Assistant Director, Development

Pay

Salary: $89,000‑$102,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

About the role

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, Strategy and Programs, the Assistant Director, Development serves as a high‑level coordinator for strategic projects and cross‑functional initiatives. The incumbent administers and coordinates financing for business and real estate development projects, prepares correspondence, reports, evaluations, documents, budgets, schedules, and monitors program budgets and compliance. The role embodies effective relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and polished communication while providing leadership and oversight of complex development efforts across multiple teams. The Assistant Director also assists the Deputy Director with departmental policies, priorities, and strategies to ensure alignment with County economic development goals.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead cross‑functional teams of internal and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
• Serve as the primary liaison for strategic business and real estate development projects, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and timelines through clear, professional, and proactive communication.
• Facilitate collaboration among ACED, authorities, public/private financing sources, developers, and community organizations, emphasizing strong relationship‑building and stakeholder trust.
• Administer and coordinate financing for development projects, including preparation of correspondence, reports, evaluations, documents, budgets, and schedules.
• Formulate recommendations on development finance policies, programs, and projects to support strategic goals.
• Underwrite business loans and evaluate real estate development pro‑formas.
• Prepare and submit grant applications to secure funding from State, Federal, and other sources.
• Present project recommendations to communities, taxing bodies, developers, boards, and other stakeholders with professionalism and clarity.
• Guide projects through contractual, legal, and payment processes.
• Troubleshoot project issues and provide proactive, creative solutions.
• Ensure alignment of projects with County economic development goals.
• Manage and oversee subordinate staff as needed or requested.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in partner/stakeholder relationship management and financial analysis.
• One (1) year of people‑management experience.
• Real estate development, grant administration, budget administration, project/program management, community outreach, or related field experience is beneficial.
• Preferred: demonstrated experience leading Tax Increment Finance (TIF) or Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) incentive financing, presenting to boards/communities, and coordinating across public/private stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license required prior to appointment.
• Successful completion of a background check, including verification of Allegheny County real‑estate tax status.
• Residency in Allegheny County within one year of hire.
• Veterans’ preference will be awarded to eligible candidates.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of real estate development, business financing, lending, underwriting, and economic/community development programs, principles, and best practices.
• Knowledge of project management, contractual processes, contract legalities, and budget and finance management.
• Knowledge of stakeholder engagement strategies and cross‑sector partnership dynamics.
• Skill in Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
• Professional communication, relationship‑building, and ability to present complex information to varied audiences.
• Ability to lead collaborative efforts across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a high degree of polish and clarity.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple time‑sensitive assignments in a fast‑moving environment.
• Willingness to travel to locations within Allegheny County as needed.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships across public, private, and community partners.
• Ability to develop and manage a diverse team when the situation calls for it.