Economic Development Director

General Purpose:

The Economic Development Director is responsible for planning and directing Parker’s economic development and marketing plans, as well as general office duties.

Salary and Benefits:
• $42,000 - $52,000 Annual
• Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual
• 12 Holidays
• SDRS Pension

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Organizes and implements an economic development program to:
  1. Promote the growth of Parker’s economic base.
  2. Support housing and industrial development.
  3. Retain/expand current businesses and industry.
  4. Attract new businesses and citizens.
• Attend monthly meetings of the City Council as the liaison of the Parker Development Corporation
• Provides administrative support at City Hall.
  1. Update Parker’s City and Economic Development websites and social media.
  2. Assist customers at the front desk in the absence of other staff members.
  3. Assist with monthly billings and account receivables.
• Conducts regular Business Retention and Expansion visits with Parker businesses.
• Actively participates in and collaborates with local, regional, state, federal and other entities/organizations to support economic development efforts and draw visitors to our community.
• Directs the planning and implementation of the City’s economic development programs.
• Seeks out potential new businesses and/or responds to inquiries involving new or expanding current businesses.
• With approval of the Mayor and City Council, seeks external funding to support activities associated with economic and community development.
• Gathers and updates data on the community including social and economic conditions.
• Work with neighboring Municipalities to share ideas, best practices and joint projects for economic development and marketing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• College degree or equivalent business experience desired.
• Experience working in an office environment preferred.
• Ability to quickly learn new software applications.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, able to work independently.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to multi-task maintaining effectiveness when changing focus quickly as demands change.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Operate general office equipment.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office.



Special Requirements:
• Must be able to attend occasional evening, weekend, and out-of-town meetings that are job-related.
• Must be a self-starter that is able to work with minimum supervision.
• Must be able to keep information that is shared confidential.
• Must be willing to reside within the Parker trade area.
• Must have a valid South Dakota driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for business-related travel that is reimbursed at standard city mileage rates.


Physical Demands:
• Normal office environment; occasional lifting up to 30 pounds.