Executive Director - Downtown Development Authority

The City of East Lansing, Michigan, a dynamic residential community of nearly 50,000 people and home to Michigan State University, is seeking a Executive Director – Downtown Development Authority The City of East Lansing is committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist place to live, work, visit, and do business, and we are seeking individuals who share our commitment to equity and inclusion and reflect the community we serve.

The City strives to provide all employees with the benefits and resources necessary to live balanced, healthy lives. The City offers a competitive benefits package, including health, vision, and dental insurance effective date of hire, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, generous paid time off, long term disability and life insurance, 14 paid holidays, an Employee Assistance Program, and paid parking. This is an in-person position with the opportunity to work remotely one day per week, depending on business needs.

This position reports to the City Manager in conjunction with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board and will be responsible for directing the planning and operations of the City of East Lansing’s DDA. The DDA Executive Director is also responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and performing activities associated with the DDA Tax Increment Financing and Development Plans.

Work involves development and implementation of programs and administrative duties. A significant aspect of work coordinating and directing the preparation of downtown improvement plans necessary to promote the economic vitality and growth of the district, the preparation of analyses of economic changes affecting the downtown, and the preparation of recommendations regarding the action taken on development proposals and other programs operated by the DDA. The employee acts as an advisor to the Authority and to various City departments on matters relating to the Authority. The employee also consults with and advises private developers, investors, property owners, business owners, and public interest groups and represents the Authority in such discussions.

The individual in this position will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.

Union Affiliation: Non-union

FLSA Status: Exempt

We recognize that individuals from marginalized backgrounds, including women, people of color, and those with disabilities, are often less likely to apply when they don’t meet 100% of the job qualifications. Don’t let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity! We want to emphasize that your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives are valuable, and we encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of the skills and competencies.

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive environment.
• Ability to exchange information effectively with other City employees and the public.
• 5-8 years of experience in city planning or economic development of which four years must be in a supervisory or consulting capacity. Also, at least 5 years of experience in leading an organization with preference to a municipal government.
• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, landscape architecture public administration, business administration or a closely related field .
• Or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Principles and practices of community planning.
• Principles of public administration include municipal budgeting and public policy.
• Supervision, coordination and evaluation of the work of professional staff.
• Management of projects in a manner consistent with their stated objective(s).
• Board and volunteer management.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effective communicate publicly in speaking and presentation, and in writing.
• Must be well organized and self-motivated.
• Issues confronting downtown businesses, university, property owners and the general public.
• Best practices in managing Downtown Development Authorities and economic development.
• National Mainstreet Model and economic revitalization tools.

• Effectively plan and direct the work of others.
• Work collegially, effectively, and with transparency.
• Convey information clearly, effectively and tactfully through oral and written communications.
• Interact and work with a variety of personalities to achieve solutions and positive outcomes.
• Frame strategic and effectual approaches and sound recommendations to complex challenges. Identify problems, develop and implement creative and timely solutions.
• Foster collaborations and long-term partnerships.
• Coordinate, prioritize, and work on multiple concurrent projects often with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Adapt and adjust behavior and work methods rapidly in response to new information, changing conditions, and unexpected situations requiring attention and resolution.
• Maintain confidentiality and use discretion.
• Work productively and produce positive responses promptly.