Design Specialist-Storefront Renovation Program

Under administrative direction, is responsible for planning and adminstering a specific project or program for a City department. Serves as the administrative supervisor on projects or programs. Plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews activities of subordinate personnel. Monitors the project or program's operating budget and assists in the annual preparation of same. Designs, implements, and monitors procedures utilized in program evaluation. Develops and secures commitments from other City departments and agencies to provide services to program participants. Provides technical assistance or reviews program policies and procedures. Maintains current information and oversees the preparation of project status reports. Prepares financial and narrative reports and program applications. Communicates project/program status and information to municipal officials and/or public and private entities. May supervise employees assigned to the respective project. Performs other related duties as required.A High School Diploma or GED is required. A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related field preferred. Two (2) years of full-time, paid, progressively responsible experience in program administration is required. Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds. A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required.Key Responsibilities Architectural Design and Project Development: 
• Develop and refine exterior design concepts for commercial and retail buildings, including storefront façades and signage.
 • Create visual renderings, conceptual drawings, and specifications for renovation projects. 
• Ensure compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation for projects involving historic structures.
 • Assess project feasibility, reviewing scope, design options, and eligibility for program incentives.
 • Document existing conditions and recommend improvements that enhance storefront functionality and aesthetics.
 • Guide projects through various city review and approval processes, including the Cleveland Landmarks Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and local design review committees
. • Provide technical design services and recommendations for businesses applying for other Economic Development incentive programs. 
• Assist in the selection of materials and design elements that align with historic preservation principles while incorporating modern efficiency and sustainability.

Project Implementation and Compliance:
 • Develop construction specifications and contract documents for storefront renovation projects.
 • Evaluate project labor and material costs for reasonableness. 
• Provide ongoing project oversight, including progress monitoring and contractor coordination. 
• Conduct final project inspections upon completion and facilitate annual inspections for up to five years post-completion to ensure continued compliance with program standards. 
• Identify when licensed architects, engineers, or other specialists are required for structural modifications and facilitate the hiring process as needed.

Historic Preservation and Sustainability:
 • Ensure that projects adhere to local, state, and federal Historic Preservation laws and regulations. 
• Develop strategies for incorporating high-performance, preservation-compliant materials into renovations.
 • Provide guidance on sustainable building practices and environmentally resilient design solutions where applicable. 
• Support efforts to integrate climate-conscious materials and strategies into commercial revitalization projects.

Program Advocacy, Marketing, and Stakeholder Engagement:
 • Develop program marketing materials, including promotional materials, project documentation, and design manuals. 
• Prepare reports on program activities, project outcomes, and impact assessments.
 • Provide educational support and resources to business owners and contractors regarding storefront design principles. 
• Represent the Department of Economic Development in external meetings, workshops, and community engagement initiatives.

Other Duties as Assigned
 • Assist with administrative tasks related to the Storefront Renovation Program and other economic development initiatives. 
• Support department-wide efforts to enhance program efficiency, service delivery, and impact.

Preferred Qualifications
 • BFA/BA or Master’s degree in Historic Preservation, Architecture, Urban Design, or Art History.
 • Experience in commercial building renovation, particularly in traditional retail main street storefront buildings. 
• Proficiency in Photoshop or other rendering software to develop conceptual building illustrations.
 • Strong knowledge of 19th and 20th-century architecture, with expertise in historic preservation standards. 
• Ability to write general construction specifications to define major renovation work, ensuring compliance with local building codes and program requirements. 
• Working knowledge of general building construction techniques and an interest in sustainable building materials. 
• Ability to assess when a project requires additional architectural, engineering, or structural expertise and coordinate appropriate next steps.
 • Graphic design skills to create program marketing materials and promotional content. 
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a commitment to public service and economic revitalization.

Evaluation Process
 As part of the evaluation process, selected candidates will be provided a “before” image of a typical Cleveland commercial building and will be expected to submit a:
: • Photoshop-prepared “after” image with proposed renovations.
 • Conceptual drawing and general construction specifications outlining major renovation components.
 • Original sign design for a fictional business to demonstrate creativity and compliance with program design standards.

 A copy of the Storefront Renovation Program’s Design Manual will be provided to candidates selected for this exercise to guide their design proposals.

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000