The word is out - Pinellas is on Track for a Bright Economic Future and Pinellas County’s Economic Development team is seeking an Economic Development Manager to help us chart the course. 

Pinellas County Economic Development is seeking a highly responsible Economic Development Manager to plan, coordinate, and manage programs and initiatives that support the County’s economic development strategy and the growth of small businesses. This professional position is responsible for administering the County’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program, supporting small business development initiatives, and managing projects that expand economic opportunity and strengthen the local business environment. Work involves the development, implementation, and monitoring of economic development programs, contract compliance activities, and vendor outreach efforts designed to increase participation of small businesses in County procurement and economic development initiatives.

Work requires extensive contact with County departments, local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, community partners, and private sector stakeholders. The position exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment in planning and implementing programs, evaluating contract performance, monitoring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and recommending program improvements that support the County’s economic development objectives.

This Economic Development Manager (SBE Program Manager) position is located at: 13801 58th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33760

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; with occasional evenings and weekends

What Will You Do

• Monitor SBE program compliance, supporting procurement and contracting processes, maintaining the electronic vendor database, and coordinating initiatives that foster the development and growth of small businesses within Pinellas County.

• Manage the electronic vendor database.
• Train internal and external clients on the use of electronic vendor software.
• Develop and apply collaborative planning initiatives and work strategies.
• Analyze technical issues pertaining to electronic vendor database and develops alternative solutions.
• Develop and supervise prospect presentations and statistics for use in promoting the county and target SBEs within the county; continues to enhance and upgrade all products for target SBEs
• Maintain contact with business prospects, providing training and business consulting.
• Coordinate with regional, state and national economic development and contract compliance organizations to ensure resources available are being leveraged to the greatest extent possible.
• Develop and maintain contacts and close working relationships with economic development organizations, purchasing department, local governments, Chambers of Commerce, existing business and industry.
• Compile, and summarize data from other governmental agencies, economic development organizations, and existing businesses and industry to encourage use of SBEs.
• Monitor changes in policies, procedures and laws related to small/minority business inclusion programs, business assistance, and business development.
• Research, proposes, tests and implements innovative approaches to conducting SBE program implementation to enhance quality and cost effectiveness.
• Evaluate and make recommendations regarding scope of work, technical specifications, standardization, scheduling, contract amendments/change orders, liability and legal consideration.
• Research, benchmark and implements policy and procedures relating to innovative value-adding procurement practices.
• Implement procedures to ensure standardization of contract documents entered in electronic vendor database.
• Participate in formulating Invitation for Bid processes.
• Attend construction and pre-bid and pre-qualification meetings as required.

• Perform related work as assigned or required.

   

What Do You Need

Experience: Professional experience in the field of contract compliance, marketing, economic development or related field that includes supervision or supervisory training along with experience using vendor management database software, such as B2GNow.

Degree: Public or business administration, urban or regional planning, political science or directly related field.

• 7+ years’ experience as described above.
• Associate’s degree and 5+ years’ experience as described.
• Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years’ experience as described.
• Master’s degree and 1+ years’ experience as described above.
• Doctorial degree and some experience as described above.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Florida Driver's License. 
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Why Choose Pinellas County?

When you join Pinellas County, you’re not just taking on a job—you’re investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family.
• Florida Retirement System (FRS): Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow.
• Generous leave time: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
• Wellness Program: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness.
•  Deferred compensation: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals.

Want to Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions below. 

Economic Development Manager