Economic & Community Development Manager

The salary for this position is: $7,537 -- $10,050 monthly.

The Thurston County Commissioners’ Office is seeking a highly qualified and motivated candidate for the position of Economic and Community Development Manager. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is skilled in leading and managing programs and policies that will positively impact the residents of Thurston County.  The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, creative, adaptable, and motivated; and have strong communication and project management skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively to build trusting working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders. 

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for developing and implementing a holistic economic development strategy for our growing county that takes into consideration building and revenue increases balanced with open space preservation that defines our local quality of life.
• Create a clear and achievable strategy to achieve the goals of promoting and advancing sustainable economic vitality and opportunity for all Thurston County residents.
• Provide data-based business analysis of potential opportunities to increase the financial standing of the county through a variety of funding pathways.
• Explore and obtain funding from Federal and State and related agencies.
• Monitor and manage Federal and State legislation.
• Collaborate with other agencies such as Economic Development Council, Visitor and Convention Bureau, Chambers of Commerce and other municipalities.
• Engage with residents who may need support and education working through development, zoning, and other land use complexities.  These duties are performed in a way that is removed from political influence and serves residents in a well-rounded and impartial manner.
• Write, develop, strategize and submit grant applications.  Assist in implementing grant awards. Evaluates contract requirements submitted to ensure requirements are met, monitor quality of deliverables, track performance, which may include some financial and program audits.
• Partner with internal offices and departments in planning and implementation of Economic Development
• Promote positive and productive customer service, quality service delivery in support of the vision, mission, values, goals, and objectives of the County. 

This position is a direct report to the County Manager, with supervision by an Assistant County Manager. 

To view the full job classification, click here: Class Specifications | Senior Program Manager | Class Spec Details

 

WHO WE ARE:

Thurston County is governed by a five-member elected Board of County Commissioners who serve as the County’s legislative body. The office consists of 30 FTEs and provides leadership and oversight of county government, providing services, programs, and infrastructure that meets the needs of citizens; foster regional collaboration and partnership to find solutions to community needs and advance opportunities for consolidation and cooperation of the delivery of local services; preserve and enhance our physical environment and natural resources; promote community conditions that support the health and wellbeing of citizens; support a strong, diverse, and sustainable economy; and adopt and maintain a fiscally responsible budget. 

The County is comprised of an additional 23 separately elected county officials and their offices, as well as 11 departments including the Budget Office, Community Planning and Economic Development, Emergency Management, Medic One, Human Resources, Information Technology, Pretrial Services, Public Defense, Public Health and Social Services, and Public Works. 

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

 

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaini