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City of Las Cruces

Economic Development Specialist

Duties and Responsibilities:

    Coordinates, organizes, develops, proposes, and implements special programs and strategies to promote Las Cruces as a prime film and video location to producers of film, television (TV), commercials, digital video and print advertising to secure key industry contracts; liaison with local municipalities, the public, production community, businesses, and others to scout out and promote locations, crews, businesses, and talent.
    Proposes and establishes procedures for facilitation of obtaining applicable permits for film projects within counties and municipalities; maintains relationships with governmental jurisdictions; coordinates with state and federal agencies to obtain proper permits and maintain compliance with regulations.
    Assists production companies with resources regarding permitting, locations, accommodations, and/or crews, to facilitate filming on schedule and on budget; creates a positive experience for clients to gain repeat and referred business.
    Coordinates efforts and information with various City departments to identify, attract, retain, and assist business and industry; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service to assist businesses with all required registration and permitting processes.
    Supports activities related to business recruitment and growth to attract, create, and retain jobs; provides the business community and individual organizations information and assistance to promote and market the Las Cruces as a favorable environment in which to establish and build industries and businesses.
    Researches companies and industries; responds to inquiries and requests; prepares marketing materials and packets to include community, economic, statistical, financial, demographic, and other site-specific information for dissemination to potential clients.
    Gathers information and prepares packets for distribution regarding economic development incentives and agreements; exercises independent judgment within general policy guidelines to meet established goals, objectives and directives; reviews and recommends project plans, reports, and procedures; assures project deadlines and performance standards are met.
    Evaluates and analyzes City codes, policies, and issues to recommend and implement revisions or solutions within scope of authority; assures compliance with all laws, policies, regulations, timelines and goals; interprets statutes and regulations; coordinates programs with local, state, Federal and regional agencies.


 Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Journalism, Mass Communication, Economic Development, Urban or Regional Planning, Business or Public Administration, Economics, or related field AND two (2) years relevant professional experience.  A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.  Preference will also be given to applicants that have relevant public sector experience.

Valid driver's license is required.  Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
General Knowledge of: current film and video/digital media production and technical needs; City, state, and federal statutes, rules, codes, and regulations relating to economic development and film related productions; general marketing, media, and public relations practices; economic development principles, practices, and implementation methods, including business development, redevelopment, and local government financial incentives for business, film, and economic development; area resources, physical locations, and landscapes; topographical and climatological considerations; developing and implementing marketing plans; policies, rules and regulations governing the conduct and safety of persons using municipal facilities, programs and equipment; purpose, use, and benefits of community programs and activities; community resources and support agencies; principles and techniques of records and program management; personal computers, and standard business software applications; City policies and procedures to successfully meet established goals and objectives.
 
Ability to: assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands; communicate effectively in verbal and written forms to groups and individuals of varied backgrounds; express oneself clearly and concisely orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with city employees, elected officials, members of other organizations and agencies, and the public; use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines;   evaluate, revise, develop, recommend, and implement programs and procedures; prepare and present various special and recurring reports containing findings and recommendations; perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities timely and with accuracy to meet time-sensitive deadlines and to ensure achievement of City goals and objectives.  
 
Skills in: performing duties in an organized, detailed-oriented manner; analyzing issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings to address issues and develop processes and services to meet needs; recognizing, capturing, and cataloging area picturesque images: operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner.