Assistant City Manager / Economic Development

POSITION SUMMARY

The City of Coldwater is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the administration and economic development efforts for the City of Coldwater and Branch County. This individual will provide support to the City Manager with projects that facilitate city-wide economic development as well as the daily administration of the city. The Assistant City Manager will also serve as the staff liaison to the Branch County Economic Growth Alliance (BCEGA) and Branch St. Joseph Counties Rail Users Association (RUA). 

The BCEGA implements the economic development strategy for the Branch County area and is responsible for business retention, recruitment, and growth in the manufacturing sector and in other key areas impacting quality of life such as housing. The City of Coldwater is in its third year of the Main Street Program as a Select Level community and is also a certified Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Branch County is a rural community of approximately 46,000 located in south-central Michigan. Coldwater is the county seat with a population just under 14,000. 

This position has a high level of public visibility and operates in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects operating concurrently. To ensure the Assistant City Manager’s success, ongoing training, education opportunities, and access to technology and resources will be provided, including those that help develop competencies around public administration and economic development broadly. This position is full-time with flexible work hours to accommodate the dynamic nature of the position. This position will require travel for conferences and other development opportunities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES, ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

• Assist the City Manager in implementing strategic economic development projects and initiatives
• Serve as the staff liaison to the BCEGA and RUA by scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and project review summaries, and coordinating training opportunities for Board members
• Assist with drafting and editing documents, including but not limited to press releases, staff reports, grant applications and program guidelines
• Prepare site submissions and RFPs for industrial projects
• Outline grant compliance timelines and milestones 
• Compile, compare, and summarize programs and other information
• Attend trainings, professional conferences and events
• Maintain updated directories and data for local manufacturing businesses and downtown properties
• Implement and assist with special projects as needed
• Travel for events and training opportunities
• Perform all other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to balance multiple issues and projects in a fast-paced environment
• Adaptable and flexible with changing deadlines and objectives
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, discretion, judgment, collaboration, and the ability to build strong relationships
• Self-motivated 
• Demonstrated ability to work in groups or independently
• Proactive problem solver; comfortable seeking and providing help 
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other software
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing education/learning
• Willing to travel to events and training opportunities with an occasional overnight
• Familiarity with industrial site selection software a plus
• Familiarity with the MEDC Redevelopment Ready Communities program

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Business, Political Science, or another related field
• One (1) to three (3) years of relevant experience in any of the following areas: economic development, housing, urban planning, business development, program development, grant writing, writing/editing for multiple audiences, or related fields
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Experience working with and/or understanding underrepresented and diverse populations helpful
• Demonstrated evidence of bilingual or multiple language fluency, particularly Spanish or Arabic, helpful

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described herein are representative of those an individual may encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job. 

An individual in this position spends most of their time in an office setting with a controlled climate where they sit or stand at a computer for extended periods of time, are required to talk or hear by communicating in-person and/or on the telephone, walk, sit, and move around the office. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. However, the employee may also need to traverse uneven ground, work in inclement weather to perform field work, and work around energized high-voltage equipment. 

This individual may frequently be required to use hands or fingers to handle, reach, or feel objects, tools, or controls with hands and arms. This individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. 

** This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the individual will perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required. The City reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

To apply, please submit a professional resume, cover letter, three professional references, and proof of relevant education and certifications to resume@coldwater.org. Any questions, please call Nicki Luce at (517) 279-9501.