Economic Development Program Manager

Job Summary

About the Role

This is administrative and technical work in economic development, environmental programs, and marketing management. The work involves developing and coordinating the City's economic development strategies; maintaining liaison with local, state and federal agencies responsible for economic growth; acting as a contact person for business and environmental concerns requiring information on local economic development and brownfield programs and policies and providing staff assistance for organizations as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a representative of the City of Bay City at various meetings and works closely with Bay Future in the effective marketing and development of commercial and industrial properties located in the City.
• Collaborates with the Economic Development Project Manager and Community Development Director, as well as other City Divisions and Departments to plan and implement the City's economic development programs and objectives.
• Provides premier customer service to citizens, internal and external customers by responding to requests in a positive, timely, effective and professional manner.
• Provides professional economic development advice, assists in applications, permits, and zoning requirements. Coordinates interaction and assistance between developers, contractors, and other City departments.
• Develops and implements a business recruitment, retention, and expansion campaign in partnership with Bay Future, Inc.
• Captures information on other local, state and federal economic development programs to ensure the City's programs are contemporary and competitive.
• Maintains confidentiality while participating in negotiations for the acquisition or disposition of real property.
• Maintains contacts with local business owners and operators to inform them of the City's economic development policies and programs and assess their needs for assistance.
• Serves as liaison with business entities during development to access the various programs such as the Brownfield, Obsolete Properties, Industrial Facilities Exemption, Neighborhood Enterprise Zones, as well as other City services.
• Serves as the project manager of the City's brownfield programs. Brownfield programs involve the coordination, review, document management, oversight and ongoing implementation of the City's Brownfield plans, marketing and management of the City's Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund, and associated incentives.
• Proposes and writes resolutions, staff reports, and other official documents as required related to economic development.
• Supports management of the Middleground Landfill site. This involves reviewing environmental reports, preparing and maintaining the budget for the site, and coordination of meetings and communication with the Potentially Responsible Parties (PRP) group and the landfill attorney firm.
• Participates in civic organizations and related activities in the interest of maintaining contacts. Develops, implements, and participates in special business community events to promote business development and vitality.
• Supports the Economic Development Project Manager in certain aspects of their roles and responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in economics, marketing, planning, public or business administration or related field.
• A certification from IEDC in economic development and/or Master's Degree in Business Administration is preferred.
• Five years of increasingly responsible work experience in any combination of public or private business, real estate development or construction management, or economic development and/or experience in a legal environment.
• Experience with brownfield and environmental incentive programs highly desirable.
• Previous public relations and marketing experience highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver's license.
• Must possess excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work with numerous interruptions and work effectively under time constraints to meet deadlines.