Director of Economic & Community Development - City of Westbrook

Start Date: February 21, 2025 | End Date: March 28, 2025
County: Cumberland County
Job Type: Manager, Other
More Information: Click here

The City of Westbrook was a traditional mill city that has grown and diversified significantly over the last two decades to become a residential hub and business center for the region. Westbrook has a population of over 20,000 and covers 17.36 square miles. Westbrook is centrally located to both urban and rural amenities. Currently, the City employs approximately 195 full-time and 80 variable hour employees covered by five different Collective Bargaining Agreements. The departments contained within the City are the Mayor’s Office, Economic & Community Development, City Clerk, Finance, Human Resources, Planning, Code Enforcement, & Assessing, Public Services, Community Services, General Assistance, Library, Police, Fire & Rescue, and Dispatch.

We are hiring a full-time Director of Economic & Community Development. This position is responsible for a range of administrative, technical, and professional tasks related to the preparation and implementation of economic and community development strategies, projects, programs, and initiatives designed to attract and promote desirable economic growth within the City of Westbrook. Assists businesses and community organizations in improving the quality of life in the City; coordinates with other City departments; interacts and maintains ongoing communication with community agencies involved in economic development, downtown revitalization and community improvement; and prepares grant applications for area public improvements and rehabilitation of properties, both commercial and residential within the City’s redevelopment areas. 

Westbrook is recognized as a business-friendly community. The Economic & Community Development department assists businesses in finding optimal locations to relocate, expand, or start new ventures. It provides business retention services, including facilitating connections to resources, offering guidance through permit processes, and supporting the development of key infrastructure. The department also works on attracting new businesses, grants, and investments to help grow the local economy. The department collaborates closely with state and federal agencies, the private sector, and other City departments to promote Westbrook as a desirable location for investment. The department is staffed by four full-time employees.

The City of Westbrook is deeply committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in our hiring process. We value a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBT+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

Job Duties:

• Oversees the development and processing of economic development financing tools, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
• Maintains liaison with various State and Federal agencies; coordinates projects with agencies such as HUD, Maine State Planning Office, Maine State Housing Authority, DOT, DEP, EPA, and the Maine Department of Economic and Community  Development
• Maintains dialogue with elected leadership at the Maine State Legislature regarding bills of interest; engages in legislative advocacy
• Maintains a close liaison with existing service, business, and industrial firms to assist them in their operations and expansion planning. 
• Facilitates developer and/or contract negotiations as they pertain to City resources
• Participates on appropriate local and area committees and meets regularly with the Chamber of Commerce.
• Coordinates the activity of the department with all other City agencies and departments.
• Oversees the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) programs designed at retaining current businesses and facilitating their expansion endeavors.
• Responsible for business recruitment, including meeting with business and real estate representatives to review site alternatives, facilitate the review process, and develop marketing materials as appropriate.
• Prepares grant proposals and applications, contracts and other necessary documents and oversees each program’s implementation, including grant management.
• Performs public relations activities for specific projects, including those in the public and private domain. Holds press conferences, conducts public meetings, and speaks to civic organizations.
• Oversees and prepares plans, reports, and recommendations that are relative to short and long term community and economic development issues for the Planning Board, City Council and other appropriate City committees.
• Serves as staff liaison to the Westbrook Environmental Improvement Corporation.
• Oversees the City’s Façade Program.
• Supervise staff performing economic and community development duties and functions, including hiring, coaching, evaluation, and discipline.
• Manages and maintains an inventory of industrial and downtown land, buildings and businesses.
• Conducts and manages special projects and studies such as industrial and commercial development proposals.
• Attends evening meetings as required.
• Performs related work as required.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in economic or community development or a related field required.
• Master’s degree in public policy, community development or related field is desirable. 
• International Economic Development Council (IEDC) certification preferred.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible state and/or local government experience in economic or community development, including three to five (3-5) years of management experience with proven leadership skills is required. 
• Experience in legislative advocacy, navigating bill development & adoption at the Maine State Legislature.
• Experience in facilitating real estate and/or contractual negotiations.
• A Valid Driver’s License is required.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training or experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.  

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary range of $103,834.12 – $123,154.82/year, based on experience.
• This position is full-time, exempt, and non-union.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes medical (PPO plan at 12% premium cost, plus HRA reimbursement), dental, vision, life insurance (one times base salary), short and long-term disability, and employee assistance program.
• Generous paid leave including vacation, sick, and 13 holidays per year.
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
• Retirement program of the Maine Public Employees Retirement Plan (Maine PERS) or defined 457 with matching up to 6%.

Application Process:

Whether you have found us through our jobs page, Indeed, the Maine Municipal Association (MMA), Facebook, or other platforms, you can apply online, via email, or in-person. Be sure to include all necessary information, including the position applied for, salary requirement, experience, education, qualifications, and certifications.

• Online application
• Interested applicants should send their resume and letter of interest to the Human Resources Department at [email protected].
• In-Person Applications are available at 2 York Street, Westbrook, ME

The City of Westbrook is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a comprehensive reference, background and credit check.