development director to develop content and other items necessary for marketing efforts.
• Prepare customized marketing packets for clients, citizens, students, stakeholders, including industry research, requesting information from allies, analyzing city product offerings, and creating proposal visuals.
• Manage, coordinate, and supervise urban renewal projects and redevelopment efforts within Urban Renewal Districts, working closely with the Urban Renewal Agency (URA). 
• Provide support to the URA for project management, under the direction of the economic development director, and assume URA responsibilities in the absence of the director.
• Oversee the administration and implementation of urban renewal incentives, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and maintain communication with developers to ensure timely and effective project execution.
• Evaluate project proposals and incentive requests related to urban renewal to determine alignment with goals and statutory requirements.
• Work collaboratively with developers, consultants, legal counsel, and city staff to support planning, approvals, contracts, and construction associated with urban renewal projects.
• Track and report performance metrics associated with urban renewal investments, including project milestones, financial performance, and job creation.
• Assist in the development and administration of the Economic Development Department budgets, maintaining accurate records of expenditures, and monitoring budgets within established guidelines.
• May supervise future economic development department positions, as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

• Strong knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of urban planning and development issues.
• Strong knowledge of basic development and revitalization practices.
• Knowledge of financial management, economic development, business assistance and marketing concepts, and state and local economic development practices.
• Considerable knowledge of micro and macroeconomic theory, economics, econometric research including time-series methodologies, and principles of public finance theory.
• Knowledge of current literature, research, and regulations related to economic development planning.
• Knowledge of development and commercial real estate, land development, economic development (emphasis on industrial, airport, and urban renewal), and foreign trade zone.
• Ability to work in a professional capacity with federal, state, or local economic development and assistance programs.
• Excellent oral and written skills to communicate effectively with developers, customers, vendors, and the public in face-to-face meetings in one-on-one settings and in groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.
• Ability to be tactful, discrete, and diplomatic in high stress situations.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and perform a wide variety of duties and competing projects with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports and presentations.
• Ability to manage complex development negotiations and analyze pertinent data.
• Ability to understand and interpret ordinances and policies affecting development.
• Ability to analyze and interpret maps, site plans, and legal descriptions to make appropriate judgments on compliance or non-compliance issues.
• Ability to participate in and provide economic development input for development meetings, spontaneous consultation meetings for potential projects, and potential impact on proposed projects and processes.
• Ability to accurately and clearly inform the public and others regarding various development processes and requirements.
• Ability to exercise consistent and fair decision-making and resolve issues related to the development process.
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, members of the city council, commissions, boards, city employees, business and community groups, developers, and the public.
• Ability to type accurately and operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, ensuring confidential data is protected and shared only with authorized individuals.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and knowledge brought about by evolving information and technology.
• Ability to demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, business or public administration, economics, or a related field.
• Four (4) years’ experience in economics, community, business development, project management, or a related role.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will also be considered.
• Possession of a current and valid driver’s license.
• Subject to a pre-employment background check and drug testing.
• Graduation from OU EDI, or professional certification (CEcD) is preferred.
• Experience with Urban Renewal Districts and Tax Increment Finance (TIF) is preferred