Economic and Business Development Asst Managr

POSITION SUMMARY This position supports the Economic Development Department by concentrating on the Town Center area, with a focus on the businesses immediately surrounding the Town Green. The Assistant Manager strengthens the Town's alignment with the goals and objectives of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the Connecticut Main Street Center, and the Town's Transit Oriented District; builds unity and shared objectives among Town Center merchants; and serves as a regular, visible point of contact for business and property owners. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Work to enhance the Town's conformance with the goals and objectives of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the Connecticut Main Street Center, and the Town's Transit Oriented District. • Follow through on plans organized by the Town of Branford, or other approved organizations, for events held within the greater Town Green area. • Create increased unity and common goals and objectives among the Town Center merchants. • Walk the beat throughout the Town Center to meet business owners and property owners; become cognizant of their needs, desires, and opinions. • Work with the Economic and Business Development Manager to determine reasonable requests and find rational solutions or decisions on major issues throughout the Town of Branford. • Maintain regular communication with local and regional chambers of commerce; attend their meetings and the meetings of other organizations as requested by the Economic Development Department. • Identify applicable grant opportunities and assist with grant applications that could improve areas within the Town Center and throughout the Town, building upon Branford's strong economic base. • Perform related duties as assigned. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES • Knowledge of downtown and main street revitalization principles, small-business needs, and local economic development practices. • Familiarity with the programs of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the Connecticut Main Street Center, and transit-oriented development. • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with business owners, property owners, chambers of commerce, community organizations, and Town staff. • Ability to identify grant opportunities and assist in preparing clear, well-organized grant applications. • Ability to support the planning and coordination of community events. • Effective oral and written communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently within a limited part-time schedule. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, planning, economics, marketing, or a related field, plus two (2) years of experience in economic development, downtown/main street management, small-business support, chamber of commerce work, or a related area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS Valid driver's license. Must be available for occasional meetings or events outside the normal Tuesday–Wednesday–Thursday schedule, with scheduled hours adjusted to remain within the weekly hour range. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Regular walking throughout the Town Center to visit businesses and property owners, including standing for extended periods at meetings and events. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds (e.g., event materials). Routine office work including computer use, telephone, and reading/writing. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a municipal office setting and in the field throughout the Town Center, with outdoor exposure to varying weather conditions. Attendance at meetings and events may occasionally occur during evenings or on days outside the regular schedule. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It may not include all job duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may be revised, assigned, or modified at any time. The Town of Branford is an Equal Opportunity Employer.