Director of Economic & Workforce Development - Planning Department

ABOUT THE ROLE Under the direction of the Commissioner of Planning and Community Development, working closely with the Mayor's Office and senior leadership, this role is responsible for planning, directing, and managing comprehensive economic and workforce development initiatives for the City of Mount Vernon. The Director leads strategies to attract, retain, and expand businesses, strengthen the City's tax base, support redevelopment, and increase employment opportunities. The position also serves as Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency and requires adaptability, ethical behavior, leadership, and strategic thinking. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Collaborate with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners to develop and implement an annual economic and workforce development strategic plan. - Design, enhance, and implement programs focused on business attraction, retention, expansion, and workforce development. - Promote initiatives advancing economic growth, equity, and inclusion, including support for small businesses and women- and minority-owned enterprises. - Build and maintain relationships with international trade organizations, chambers of commerce, and business leaders to identify trade and investment opportunities. - Develop and manage relationships with New York State agencies, real estate communities, workforce development boards, and the Small Business Administration. - Create customized economic development presentations, briefing materials, and talking points for visiting delegations and elected officials. - Facilitate visits and provide logistical, administrative, and protocol support for government and business delegations. - Oversee day-to-day administration of the economic development portfolio, including data collection, recordkeeping, and performance metrics reporting. - Supervise and implement activities of the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency, reporting to the Board of Directors and ensuring state law compliance. - Draft standard operating procedures for citywide economic development goals and cooperate with all city agencies. - Facilitate negotiations related to economic development projects, site plans, incentives, and job creation or retention commitments. - Identify, secure, and coordinate local, state, and federal funding resources, including IDA-related programs. - Represent the City in meetings with regional, state, and national organizations and coordinate with surrounding jurisdictions. - Oversee, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff; establish internal controls and operational procedures to ensure efficiency and compliance. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must meet one of the following options: 1. Bachelor's Degree from a recognized college or university in Economics, Urban Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, International Relations, or a closely related field, and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, workforce development, program management, or a related field, including experience with international projects or partners. 2. Master's Degree in a related field and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in government, economic development, or national economic engagement. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be a resident of New York State. - Requires strong project management, analytical, and organizational skills. - Must demonstrate facilitation, negotiation, and relationship-management skills with public, private, nonprofit, and international partners. - Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural, and multilingual environment. SELECTION PROCESS - Evaluation of submitted resumes and letters of interest against the required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience for the position. HOW TO APPLY - Submit resumes and letters of interest to: City of Mount Vernon, Department of Human Resources, 1 Roosevelt Square, Room 211, Mount Vernon, New York 10550. - Alternatively, submit via e-mail to: CityofMountVernonHR@cmvny.com. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Planning & Community Development - Appointing Authority: City of Mount Vernon - Opening Date: March 5, 2026 - Closing Date: Until Filled - The City of Mount Vernon is an equal opportunity employer with zero tolerance for all forms of harassment or reprisal.