The Economic and Community Development Director will lead the strategic planning, management, and administration of the City’s economic and community development initiatives. This executive-level position is responsible for evaluating, recommending, and implementing programs that promote sustainable growth, economic vitality, and community enrichment. The Director will conduct research and assess the feasibility, impact, and long-term effectiveness of various development programs, ensuring alignment with the City's goals and priorities. The role requires a results-driven leader capable of fostering collaborative relationships across departments, external agencies, and stakeholders. This position reports directly to the Mayor and provides leadership and oversight to departmental and program staff, ensuring objectives are met and outcomes are achieved efficiently and effectively.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:
1. Experience maintaining an annual operating budget of a government or private organization of at least $300,000.
2. Experience recruiting and attracting businesses, offices, and/or retail locations to an urban area.
3. Experience obtaining, allocating, and managing federal funds (i.e., HUD, CDGB, and revolving loans).
4. Experience writing grant proposals (i.e., submitting plans, searching for data and resources, writing and packaging a proposal, submitting a proposal).
5. Experience conducting negotiations with businesses and/or government officials.
6. Experience overseeing community-wide housing development and rehabilitation projects (e.g., demolition, reconstruction, refurbishment of existing houses, buildings, or neighborhoods).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by the City of Bessemer. These qualifications may be considered by Bessemer when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes.
1. Bachelor's degree in a field related to economic and/or community development (e.g., economics, urban planning, business).
2. Certification related to economic and/or community development (e.g., IEDC, CEcD, etc.).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The City of Bessemer provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. Pay range for this job is: $74,089.60 - $114,920.00