Chief Development Officer ($150,000)

The Chief Development Officer serves as a senior-level facilitator and central coordinator of community and economic development initiatives for the City of Demopolis, reporting directly to the Mayor. This position functions as the primary point of contact and strategic liaison for developers, business owners, property owners, contractors, local schools, industry partners, the Chamber of Commerce, the Main Street Director, state legislative representatives, and other stakeholders.

The role encompasses guiding projects through the City’s permitting, development, and construction processes while also bridging organizational and intergovernmental gaps to promote seamless collaboration, resolve barriers, and align resources across the full spectrum of municipal operations, educational systems, business and industry sectors, and state-level partners.

The Chief Development Officer works proactively across all City departments and with external entities to support responsible growth, strengthen communication channels, identify and secure funding opportunities, represent City interests in state-level engagements, and advance comprehensive strategic priorities that enhance economic vitality, infrastructure, community cohesion, and overall quality of life.

Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are illustrative of the responsibilities associated with this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for new and existing businesses, developers, property owners, contractors, and others involved in the City’s development and permitting processes.
• Coordinate the flow of information among applicants, City departments, public officials, utilities, consultants, and other stakeholders involved in development projects, ensuring timely and accurate exchanges at every stage.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information from developers, business owners, property owners, and members of the public regarding development procedures, requirements, and opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to identify practical solutions to development-related issues and barriers.
• Identify opportunities to implement City initiatives related to community development, economic development, retail recruitment, revitalization, and tourism.
• Organize, maintain, and analyze relevant demographic, market, and development data to support marketing, recruitment, and strategic planning efforts.
• Assist with business recruitment and marketing efforts, including discovery meetings, outreach calls, trade shows, and related activities.
• Manage and oversee the City’s grant program by identifying, evaluating, and pursuing local, state, and federal funding opportunities that support community and economic development, infrastructure, revitalization, tourism, and other City priorities.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of high-quality grant applications and supporting documentation, coordinating with City departments as needed to gather required information.
• Manage and oversee grant-funded projects to ensure compliance with all grant terms, timely implementation, accurate financial tracking, and successful outcomes.
• Provide strategic guidance and technical assistance to City staff and departments regarding grant identification, application processes, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain oversight of grant tracking systems, deadlines, reporting schedules, and overall program outcomes; regularly update the Mayor, elected officials, and department heads on grant status and results.
• Assist in formulating and facilitating community and economic development goals, strategies, plans, and long-term visioning efforts.
• Coordinate with City staff to identify infrastructure deficiencies or constraints that may impact growth and development, and help pursue solutions—including grant funding—to address those issues.
• Provide staff support to assigned committees, including but not limited to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Planning Commission.
• Serve as the City’s primary liaison to outside organizations and partner entities, including but not limited to the Chamber of Commerce, local schools and educational institutions, universities, industry partners, the Main Street Director, state legislative offices, and similar groups; foster strong, ongoing relationships and bridge communication gaps to promote unified action on shared priorities.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships across municipal departments, educational systems, business and industry sectors, and community organizations to align efforts, eliminate silos, and drive cohesive advancement of the City’s goals.
• Represent the City of Demopolis in meetings and engagements with state officials, agencies, and legislative bodies in Montgomery and elsewhere, advocating for local priorities, policies, and resources that support community and economic objectives.
• Monitor state legislation and policy developments that may affect the City; provide timely analysis, recommendations, and coordinated responses to the Mayor and staff.
• Coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives and forums involving the Mayor’s office, local schools, industry partners, Chamber of Commerce, Main Street program, and state partners to identify opportunities, resolve challenges, and advance joint projects.
• Educate developers, business owners, and the public on City development policies, procedures, and permitting processes; communicate policy and process changes on time.
• Gather feedback from developers, business owners, property owners, and stakeholders on the effectiveness and efficiency of the City’s development processes.
• Direct business owners, developers, and property owners to available funding sources, incentive programs, and other resources.
• Coordinate and facilitate pre-application and pre-design meetings for commercial, residential, and industrial development projects.
• Receive, review for completeness, and distribute commercial development submittals and plans to appropriate City departments.
• Create and maintain a database of available commercial properties and a current directory of businesses operating in the City of Demopolis.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the City’s development, planning, economic growth, and grant administration objectives.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary for this position is $150,000. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

The City of Demopolis provides a competitive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• City-paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary group life and supplemental insurance options
• Robust retirement plan with City contributions
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
• Family Medical Leave and other protected leaves
• Additional perks, including a City vehicle and cell phone

Full details available upon request.

Background

The final candidates will undergo background checks and credit checks that may include:

• Criminal records
• Driving records
• Education completion
• Personality profile assessments