New 
Director of Economic Development(PDF)
 Town of Lexington | |
 United States, Massachusetts, Lexington | |
| 1625 Massachusetts Avenue (Show on map) | |
 Jul 10, 2026 | |
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Town of Lexington We are currently accepting applications for the full-time position of: Director of Economic Development Land Use, Housing & Development Department Anticipated Hiring Range: $98,591 - $111,432 Excellent benefits package The REQUIRED Town of Lexington application form and cover letter must be received in the Town's Human Resource Department. This position is open until filled. Summary Manages Economic Development operations. Develops and implements economic development strategies in coordination with Assistant Town Manager for Development, Planning Director/staff, Property Developers, Property Owners, and other business leadership. Supervises Economic Development staff and Tourism Manager, interns, part- time and seasonal employees. Supervises contractors. Performs all other related work, as required. Essential Functions The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. * Supervises Economic Development staff and Tourism Manager, interns, including part-time and seasonal employees. Schedules and assigns work. Establishes work procedures and performance standards. Evaluates performance. Supervises contractors conducting special studies. * Develops and implements economic development strategies consistent with priorities established by the Select Board and Town Manager, in coordination with the Assistant Town Manager for Development. * Supervises the Tourism Manager, which oversees the Lexington Visitors Center operation and Town of Lexington tourism functions. * Prepares, manages, and monitors the operating budget and Revolving Fund budget. * Acts as liaison between the Town and community boards and committees, the Chamber of Commerce, merchants' associations, and public, private or nonprofit groups and associations. * Assists in the development of new practices. Drafts new policies for boards and committees' consideration. * Develops grant program and applications. Writes and administers grants. * Oversees and manages grant funds. * Serves as permit navigator for prospective new business to assist developers and landlords through the permitting processes. * Reviews economic development-related zoning and other applications. * Provides guidance to the Planning Board on economic development issues. * Recruits and assists prospective businesses in locating and maintaining business operations. Advises retail and small businesses on strategies to improve their business model. * Participates in Cultural District Managing Partnership programs and meetings. * Manages and updates ED website content in-coordination with Town's Webmaster * Attends economic development, and business trade-shows representing the Town. * Represents Lexington on Regional Economic Development organizations * Drafts Requests for Proposals, Manages vendor contracts, and prepares written agreements in coordination with the Town's Purchasing Director. * Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates. Supervision Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible functions requiring a specialized working knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures. Supervision Received: Works under the broad general guidance of the Assistant Town Manager for Development, setting and following department rules, regulations and policies; duties require the ability to plan and perform operations and independently complete tasks, according to prescribed time schedules. Supervision Given: Supervises Senior Economic Development Coordinator, Tourism Manager, and other full and part-time staff. Recommended Minimum Qualifications Education, Training and Experience Master's degree, MBA or equivalent plus 5-7 years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development (local government preferred), supervision, budgeting, and marketing or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience are required. Computer literacy is required. American Institute of Certified Planners, or Certified Economic Developer certification are preferred. Knowledge: Knowledge of business and economic development. Knowledge of business retention and attraction methods. Knowledge of business models including for small business, life sciences, retail, restaurant, and tourism operations. Knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure, planning programs, and processes. Knowledge of financial administration and budget management and reporting. Knowledge of information and data used for economic development, including surveys and market analysis. Knowledge and skill with principles and practices of record keeping and reporting. Knowledge of retail and restaurant business principles and practices. Knowledge of administrative office practices and procedures. Knowledge of town government. Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations required for department operations. Knowledge of Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Media Management, Public Relations, and designing digital marketing materials. Knowledge of the lab, bio and pharmaceutical sector. Knowledge of energy efficiency in commercial real estate development. Knowledge of best management practices to supervise staff. Ability: Ability to interact appropriately and tactfully with customers. Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records. Ability to explain Department regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to work independently. Ability to set and follow detailed timetables. Ability to multi-task and collaborate. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to perform data entry. Ability to write grants, develop, and administer grant programs. Skills: Proficient customer service and organization skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient skill with hiring, evaluating, disciplining and terminating staff. Excellent computer skills with MS Office Suite applications. Proficient skills with new and existing computer and software applications supporting departmental operations, including database management. Advanced skills with report generation, the Internet, Munis, and spreadsheets. Job Environment * Work is performed in office environment with moderate noise levels, and with frequent interruptions to respond to requests for information or service. Work is subject to fluctuations, and administrative deadlines. Employee routinely attends weekend day and evening meetings, and weekday evening meetings. * Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment. * The employee has frequent contact with Lexington based businesses, developers, Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, state organizations and Officials, surrounding towns and cities, committees, boards, vendors, consultants, media, Retailers Association, residents, and prospective businesses. * The employee has access to confidential information. * Errors could result in delays or loss of service, monetary loss, and injuries to other employees, damages to buildings and/or equipment, and legal ramifications. Physical Requirements The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate, or hear. Occasionally the employee is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges is necessary. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Pay Equity/Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer APPLICATION PROCESS All applicants are required to complete a town application form [Lexington, MA] Employment Application, Resumes may be attached to the application form as additional information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required application form. The Town reserves the right to modify the application deadline, and/or accept applications after the deadline, to best serve the interest of the community. All applications will be reviewed, and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to one or more interviews. All applicants will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application. Prior to appointment, the final candidate may be required to pass a CORI check. Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this process should contact the Human Resources Department. Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to the: Human Resources Department, Town of Lexington Email: jobs@lexingtonma.gov, Phone# (781) 698-4590 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 | |