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This position is responsible in directing and implementing the Mayor's Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Strategy. Assumes management responsibilities for all economic development functions including business retention, attraction and recruitment, incentive negotiations and administration, overseeing relationships with funded partner organizations related to entrepreneurship and small business development, coordination with international consult general offices, expanding and diversifying employment opportunities, and building relationships with key community partners.

Duties may vary based on area of assignment. The following are representative duties, it is not the intent to capture all duties performed by this classification.

• Prepares and directs special projects such as the Mayor's annual Economic Summit and the Florida Simulation Summit.
• Establishes short-and-long term economic development plans as well as research economic data, global best practices and other relevant information to aid in the creation of the overall strategy.
• Serves as liaison and primary contact for international Consul General Offices, Sister City Program and with the business community on economic development interests, such as, the Orlando Economic Partnership, the Corridor, the National Entrepreneur Center and other County-funded programs. Serves on the committees of appropriate local economic development organizations and groups.
• Plans and organizes international trade and business development mission trips.
• Directs the development, monitoring and implementation of the Economic Element of the Comprehensive Policy Plan.
• Advises and makes recommendations to the Mayor, Chief of Staff, County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners on economic development activities.
• Functions as an ombudsman to represent the private sector and to facilitate the permitting process for targeted projects, improves the one-step permitting process and streamlines the regulatory process, and manages the Miracle Team Program.
• Formulates and manages an economic development and business retention incentives program.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of various economic development programs and efforts.
• Provides input into the development of infrastructure to support business growth and expansion including industrial parks, shell buildings, utilities, transportation, etc.
• Represents the County at appropriate civic, cultural, charitable, business and community activities as well as serves on boards, commissions, committees and organizations related to the areas that are critical to the County's goals.
• Manages annual budget inclusive of previous incentive awards, personnel costs, local funding agreements and overhead.
• Works with local partners to identify workforce skill needs of the business community and coordinates action with educational and training institutions to develop and provide the appropriate training and educational programs.
• Prepares speeches and presentations on economic development topics for the Mayor, Chief of Staff and County Commissioners upon request, as well as for County economic development staff presentations.
• Works on projects that may arise due to market conditions such as economic downturns, natural disasters, global pandemics, etc.
• Collaborates with other County departments in development and programming of economic development initiatives such as innovation and emerging technology, planning, business development, communications, etc.
• Works with Orange County Convention Center team and community partners to connect our tourism and hospitality sector to the business community with the goal of growing business and marketing our community.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Master's degree from an accredited institution in Planning, Economics, Business Administration or Public Administration and six years of professional experience in economic development, planning, customer development services, or business retention/incentives programs; or a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Planning, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing or Communications and eight years of professional experience in economic development, planning, customer development services, or business retention/incentives programs.