Assistant Director, Economic Development (Workforce Development & Business)

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, or in a related field to the job, plus five (5) years of experience in management of projects and programs related to the job, including two (2) years of experience which were in a managerial capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for non-management experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Notes to Applicants
To view the detailed recruitment profile for this position, please click here.
To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here. Working with the Economic Development Department provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required.
• A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).
• To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by June 14, 2024. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.

Pay Range

Commensurate
Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday
*Hours may vary depending upon business needs.
Job Close Date Type of Posting External Department Economic Development Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Austin, TX 78741 Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate should possess a record of accomplishments in economic and community development with knowledge of workforce development strategies, public policy development and analysis. Experience in fiscal planning, budget preparation, contract management, and interlocal agreements with the City of Austin, surrounding cities, and Travis County is required to be successful in this position. The ideal candidate should be skilled in building and maintaining a broad and diverse spectrum of partnerships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions, and have experience presenting/ communicating complex information and technical issues in non- technical terms to the public. Advanced written and oral communication skills are imperative. The ideal candidate needs to be a strategic leader with effective communication, strong collaboration, and negotiating skills to be successful.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Exceptional Leadership - A leader who uses judgement to handle community concerns and has sharp problem-solving skills with the ability to build quality interpersonal relationships throughout the city with diverse communities.
• Communicates Effectively with an Equity Mindset - Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities and populations to build constructive and effective relationships, and convey and receive information.
• Administration Skills - Proven ability to lead and manage a diverse team within a dynamic environment while remaining compliant and transparent.
• Change Management - Ability to prepare, support, and assist individuals and teams with organizational changes and adaptations and improve staff morale.
• Customer Focused - Strives to deliver high-quality results and superior service that exceeds expectations while remaining mindful of the needs and perspectives of both our internal and external stakeholders.
• Community Collaborator - Has experience in presenting complex strategies to internal and external stakeholders on projects and programs that may include public outreach, City Council updates, and program implementation.
• Political Savvy - Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy while effectively relating to people at all levels internally and externally.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Oversees and ensures all activities are carried out in compliance with department policy; and Local, State, and Federal regulations and laws governing activities. Assists in directing the activities related to the development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives, organizational structure, and daily operations. Assists the Director and Deputy Director with reviewing agendas, reports, and policy statements for presentation to boards and commissions, City Council, and business and community groups. Assists the Director and Deputy Director with analyzing fiscal impact of proposed policies and programs and recommends options to the Director and Deputy Director. Oversees the development of performance measures and reporting systems and utilizes to establish accountability, determine progress, evaluate alternatives, assess productivity, and obtain agreement on expectations in order to achieve required department/division business results. Delegates activities, responsibilities, and authority, as necessary and desirable, to division staff while retaining overall responsibility and accountability for performance. Ensures that responsibilities, authority, and accountability of all direct subordinates and unit supervisors are defined and understood. Fosters and develops a culture of positive customer experiences in working relationships with key staff; division and departmental employees; other governmental organizations; and with external services, such as consultants, legal counsel, boards and commissions, and City Council. Maintains current knowledge, trends, practices, and opportunity areas in all the Economic Development program areas. Represents Director and/or Deputy Director at City Council Meetings, to Boards and Commissions, and at community events as directed.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities: selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of economic, business, and community development.
• Knowledge of public policy development and analysis.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in evaluating bids and making recommendations.
• Ability to communicate complex and technical issues in non-technical terms to the general public.
• Ability to plan strategically.
• Ability to plan and schedule operations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires: a Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, or in a related field to the job, plus five (5) years of experience in management of projects and programs related to the job, including two (2) years of experience which were in a managerial capacity. Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for non-management experience up to a maximum of two (2) years. Do you meet these minimum requirements?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

Austin, Texas United States View Map