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Job Description

Economic/Community Development Director

Pontiac, MI

Description

FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary: An incumbent in this position will plan, organize and implement economic development functions from conception to implementation, including business retention, business attraction and incentive programs, implement economic development goals and objectives for the City and interfaces and coordinates with the development community, local businesses and various City departments and staff. The Director will have overall supervisory and administrative responsibilities pertaining to the functions of the Community Development Department described in the Code of Ordinances; and will be responsible for ensuring that all of the department are executed in a fair and legal manner.

Supervision

Supervision Received: Works independently under the broad general supervision of the Deputy Mayor and the Mayor.

Supervision Given: The Director of Economic/Community Development will supervise Deputy Director, Cable Director, Community Development Department Staff, and clerical support personnel.

Job Environment

• The environment in the City Hall is one of a typical business office environment, with electro-mechanical computer - and telecommunications - related equipment, exposure to noise from shredders, printers copiers, telephones, and other computer-related equipment.
• Operates PC-based computer system and other office equipment.
• Has access to public information files in the computer systems.
• Errors could result in the damage to or loss of information resulting in legal consequences to the City.
• When representing the City at events outside of the office or conducting monitoring visits, the environment may include indoor or outdoor venues which are subject to environmental conditions beyond the control of management. Noise levels may be elevated at some events.

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 of the position:

• Makes presentations to City Council, commissions, civic groups and the general public on economic development issues.
• Assumes management responsibilities for all services and activities of economic development including attracting increased capital investments and expanding and diversifying employment opportunities; establishes and maintains private/public partnership for positive long-term economic change.
• Develops a business visitation program and conducts personal visits to City businesses to assess business climate issues and concerns.
• Manages marketing efforts of the City to include developing and implementing promotional and marketing materials.
• Identifies the interests and priorities of the business located in the City.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of various economic development programs.
• Collects, analyzes and compiles economic, market and demographic data for dissemination.
• Assists with the negotiation, preparation and processing of documents and implementation of such documents as depositions and development agreements, owner participation agreements, contracts, resolutions, and requests for proposals/qualifications.
• Establishes and maintains a database of existing City businesses and vacant commercial property.
• Establishes the policies and the general administration of the government access and public access television channels on cable television.
• Implements any programs funded by federal grants from the United States Department of Community Development.
• Coordinates economic planning and development activities throughout the City.
• Confer with federal, state and local government officials to effect change in local policies or ordinances to encourage effective development.
• Develops and maintains capital improvement plan.
• Administers HUD Program.
• Directs activities such as research, analysis and evaluation of technical information to determine feasibility and economic impact of proposed expansions and developments.
• Administers grants for economic funds from county, regional state and federal agencies.
• Coordinates real estate development activities.
• Oversees the contractor operating the Department of Building Safety and all its assigned functions and duties.
• Retains documents as required by law and the City's record retention and disposal polity for the former components of the Pontiac Growth Group, including the General Building Authority, Downtown Development Authority, Economic Development Corporation, and Pontiac Business Development Center.
• Supervises the activities of the Cable Director.
• Manages the City's demolition program.
• Oversees property sales.
• Prepares and files all necessary reports related to federal funds, including the SF-425, 2516 Report, Section 3 report, CAPER, and Annual Report.
• Monitors Oakland County, sub recipient of federal funds.
• Approves draws of federal funds.
• Serves as the City's contract in the One Stop Ready program.
• Oversees development plan for Brown Field.
• Manages City community centers.
• Reviews city ordinances and propose amendments or new ordinances when necessary.
• Supervises/oversees the preparation of applications, forms, reports and records.
• Prepares administrative reports, technical studies, resolutions, correspondence, and records.
• Prepares and monitors contracts.
• Represents the department/division at meetings as assigned,
• Develops departmental policies, program guidelines, and procedures as appropriate.
• Develops and maintains tax incentive policies for businesses and prospects.
• Responds to citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Holds public hearings as required.
• Other duties related to economic and community development as assigned by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor.

Typical Assignments

• Develops and administers a compressive economic development strategy for the City.
• Develops and administers a comprehensive outreach program to new and expanding businesses.
• Develops and administers a comprehensive economic strategy for the City.
• Develops and administers prospect visitation program.
• Develops and administers a small business development program.
• Manages constituent inquiries and casework.
• Facilitates and coordinates communication between the Mayor, City Council, legislators, sate officials, staff, agency personnel, stakeholders and constituents in the development and advancement of legislation.
• Tracks advancement of ordinances through the legislative process. This may entail monitoring of committee hearings, securing committee testimony, and records preparation.
• Reviews and evaluates economic development proposals for feasibility and funding considerations.
• Researches sources of possible federal and state funding affecting local goals and objectives.
• Works with staff to develop materials and prepares briefings for the Mayor and Council.
• Works with developers to assist the in executing their projects within the City.
• Provides assistance in resolving problems encountered by established businesses and prospects.
• Participates in local and regional committees and boards addressing business issues and concerns.
• Represents the office at legislative and community events.
• Works on articles, newsletters, press releases, and speeches.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationship with the general public, local, state, and federal officials, related agencies and other City employees.

