Economic Development Policy and Research Director

• Define strategies for economic development that are in harmony with the organization’s long-term goals and fiscal plans, ensuring that these strategies support the overarching vision of the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB).
• Lead the policy research efforts to support the development and execution of initiatives that drive economic growth.
• Provide strategic guidance to the Economic Growth and Revitalization Coordinator, supported by robust policy research and economic analysis, to enhance his capacity to make informed decisions regarding matters under the Economic Growth and Revitalization Area of the FOMB, so that they align with the division’s goals and FOMB’s directives.
• As part of the directorial role, assist the Economic Growth and Revitalization Coordinator in all effects to maintain and foster relationships across the public and private sectors, ensuring that the division’s strategies and initiatives are well-integrated with other teams within FOMB and external stakeholders.
• Regularly update the Economic Growth and Revitalization Coordinator and others FOMB leadership on the progress, challenges, and outcomes of the economic development strategies and policy research, ensuring transparency and alignment with the board’s expectations and requirements.

To successfully perform this position, an individual must be capable of performing each essential task satisfactorily. The following requirements represent the required knowledge, skills, and/or capacity. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, public administration, urban planning, business administration, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 8 to 10 years of experience in economic development, community development, or a closely related field within the public sector or a combination of academic and experience.
• At least 3 years in a senior management role is preferred.
• Exposure to successful economic development projects and initiatives that have led to job creation and business growth.
• Exposure in project management, including managing large-scale financial projects from conception to implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans in alignment with organizational objectives.

• Previous experience in:
  • Leading teams
  • Working with the local or federal government
  • Federal funding requirements
  • Budget development
  • Presenting to high-level management

• Demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, with a proven track record of successfully guiding teams through complex projects and strategic initiatives, fostering collaboration, and driving performance to achieve organizational goals.
• Exposure to developing and implementing economic development strategies that are aligned with the vision  of the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) and the Economic Growth and Revitalization Area’s Director priorities.
• Advanced knowledge of economic development principles and practices, with an emphasis on fostering public-private partnerships and community revitalization to support  Economic Growth and Revitalization Director and FOMB’s economic growth agenda.
• Deep understanding of public sector processes, including government regulations, public finance, and policy development, with a particular focus on conducting economic policy research.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines, ensuring the successful execution of the Economic Growth and Revitalization Division’s priorities for FY2025 and beyond.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the aptitude to engage, negotiate, and collaborate with various stakeholders and partners, including the ability to maintain relationships across the public and private sectors.
• Ability to navigate political landscapes and build consensus among diverse groups, supporting the Economic Growth and Revitalization Director in its decision-making processes through focused policy research and economic development insights.
• Knowledge of grant writing and funding acquisition, with the ability to secure financial resources for economic development projects that align with FOMB’s changing priorities.
• Familiarity with land use planning and real estate development principles, contributing to the division’s efforts in community revitalization and infrastructure enhancement.
• Skilled in workforce development strategies, capable of aligning educational and training programs with the needs of the local economy, the Economic Growth and Revitalization Director and FOMB’s objectives.
• Proficient in the use of technology, including economic modeling tools and standard office software, to support policy research and strategic planning.
• Ability to timely deliver quality work as well as review the work of others for relevance, accuracy and quality.  
• Ability to meet deadlines, develop realistic action plans and measurable outcomes, create program budgets, prioritize, and plan workload, and use time efficiently. 
• Learns and adapts to dynamic demands inherent to the job and work environment. 
• Proficiency in financial software and advanced Excel skills. 
• Advanced Office Skills (Word, PowerPoint.) 
• Advanced English and Spanish (excellent speaking and writing skills).

Additional information

Physical Demands

The physical demands described herein represent those to be fulfilled by an employee to successfully perform the essential tasks of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be reached to allow individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks. While carrying out the tasks of this position, the employee is normally sitting, using his hands to hold or feel and grasp objects; the employee will often stand, walk, talk, and listen. Specific vision skills required for this job include close-up and color vision.

Working environment

The features of the working environment described herein represent those found by the employee while performing the essential tasks of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks. While carrying out tasks in this job, the employee is not exposed to the environmental conditions of work. Noise levels in the workplace are generally low.

Health, safety, and environmental requirements

The occupant of this position must strictly comply with all health, safety and environmental policies and procedures and must actively participate in related activities of the organization. The occupant of the position will also be trained in any specific procedures and regulations applicable to the position, if needed. This description is based on a management evaluation made in accordance with the requirements and tasks of the position as of the date of preparation of the description. This description is a general guide for the employees, managers, and colleagues, and does not include an exhaustive list of all elements and details of the job. Management reserves the right to modify this description at any time or change the tasks and responsibilities on a temporary or open-ended basis to meet objectives, timetables and recruiting goals.