Executive Director Of Denver Economic Development And Opportunity

The City and County of Denver is seeking an Executive Director of Denver Economic Development & Opportunity to lead and implement the Mayor’s vision and strategy around an inclusive and innovative economy for all Denver residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. The Executive Director of Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) is a member of the City and County of Denver’s executive body and is responsible for setting and operationalizing CCD’s broader vision, strategy, and goals.

As the Executive Director of DEDO you will set the strategic direction and vision and lead the fiscal and operational strategy of the economic development agency to ensure that everyone in the community benefits from a vibrant economy through thoughtful business development efforts, job creation and advancement opportunities, entrepreneur and small business support, and by improving neighborhood conditions while preserving the culture and character of Denver's neighborhoods experiencing significant change.

We are committed to delivering exemplary services to citizens and drive business outcomes that best serve the public interest. An ideal candidate will possess exceptional managerial skills, a deep understanding of economic development principles, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders to drive sustainable economic prosperity. They will generate innovative and nuanced solutions to complex challenges, provide strategic vision, anticipate challenges, and assess the effectiveness of our work.

Please note, all City and County of Denver Appointee positions will be in-person roles. We believe we can listen better, learn more, and act faster when we are able to build strong relationships in the same physical space. With this in mind, we do our work together in person. We value in-person interactions. Our office is not remote.

The salary range for this position is $157,686 - $268,066

• 457B Retirement plan
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension
• 132 hours of PTO earned within first year + 13 Paid Holidays per year

• Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing strategic plans for economic development and opportunity initiatives aligned with the mayor's vision of Denver, that attract businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and promote job creation and training opportunities for Denver residents.

• Workforce Development: Developing and implementing strategies to ensure Denver's residents have the ability to participate in the city's workforce by providing job training, upskilling, reskilling, and next skilling opportunities and that our employers are connected to a trained and skilled pipeline of workers.

• Policy Development: Advising the mayor and city officials on economic policies, regulations, and initiatives that promote economic growth, attract investments, and create job opportunities for a vibrant and affordable Denver. Establish and maintain partnerships with local government officials, industry leaders, and community organizations to advance economic development initiatives.

• Business Attraction and Retention: Identifying and attracting new businesses, industries, and investments to the city. Prioritizing and facilitating coordination and collaboration with existing businesses to support their growth and expansion efforts.

• Financial Management: Overseeing budgeting and financial management for economic development programs, securing funding from various sources, and managing economic incentives to attract businesses and investments throughout our city. Assist local businesses in accessing capital and resources for expansion and development.

• Marketing and Promotion: Developing marketing strategies and campaigns to promote the city's economic strengths, attract investors and businesses, and encourage a desire to make Denver vibrant and create opportunity for everyone to make a home, get a job, and build a future.

• Data Analysis and Reporting: Conducting economic research, data analysis, and impact assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of economic development initiatives and provide reports to the mayor and city officials.

• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and management abilities are essential for this role. The candidate should have experience in managing teams, coordinating projects, and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders like those of Denver.

• Policy and Planning Expertise: Experience in policy development, strategic planning, and implementation of economic development initiatives is highly desirable. The candidate should be able to analyze complex economic data, conduct research, and develop actionable plans and policies.

• Communication and Relationship Building: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for engaging with stakeholders, presenting ideas, and representing the department and the mayor's office. The ability to build and maintain relationships with businesses, community organizations, government agencies, other key partners, and moreover the community of Denver as a whole is essential.

• Financial and Budgeting Skills: Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and securing funding from various sources, are important for effectively managing economic development programs and initiatives.

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities: The candidate should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify economic development opportunities, analyze data, assess challenges, and develop innovative solutions.

• Knowledge of Local Context: Familiarity with the local Denver community, its economic landscape, challenges, and opportunities is advantageous. Understanding the unique characteristics, culture, and needs of our city can help in tailoring economic development strategies to create a vibrant and affordable city.

• Cultural Competency and Equity Awareness: Given Denver's diverse community, the candidate should possess cultural competency and awareness of equity issues. They should be able to develop economic strategies that resonate with diverse populations, promote inclusivity, and address equity considerations in economic development and engagement efforts.

• Cover letter answering the following prompt: In less than two pages, please answer the following questions: What is your vision for this role? What do you see as the imperative goals for the 100 days, and for the first year? Who do you see as the critical partners you will need to accomplish those goals? How will you measure and track success?
• Resume

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