Requirements

Recommended Minimal Qualifications

• Master's Degree in architecture, business administration, economic development, political science, or public administration, and
• at least 3 (three)years experience in administration of zoning ordinances, construction code enforcement, nuisance enforcement, grant administration or economic development activities.
• In lieu of a Master's degree, the Director of Economic Development shall have a Bachelor's degree in architecture, business administration, economic development, political science, or public administration and at least 5 (five) years experience in administration of zoning ordinances construction code enforcement, nuisance enforcement, grant administration, or economic development activities.
• An employee in this classification must posses upon hire and maintain a valid Michigan Operators license.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services and activities of an economic development programs.
• Knowledge of management methods and techniques to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.
• Considerable knowledge of management principles and practices, and programs regarding real estate acquisitions, depositions, rehabilitation, block grant relocation, housing programs, and commercial and industrial development.
• Familiarity with the organizational structure and operations of the City.
• Knowledge of training and supervisory techniques.
• Knowledge of employee policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of marketing analysis and development; business law development; public administration and local government operations.
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and local laws codes and regulations.
• Ability to oversee and manage the operations, services and activities of the economic development program.
• Ability to understand, speak and write in the English language.
• Ability to read and interpret documents and write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before a group of persons.
• Ability to initiate and defend actions before Mayor and City Council.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks accurately and efficiently under time constraints.
• Ability to design technically complex visual aids such as maps, tables and charts.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and maintain confidentiality when necessary.
• Ability to apply the overall mission of a department ot make executive support decisions.
• Ability to review several diverse reference sources and select and synthesize data for reports and other forms of correspondence.
• Ability to apply instructions and guidelines in the disposition of problems.
• Ability to follow complex instructions.
• Ability to use diplomacy, discretion, and judgment in giving out information and referring callers.
• Ability to direct, review, and evaluate the work of other employees, as required.
• Ability to make decisions and take necessary actions.
• Ability to maintain composure during stressful situations.
• Ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks requiring a high degree of attention to detail.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variable in standardized situations.
• Possess computer skills that encompass effective use of word processing, presentation spreadsheet, email and internet browser software.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here 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.

Minimal physical effort required to perform work under typical office conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand, must regularly lift and or move items up to ten pounds, frequently lift up to 25 pounds, be able to clearly hear constituents when speaking in person or on the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

• Develop and execute strategic plans for community development programs aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple community programs, ensuring efficient service delivery and resource utilization.
• Manage program budgets, including fundraising support, grant writing, and financial reporting.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, donors, and beneficiaries.
• Recruit, train, and supervise program staff and volunteers.
• Develop and implement program evaluation metrics to assess impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Represent the organization at community events, meetings, and public forums.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and regulatory standards.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion and new initiative development.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on program activities, outcomes, and financial performance for the board of directors and funders.

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Non-profit Management, or a related field is preferred. A Bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in non-profit program management, with at least 3 years in a leadership or directorial role.
• Demonstrated success in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Strong understanding of community development principles and best practices.
• Proven experience in budget management, fundraising, and grant writing.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation abilities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders.
• This position requires consistent presence in our Columbus, Ohio, US office to facilitate direct engagement with the community, manage on-site teams, and foster collaborative relationships.

• Develop and execute strategic plans for community development programs in alignment with the organization's mission and goals.
• Oversee all aspects of program operations, including budgeting, resource allocation, and staff management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, including residents, local government agencies, businesses, and other non-profit organizations.
• Identify funding opportunities and lead grant writing efforts to secure financial support for programs.
• Manage program budgets effectively, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• Monitor program progress, evaluate outcomes, and prepare comprehensive reports for the board of directors and funders.
• Lead and mentor a team of program managers and staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Ensure programs are delivered in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner, meeting the diverse needs of the community.
• Represent the organization in community forums, public meetings, and at conferences.
• Stay informed about best practices, emerging trends, and policy issues related to community development.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations to leverage resources and maximize program impact.
• Organize and facilitate community engagement initiatives and needs assessments.

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Social Work, Community Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in program management, community development, or non-profit leadership.
• Demonstrated success in developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based programs.
• Proven experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and organizational skills.
• Strong understanding of community dynamics, social issues, and economic development principles.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight.
• Proficiency in project management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

• Designing, implementing, and managing community development programs aligned with the organization's mission and strategic goals.
• Conducting needs assessments to identify community priorities and develop program strategies accordingly.
• Developing and managing program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient resource allocation.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, foundations, and other stakeholders.
• Supervising program staff, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance management.
• Overseeing program activities, monitoring progress, and ensuring the achievement of program objectives and key performance indicators.
• Developing and implementing effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess program impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Preparing regular program reports, including progress updates, financial reports, and impact assessments for stakeholders and leadership.
• Representing the organization at community events, meetings, and conferences.
• Identifying and pursuing funding opportunities to support and expand program initiatives.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant grant requirements and organizational policies.
• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment for program teams.

• Develop and manage community outreach programs and initiatives from conception to completion.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, local government officials, and partner organizations.
• Oversee program budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers and program staff.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, collect data, and report on progress towards goals.
• Identify community needs and develop strategies to address them through effective programming.
• Organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and events.
• Ensure programs are delivered in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner.
• Collaborate with fundraising and communications teams to support program sustainability.
• Stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in community development and the non-profit sector.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and overall mission of the organization.
• Prepare grant proposals and reports related to program activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Community Development, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, community development, or non-profit work.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Strong understanding of community needs assessment and development strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage volunteers.
• Experience with budget management and grant writing/reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with CRM systems used by non-profits.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
• Experience working within the Denver, Colorado, US community is a significant advantage.
• Ability to adapt to a hybrid work environment.