TITLE: Director, Economic Development
LOCATION: Downtown Memphis Office
SUPERVISOR: President/CEO
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024
ORGANIZATION
The Economic Development Growth Engine Industrial Development Board of the City of Memphis and County of Shelby, TN (“EDGE”) is a Tennessee industrial development board created in 2011 under TCA §7-53-101 et seq. EDGE is governed by an 11-member board appointed equally by the City of Memphis and Shelby County, and is a public, non-profit entity that uses property tax abatements, tax increment financing, loans, Foreign-Trade Zone 77, and other tools to spur economic growth. EDGE also manages the Memphis and Shelby Port Commission, owns industrial property, and provides the Economic Gardening program. The EDGE Strategic Plan focuses on: (1) industrial development; (2) the Port of Memphis; (3) neighborhood revitalization; (4) small business growth; and (5) promoting regional collaboration.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director Economic Development under the authority of the President/CEO manages EDGE efforts to spur job growth and neighborhood revitalization in the City of Memphis and Shelby County. The Director uses EDGE programs to assist firms looking to locate, expand or start up, and developers looking to invest. The Director also coordinates efforts with various government agencies, Chambers of Commerce, neighborhood redevelopment groups, and others.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB FUNCTIONS
- Identify, analyze and propose new development projects, programs, and collaborations.
- Utilize EDGE programs and assets to assist development opportunities. Activities include: project underwriting; deal structuring; negotiating with applicants, lenders, and others; Board presentations; and assisting in the preparation of all documents required to complete the transaction.
- Maintain expert understanding of all major local, state and national development incentive and assistance programs.
- Coordinate with government agencies; local chambers of commerce; other local and regional development organizations; neighborhood development groups; site selection consultants; business owners and entrepreneurs; and finance, real estate, legal, accounting, and other professionals to assist development projects and improve the development environment in Memphis and Shelby County.
- Assist in the development and implementation of marketing and communication strategies and materials.
- Working with the President, identify, monitor, and report metrics showing the activity and impact of EDGE economic and community development programs.
- Represent EDGE at various meetings and events as assigned by President/CEO
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Conduct outreach visits to existing firms and entrepreneurs in Memphis/Shelby County to provide information on available programs and incentives, and assist with expansion projects.
- As delegated by President/CEO participate on recruiting trips and attend trade shows to develop project leads with national site consultants and corporate executives, in collaboration with local development partners.
- Assist in setting-up spaces for EDGE events.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations that do not cause EDGE undue hardship may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution in business, economics, finance, real estate, planning, public policy, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive economic and/or community development work experience required, preferably with public-sector organizations. Management experience preferred.
Certifications from the International Economic Development Council, Council of Development Finance Agencies, National Development Council, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, or other recognized economic and/or community development organizations is desirable. Current standing as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and Economic or Housing Development Finance Professional (E/HDFP) is particularly desirable.
Valid driver’s license and some travel required.
Skills and Abilities
- History of ethical and honest behavior, demonstrating a commitment to integrity, respect, and teamwork in professional and other activities.
- Demonstrated ability to keep sensitive information confidential.
- Strong analytical, problem solving, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to plan, organize, and successfully manage multiple activities simultaneously.
- Exceptional communication skills, oral and written.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work before and after regular office hours on an as-needed basis.
- Ability to interact effectively with local, state, and federal government officials; large and small business owners; neighborhood redevelopment leaders; bankers and other finance professionals; the commercial and residential real estate community; site selection consultants; and others.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Requires the ability to sit for extended periods at a desk and at meetings; some mental pressure meeting deadlines or during meetings and discussions with President/CEO; some local, regional, and occasional statewide or national travel; bending, stooping and lifting file boxes, etc., up to 20 pounds; filing; some walking and standing; may spend extended time using a computer.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is conducted in a typical indoor office environment, though visits to and tours of retail, commercial, manufacturing, distribution, medical, educational, and other facilities are a regular part of the work. Outdoor events and programs may also be required. Must be able to travel throughout Shelby County and occasionally to more distant destinations by ground or air.
Interested applicants should email their resume and bio directly to jmassey@edgemem.com.