City of Cañon City, CO

Position Description

Class Title: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/DOWNTOWN DIRECTORJob Code: 2104

Range:77

Department: Community Development Group

Reports to: City Administrator

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the City Administrator, plan, organize, coordinate, and direct activities to enhance economic and downtown development of the City. This position is responsible for the development, recommendation and implementation of policies, programs and procedures that accomplish the City's goals and objectives to ensure the economic health and vitality of the City. Work involves the use of initiative and independent judgment. Work is primarily performed in an office setting and requires evening meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

Through collaboration and partnerships with other public, private, and non-profit entities, the City will aggressively support economic development and downtown revitalization efforts that will create quality, living wage jobs to ensure a diverse economic base, a resilient and growing City tax base, and long-term economic vitality for the City business. To move the City economy forward, the City will commit to the following initiatives to foster a dynamic and diverse economy for Cañon City:

Create policies and programs to retain, expand, incubate and attract businesses to expand and then strengthen the local economy.

Continue the physical revitalization of the City to promote a strong first impression and community attractiveness to business and visitors.

Build on the community's history, heritage, natural resources, and livability to promote Cañon City as a tourist and business destination.

Collaborate with downtown businesses to foster the growth and the downtown as a destination through development of a Downtown Development Authority, accessible parking, marketing, additional special events, better retail mix, an attractive physical environment, pedestrian-oriented design standards, and to encourage investment and success by implementing the Downtown Strategic Plan.

Partner with the Royal Gorge Company of Colorado to build upon the amenities of the park, by adding additional recreational and upscale camping opportunities.

Ensure a transparent, predictable, fair and balanced regulatory environment for business retention and growth.

Provide professional development and education opportunities to City business as in customer service, social-media, and business marketing.

Increase City involvement and partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, Fremont Economic Development Corporation, Fremont County Tourism Council, Upper Arkansas Council of Governments, Pueblo Community College, Colorado Department of Transportation and other state and federal partners to stimulate economic development.

Encourage the development of reliable and cost-effective ultra-high-speed internet services throughout the business community.

Capitalize on the Arkansas River location by developing the river corridor as a vibrant, attractive, and active location for recreation, restaurants, residences and specialized retail opportunities.

Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in economics, business, marketing, real estate, law, urban planning or a closely related field; five years of progressively responsible management experience in business, economic development, long range planning, downtown management, commercial real estate or related fields, preferably including implementation of a significant public project intended to stimulate the local economy; or a combination of education, experience, and training that indicates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position listed above.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

A valid Colorado driver's license is required. A Master's degree is preferred. Public relations experience is highly desirable. Strong experience in financial analysis is a desired qualification, as is a considerable amount of independent judgment and personal motivation.

Knowledge of:

  • Current social, political and economic trends and operating problems of municipal governments;
  • Economic analysis techniques related to market, feasibility and impact studies;
  • Federal, state, and local laws regarding the operation of City government;
  • Grant research and preparation;
  • Effective organizational and management principles and practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of economic development programs, policies and operational needs;
  • Principles and practices of municipal government budget preparation and administration;
  • Sound principles and practices of public administration and policy development;
  • Operation of a personal computer and associated software;
  • Oral and written communications skills; and
  • Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Skill in:

  • Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals;
  • Preparing and analyzing technical and administrative reports, statements and correspondence;
  • Interpreting and applying City policies, procedures, laws and regulations relating to management activities;
  • Effectively preparing, administering, and reviewing complex department budgets to determine financial impact on the City;
  • Effectively administering sound management principles, practices and methods;
  • Establishing, developing, and maintaining positive, cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
  • Completing work and projects in a thorough and timely manner;
  • Working independently; must be a self-starter and show initiative in performing job duties;
  • Maintaining confidentiality of information;
  • Utilizing computers, databases and related software and automated equipment to produce worksheets and reports;
  • Operating a personal computer with associated software and peripherals;
  • Communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

Physical & Mental Requirements:

Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Constant fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc. Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities and while attending meetings. Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position. Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas. Occasional lifting/carrying up to 30-pound documents, file boxes. Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials. Occasional climbing on stairs. Communicates verbally with City staff, outside agencies and the public in one-on-one settings, group settings and over the telephone. Works primarily indoors in an office environment with low noise levels, with occasional travel from site to site for attendance at meetings, including evening meetings. Work with the public, some of whom may be irate, upset or disturbed. Frequent extension of work day to meet deadlines.

FLSA Status: [X]Exempt-Salaried
Date of Original:
Date Adopted: / [ ] Non-Exempt Hourly