Background and Position Summary

As a community-led organization, Northwest Neighborhoods equitably fosters diverse, vibrant neighborhoods that are physically and socially connected, where anyone can thrive. Our service area (West 45th to West 117th Streets, north of I-90) includes Cleveland’s Cudell, Detroit Shoreway, and Edgewater neighborhoods.

Northwest Neighborhoods is seeking a dynamic individual to serve as Director of Economic Development. This is a key position in our Planning and Development Department and is responsible for providing technical assistance to businesses, coordinating governmental approvals, convening merchants’ associations, and assistance with commercial leasing for properties owned by Northwest Neighborhoods CDC.

The ideal candidate is passionate about Cleveland, its neighborhoods, and its diverse residents and has a servant leadership mentality – placing first the growth and well- being of people and the communities to which they belong. The candidate should be a problem- solver, good listener, and patient. Candidates should also enjoy developing relationships, working with many partners, both public and private, providing managerial leadership and be able to work both independently as well as on a team.

Reports To: Director of Community Involvement

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintain strong relationships with businesses and commercial property owners in the Detroit Shoreway, Cudell and Edgewater neighborhoods.
• Oversee Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) accomplishment goals and provide monthly reports.
• Assist business with the City of Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program and other City business support programs.
• Support Director of Communications in coordinating business involvement for special events.
• Coordinate and provide staff support for neighborhood business associations.
• Coordinate and provide staff support for the Economic Development Committee of the Northwest Neighborhood CDC board.
• Convene with the Economic Development Committee of the Northwest Neighborhood CDC board, and Community Entertainment District committee.
• Coordinate with other governmental approvals such as the Board of Zoning Appeals and the City Planning Commission.
• Work with local developers to engage in public processes for the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Cleveland Planning Commission, and the Near West Design Review
• Assist with planning, infrastructure, and public projects with the City of Cleveland, NOACA, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Metropolitan School District and others. Examples include streetscape, transit and roadway improvements; the Lorain Avenue bike infrastructure; school redevelopment sites; and neighborhood gateways.
• Negotiate, maintain, and assist businesses with commercial leases for Northwest Neighborhood owned properties.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Development or related degree; or four years’ experience in a related field.
• Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and have the ability to deal with public and private officials and negotiate complex transactions.
• Demonstrated capacity to render independent judgment, negotiate terms and conditions for services and materials.
• Must be proficient in spreadsheet analysis (Microsoft Excel) and proficient in word processing (Microsoft Word). Knowledge of CiviCRM or other CRM software is a plus.
• Must be proficient in using public databases as well as mapping software.
• Must be self-motivated, able to work independently, innovative, and able to thoughtfully problem solve
• Ability to work with people of all backgrounds (race, ethnicity, socioeconomics, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, etc.).
• Availability and willingness to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Economic Development, or related field
• General knowledge of building and zoning codes
• Proficiency in the use of Geographic Information Systems
• Familiarity with business development, financing, and marketing
• Experience in economic development in a non-profit, government, or development community
• Strong background in various aspects of nonprofit management, including marketing, volunteer management, finance/budgeting, grant writing, and planning
• General knowledge of building and zoning codes
• Fluency in Spanish

Physical Demands

Ability to operate a computer and keyboard. Ability to operate a motor vehicle or equipment. May require reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping and feeling, and the ability to lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. May require vocal communication for expressing or exchanging ideas, hearing to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, visual acuity for color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Working Conditions

Availability for extended hours during peak periods and attendance at evening and week-end meetings. Exposure to inside and outside environmental conditions. The office is located in a smoke-free facility.

NWN’s Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

NWN is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable working environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Northwest Neighborhoods CDC. Since no position description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder’s responsibility.

Compensation:

• Full-time position with annual salary of $50,500
• Paid Time Off accrued at the rate of one day per month during the first year of employment, then 18 days beginning the second year of employment.
• Holiday pay including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day plus the days between December 24 and January 2.
• Employer contribution to 403(B) retirement program. Employer will provide a 50% match to the Employee’s contribution up to a maximum of 3% of the employee’s annual salary.
• Competitive health insurance offered with employer contribution.
• Long-term disability benefits.

SEND RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS TO:

Please e-mail or mail cover letter and resume to:

Northwest Neighborhoods CDC Attn: Emily Bischoff

6516 Detroit Avenue, Suite 1, Cleveland, Ohio 44102

E-MAIL: ebischoff@nwneighborhoods.org

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Cleveland, OH 44102: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person