Chief Economic Development Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Services Department seeks a Chief Economic Development Officer (Economic Development Manager).

The Economic Development Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the City’s economic development initiatives to promote business attraction, retention, expansion, and redevelopment. This position manages staff, develops strategies, and implements programs that support a diverse and sustainable local economy while aligning with the City’s strategic goals. The Economic Development Manager works collaboratively with leadership, departments, businesses, developers, and community partners to position Fort Lauderdale as a leading destination for investment and innovation.
This is a Non-classified "at-will" position and not subject to Civil Service Rules or any collective bargaining agreement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The following are intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Provides strategic direction for the City’s economic development programs, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and community needs.
• Develops, manages, and evaluates economic development programs, with a focus on retaining and expanding existing industries and businesses while attracting new ones, and facilitating partnerships between public and private entities.
• Serves as the City’s representative as an economic development partner with the private sector to provide assistance in exploring/securing relocation to the City and in areas such as permits and regulations, workforce training, financing, and marketing. Such work is performed either directly or by providing coordination with specialists in the City and other economic development service organizations
• Functions as a liaison with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, the Broward Workshop and other professional economic organizations
• Develops alliances with key business sectors- Arts, Hospitality, International Business, Tourism, Culture, Entertainment and Tourism.
• Conducts and oversees research and analysis of demographic, labor market, and economic trends to evaluate development opportunities and project feasibility.
• Advises leadership on economic development strategies, market conditions, and emerging opportunities. Including the preparation of reports, presentations, policy recommendations, and program evaluations for City leadership, elected officials, and external stakeholders.
• Prepares, negotiates, and administers incentive agreements, contracts, grants, and development related proposals; ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provides technical assistance and concierge-level service to businesses, entrepreneurs, and developers, including support with grant applications and incentive programs, guidance through permitting and licensing processes, and targeted workshops tailored to the needs of Fort Lauderdale’s economic sectors.
• Coordinates with internal departments, governmental agencies, chambers of commerce, neighborhood associations, and regional organizations to streamline processes and advance initiatives.
• Promotes the City and its key industry sectors, including marine, technology, tourism, entertainment, film, hospitality, sports, and international business through marketing strategies, presentations, public engagement, and partnerships with businesses and community groups.
• Engages with residents and community groups to ensure growth and alignment of economic development efforts with community priorities.
• Develops, monitors, and manages program budgets; oversees allocation of resources and ensures fiscal accountability.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and operating guidelines to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and support consistent service delivery.
• Establishes and monitors performance measures to evaluate effectiveness of programs, ensuring accountability and progress toward City goals.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned professional, technical, and administrative staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate, Economics, Economic Development, Finance, Urban Planning, or a closely related field
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience relevant to the major duties/essential functions of the position (Economic Development, Real Estate Development, and/or Community Redevelopment)
• Two (2) years of experience in a supervisory/managerial capacity
• Five (5) years of experience in strengthening local economies and diversifying a municipal or regional tax base
• If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J-204) . to the online application.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate, Economics, Economic Development, Finance, Urban Planning, or a related field
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience relevant to the major duties/essential functions of the position (Economic Development, Real Estate Development, and/or Community Redevelopment Agency)
• Three (3) years of experience in a supervisory/managerial capacity
• Desired credentials:
  • International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)
  • National Development Council (NDC) Economic Development Finance Professional
  • Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Redevelopment Administrator
  • Any credential or certification relevant to the required job duties

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Work is generally performed in an office environment involving light physical demands, such as exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Tasks require the ability to sit, stand, walk, and operate standard office equipment. Visits to project sites and attendance at evening or weekend meetings and events may be required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J-204) . to the online application.



The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click here for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Click here for additional management benefits.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan! Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale! Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 11/5/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

• 

• City of Fort Lauderdale

• (954) 828-5300

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