Economic Development Manager

Work Location: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34208

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

The Economic Development Manager leads and manages the Countys coordination with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC), overseeing complex, high-impact economic development projects from intake to execution. This role supervises and supports staff assigned to project administration, rapid response permitting, incentive compliance, and fiscal coordination. The Manager serves as a strategic liaison between internal departments, external agencies, and private sector partners to advance Manatee Countys economic goals. This position requires a high level of discretion, political acumen, and operational knowledge to drive project delivery, ensure regulatory compliance, and position the County for sustainable economic growth.

Note: This position has been designated by the Manatee County Commission as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employees so designated may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Working Conditions
Typical indoor office environment. Sitting for long periods of time, working on computer. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds.

Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Oversees all phases of economic development project administration including intake, scoping, permitting coordination, and compliance monitoring.

Facilitates high-level rapid response permitting meetings and ensures alignment with County timelines and objectives.

Reviews and approves economic and fiscal impact analyses prepared by staff; provides final recommendations to leadership. Serves as the primary point of contact for the Bradenton Area EDC and other economic development partners.

Advises developers and business leaders on planning, permitting, and incentive processes.

Presents to the Board of County Commissioners, advisory boards, and public forums as needed.

Oversees the preparation and presentation of economic development incentive packages and compliance reports.

Supervises fiscal tracking, invoicing, and payments related to incentive agreements in coordination with County finance and budget teams.

Ensures timely and accurate reporting on project performance and outcomes.

Directs economic research initiatives and monitors local and regional market trends.

Uses data to inform policy recommendations and improve operational performance.

Ensures compliance with all County regulations, development codes, and incentive agreement terms.

Participates in the development of policies and procedures that strengthen the Countys economic development programs.

Manages annual budget for Economic Development team. Monitors revenue and expenses and allocates fiscal resources appropriately.

May represent the County in regional and statewide economic development collaborations.

Performs other related work (including weather or extreme emergency duties) as required.

Bachelors degree in Urban Planning, Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, planning, or project management, including one (1) year in a supervisory or lead role.

Valid driver license required, with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Masters degree in a relevant field such as Economic Development, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Business Administration, or Regional Planning.

Prior experience in economic development, grants, or incentive compliance programs.

Demonstrated experience interfacing with executive leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong understanding of economic development practices, incentives, permitting, and urban planning.

Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Knowledge of fiscal analysis, budgeting methods, and public finance related to development.

Skilled in interpreting and applying regulatory frameworks and compliance standards.

Advanced proficiency in project management, GIS tools, and data analysis platforms.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Politically astute, tactful, and able to navigate sensitive, high-profile projects.