THE OPPORTUNITY

Addison is conducting a national search for a top-tier, high performing Economic Development Director. Predominately commercial, and with a thriving airport, Addison offers truly unique assets for talented economic development professionals to score big wins in the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

ABOUT ADDISON, TEXAS

Though Addison has only 16,661 residents in 4.4 square miles, it has developed into a cosmopolitan center which serves well over 125,000 businesspersons, shoppers, and visitors daily.

With its central location in the north Dallas metro area and significant transportation assets – including Addison Airport, the Dallas North Tollway, and the DART bus terminal and (coming soon) rail station – Addison is an attractive place to locate a business. Texas’ business-friendly environment and Addison’s location near the geographic center of the country have helped to fuel a recent rush of corporate relocations to North Texas; proximity to Addison Airport and the convenient air transportation access it provides has been a key factor in many relocations, especially for companies with far-flung business interests.

Addison’s reputation for maintaining a high quality of urban life has attracted considerable development over the past few years. Addison is home to nearly 12 million square feet of quality office and warehouse space. Addison also boasts 22 hotels with over 3,600 rooms and over 200 restaurants (an average of 46 restaurants per square mile).

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Economic Development Department is led by the Director, who is supported by an Economic Development Manager and an Economic Development Coordinator. The department has an annual operating budget of $1.3 million and ED efforts are further supported by a dedicated Economic Development fund.

The fund was created in the FY 2011 budget to conduct economic development activities; support existing commercial base through business retention and expansion; focus business attraction on priority growth sectors; raise the profile of Addison regionally and nationally; support business start-ups; and maintain and enhance Addison’s quality of place. The Economic Development fund is supported primarily by ad valorem taxes and transfers from other funds. The FY 2023 budget for the Economic Development fund is $1.6 million.

THE POSITION

The Economic Development Director is an exempt, at-will position that reports to a Deputy City Manager. The position directs, manages, executes, and develops strategies and tactics to enhance the economic growth of the community and generate economic prosperity and wealth for the Town of Addison. Key responsibilities include working with real estate brokers, site selection consultants, developers, business owners, and others to identify prospective target companies regionally, nationally, and globally; developing long-term vision, proposing and enacting innovative solutions, and taking the initiative to solve problems; preparing, presenting, and negotiating incentives to corporate clients or site selection consultants; and working with strategic economic development stakeholders on projects that aid in the advancement of Addison's economic development.

The ideal candidate will possess both a strong vision and a drive to win. Strong candidates will have the ability to speak fluently with brokers, developers, and site selectors and will also come pre-equipped with strong networks in these spaces. To be clear – Addison is looking for a “big idea” director who has the creativity and courage to “swing for the fence” with the dedication and work ethic to make it happen.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that is likely to provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. The following is a typical way to qualify.

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Urban Planning, Economics, or related field.

• Experience: Seven years of supervisory or management experience in economic development.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Addison will offer a highly competitive salary which considers the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and track record of success. Addison also offers an excellent benefits package including participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 7% employee contribution and a 2:1 match by the Town of Addison upon retirement. Additionally, the Town matches up to 4% of salary at a 2/3 rate in a 457 Deferred Compensation plan. Addison provides excellent insurance benefits for employees including two health plan options, and dental and vision coverage. Additionally, life insurance, long-term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program are provided. In addition, the selected candidate will receive vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, and a personal day for the candidate’s birthday.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Due to the public nature of searches in the State of Texas, confidential inquiries are recommended to Greg Nelson or Bryan Noblett at (916) 550-4100 before submission of materials.

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter below as this recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong pool of candidates has been established.

This recruitment incorporates existing rules and regulations that govern public sector recruitments in the State of Texas. In accordance with public disclosure/open record laws, information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public upon request by interested parties.

The Town of Addison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.