Description

Job Title
Assistant Director of Economic Development

Location
Columbia, Missouri

Position Type
Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range
$87,381 - $111,010 annually, commensurate with training and experience

Posting Number
4074P

Department
Economic Development

Division
General Operations

Application Status- Open Until Filled
Preferred Application Deadline: January 11, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)

Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Some evening and after-hours work required

Position Overview
The City of Columbia is seeking a highly experienced and strategic economic development professional to serve as Assistant Director of Economic Development and Vice President of Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI). This leadership role advances citywide and regional economic development initiatives that foster business growth, industrial and commercial development, job creation, and upward economic mobility throughout Columbia and Boone County.

This position plays a critical role in industrial site development, business recruitment, incentive coordination, retail attraction, redevelopment strategies, and business retention and expansion efforts. The Assistant Director works closely with public and private partners and supervises staff while helping guide department strategy, operations, and financial stewardship.

Key Responsibilities
Support the Economic Development Director in executing departmental strategy, operational planning, and major initiatives.

Lead industrial site development and marketing efforts, including maintaining an inventory of available industrial land and buildings and managing the Missouri Certified Site designation process.

Manage industrial recruitment and new business attraction projects, including preparing site, building, and incentive proposals and responding to prospective employer inquiries.

Coordinate company and consultant site visits and manage recruitment projects leading to major employer locations.

Facilitate local and state incentive processes, including Chapter 100 coordination with Boone County.

Lead retail recruitment efforts by maintaining site inventories, identifying prospects, conducting outreach, attending industry events, and responding to inquiries.

Collaborate with city, county, and regional partners to assist developers through regulatory, permitting, and development processes.

Develop and implement revitalization strategies for under-served areas and priority development opportunities using research, data analysis, and best practices.

Supervise assigned staff, including hiring, performance management, and work plan alignment.

Support business retention and expansion initiatives by coordinating incentives, monitoring compliance, reporting to stakeholders, and maintaining relationships with major employers.

Serve as Vice President of Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI), including board reporting, event planning, and stakeholder engagement.

Maintain regular attendance and perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Marketing, Finance, Regional Planning, or a related field.

Seven to nine years of experience in local or state economic development or a closely related field.

Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), or Missouri Certified Economic Developer (MoCED).

Experience with industrial site readiness, commercial development, incentive structuring, and public-private partnerships.

Knowledge and Skills
Strong knowledge of economic development practices, industrial and commercial real estate, infrastructure planning, and site readiness.

Working knowledge of local and state incentive programs including Chapter 100 and Missouri Works.

Understanding of commercial redevelopment, urban planning, zoning, land use, and regulatory processes.

Ability to analyze economic, demographic, and market data to inform strategy and decision-making.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience addressing diverse stakeholder groups.

Strong project management, negotiation, marketing, and leadership skills.

Ability to supervise staff, manage budgets, and align financial decisions with strategic objectives.

Work Environment
Primarily office-based with occasional outdoor work and travel. The position is generally sedentary with minimal physical demands.

Why Work for the City of Columbia Join a dynamic public-private partnership driving long-term prosperity in a growing, vibrant region anchored by the University of Missouri, major transportation investments, and a strong quality of life.

Make a measurable impact on job creation, economic mobility, and regional competitiveness.

Collaborate with experienced professionals, engaged civic leadership, and influential business partners.

Receive competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and participation in the City's retirement program.

Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining their interest in the position.

Applicants must also provide two to three examples of written communication delivered to diverse stakeholders that conveyed complex information and encouraged action. Examples may include plans, reports, presentations, or professional correspondence.

Equal Opportunity Statement
The City of Columbia is a merit, affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Pre-employment drug testing is required. The City participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program.

Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573-874-CITY (2489).
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)

Salary/Compensation: $87,381 - $111,010 per year