Director - Economic Development

Brief Description of Work:

Under the general direction of the Chief Government Affairs & Economic Development Officer, the Director - Economic Development is responsible for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s (JTA) economic development strategies, developing regional partnerships and leading transportation-oriented development within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in conjunction with the Authority’s planning, construction and automation functions. This position must have technical capacity and experience, but also be able to serve as the primary point of contact for the economic development program, engage key stakeholders, maintain rental leases for the Authority, and ensure strict adherence to JTA's Real Estate Rule.

Essential Functions:

Foster public/private partnership for transit-oriented development integrated into the JTA transit system, with focus on development around existing or planned premium transit services including, but not limited to, the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center at LaVilla (JRTC), Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) routes and/or stations, First Coast Flyer routes and/stations, and other future transit developments.

Strengthen regional relationships that result in expanded partnerships with the City of Jacksonville (COJ), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), and other government entities in consultation with applicable JTA units.

Direct the strategic plan development and coordinate economic implementation that supports a comprehensive multimodal approach to meeting the transportation needs of the region.

Negotiate leases, purchase and sales agreements with public and private entities to facilitate the development and implementation of joint development opportunities in accordance with company policies.

Ensure development efforts are met with a consensus, taking local infrastructure into consideration and the ability of the region to attract businesses to Northeast Florida.

Develop long-term strategies to retain current and developed partnerships.

Monitor growth and development of existing businesses and partners and provide reports on the economic climate. Provide economic updates including presentations and written materials to key stakeholders.

Analyze site plans for future development and identify appropriate types of land uses and infrastructure improvements to achieve transit-oriented development.

Maintain inventory of JTA land assets and categorize properties based on their potential for transit/transportation-related use, joint use development, transit-oriented development, or private sale. Recommend strategic acquisition and disposal of properties to advance the future transportation system.

May recommend or assist businesses in obtaining financing for projects through state and federal programs.

Maintain project correspondence, records, and financial management.

Plan, develop and coordinate various complex data collection, analysis and mapping projects.

Perform market research and surveys, such as transit origin and destination surveys, to support and build economic development.

Remain current on new industry trends, methods, and technologies.

Work collaboratively with key internal departments – System Development and Public Affairs - to strategize development efforts.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or related field, from an accredited college or university.

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible and relevant experience with economic development and strategic planning, developing business plans, planning studies, market research reports, and other forms of both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Previous cross-functional project management experience involving land usage and public/private partnerships.

Minimum three (3) to four (4) years of supervision and management of staff experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced degree.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Actively demonstrate JTA’s Elements of a Leader, including being engaged, courageous, a good communicator, empathetic, a critical thinker, a team player, a strategic thinker, customer-focused, a change agent/innovative, inspirational/high energy, accountable, and having integrity.

Strong organizational, analytic and strategic-thinking skills with demonstrated ability to create, implement and monitor complex plans and translate those plans into goals and concrete methods and strategies.

Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing, with employees of all levels within an organization.

Knowledge of or ability to become familiar with pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including applicable Florida Statutes and other laws related to the use of public funds and tax laws.

Understands the overall design of the transit network to efficiently and effectively implement development options.

Maintains a high level of confidentiality.

A career track record that shows the stability with organizations and the capacity to develop and nurture relationships that culminates in overall success.

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced functions in Microsoft Excel, Word and

PowerPoint; SharePoint administrator experience a plus.

Ability to close on contracts following established contract procedures.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The Director - Economic Development works in an office environment where the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The Director must manage a flexible working schedule to successfully navigate the daily functions within the Authority's offices, direct outside engagement with consultants, and contractors, as well as attending meetings with the JTA Board, City Council, FTA, FDOT, local communities, and stakeholders. The Director may be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to respond to emergencies or to meet operational needs. The position may require occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences, or training sessions. Physical demands may include:

Sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods.

Performing repetitive motion.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.