Economic Developer
Belen, NM
Full Time
Experienced
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Economic Developer
FULL-TIME Exempt
Starting annual salary $77,000-$77,500
Deadline for applications: Monday December 22, 2025 no later than 5PM MTD
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ABOUT THE CITY OF BELEN:
Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, the City of Belen is one of New Mexico’s oldest and most historic communities. Known as “The Hub City,” Belen serves as a regional center for commerce, culture, and transportation in Valencia County. The City offers a welcoming small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community, affordable living, and convenient access to the Albuquerque metropolitan area.
Belen’s strategic location along Interstate 25, with three major exits providing direct access to the community, positions it as a gateway for commerce and industry within the rapidly growing Rio Grande Valley corridor. This accessibility, combined with available industrial and commercial land and proximity to the Belen Regional Airport, creates exceptional opportunities for new business development and expansion.
As regional growth continues to move south from the Albuquerque area, Belen is experiencing increased interest from businesses seeking a well-connected location with a supportive community and strong workforce. With its rich history, entrepreneurial spirit, and ongoing revitalization efforts, the City of Belen is poised for sustained economic growth, infrastructure investment, and long-term prosperity.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The City of Belen is seeking an energetic, community-minded, and results-driven Economic Developer to lead the City’s economic growth and revitalization efforts. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing initiatives that strengthen Belen’s economic vitality, enhance quality of life, and promote sustainable development.
The Economic Developer will play a key leadership role in guiding Belen through its next phase of economic expansion. With regional growth advancing throughout the Rio Grande Valley and Belen’s strategic access via three Interstate 25 exits, rail connections, and a regional airport, this position presents an exciting opportunity to help shape the City’s future as a center of commerce and innovation.
The ideal candidate is both strategic and approachable someone who can engage effectively with business owners, community members, and regional partners while advancing the City’s long-term vision for growth and prosperity.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Planning and Program Development
Education and Experience
While performing the duties of this job, the employee works inside building conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is normally quiet to moderate pitch.
DISCLAIMER: The duties listed above 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.
**This position has been classified as a safety sensitive position and is subject to our drug testing policy toinclude pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident for the following prohibitedsubstances: marijuana, amphetamines, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and cocaine, as well as any drug notapproved for medical use by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or the U.S. Food and DrugAdministration.**
Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, the City of Belen is one of New Mexico’s oldest and most historic communities. Known as “The Hub City,” Belen serves as a regional center for commerce, culture, and transportation in Valencia County. The City offers a welcoming small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community, affordable living, and convenient access to the Albuquerque metropolitan area.
Belen’s strategic location along Interstate 25, with three major exits providing direct access to the community, positions it as a gateway for commerce and industry within the rapidly growing Rio Grande Valley corridor. This accessibility, combined with available industrial and commercial land and proximity to the Belen Regional Airport, creates exceptional opportunities for new business development and expansion.
As regional growth continues to move south from the Albuquerque area, Belen is experiencing increased interest from businesses seeking a well-connected location with a supportive community and strong workforce. With its rich history, entrepreneurial spirit, and ongoing revitalization efforts, the City of Belen is poised for sustained economic growth, infrastructure investment, and long-term prosperity.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The City of Belen is seeking an energetic, community-minded, and results-driven Economic Developer to lead the City’s economic growth and revitalization efforts. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing initiatives that strengthen Belen’s economic vitality, enhance quality of life, and promote sustainable development.
The Economic Developer will play a key leadership role in guiding Belen through its next phase of economic expansion. With regional growth advancing throughout the Rio Grande Valley and Belen’s strategic access via three Interstate 25 exits, rail connections, and a regional airport, this position presents an exciting opportunity to help shape the City’s future as a center of commerce and innovation.
The ideal candidate is both strategic and approachable someone who can engage effectively with business owners, community members, and regional partners while advancing the City’s long-term vision for growth and prosperity.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Planning and Program Development
- Develop and implement comprehensive short- and long-term economic development strategies consistent with the City’s goals and policies.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for commercial, industrial, and residential development that align with community priorities.
- Recommend policies and programs that encourage private investment, job creation, and sustainable growth.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local business owners, developers, and entrepreneurs.
- Provide support and resources to existing businesses to encourage retention and expansion.
- Actively recruit new businesses and industries that complement Belen’s economic landscape and workforce.
- Collaborate with regional and state economic development agencies to market the City and attract investment.
- Support and lead downtown revitalization, façade improvement, and redevelopment projects that enhance the community’s character and appeal.
- Research, apply for, and administer grants to fund infrastructure, housing, and economic development initiatives.
- Coordinate with City departments to facilitate development projects, streamline permitting processes, and ensure alignment with City plans and ordinances.
- Develop and maintain marketing materials, including digital and print resources, that effectively promote Belen’s economic opportunities.
- Represent the City at regional economic development meetings, trade shows, and community events.
- Prepare clear and professional reports, updates, and presentations for the City Council, boards, commissions, and community stakeholders.
- Manage the City’s economic development budget and evaluate program outcomes.
- Serve as staff liaison to boards, commissions, and community groups related to economic development, housing, or planning.
- Collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce, educational institutions, and civic organizations to strengthen workforce and community initiatives.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in economic or community development, preferably within a local government or public-sector setting.
- Demonstrated experience in project management and public–private partnerships.
- Comprehensive understanding of economic development principles, practices, and incentives.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to balance economic growth with community values, sustainability, and long-term planning.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, GIS, and basic data analysis tools.
- Ability to represent the City with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a commitment to service excellence.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 works inside building conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is normally quiet to moderate pitch.
DISCLAIMER: The duties listed above 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.
**This position has been classified as a safety sensitive position and is subject to our drug testing policy toinclude pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident for the following prohibitedsubstances: marijuana, amphetamines, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and cocaine, as well as any drug notapproved for medical use by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or the U.S. Food and DrugAdministration.**
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