JOB
Responsible for implementing the City’s economic development policies, projects and plans. This position will oversee three City departments; Zoning, the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, and Economic Development. The position is responsible for organizing and implementing the City’s economic development functions and strategies from conception to completion. Including business retention and expansion, business attraction and incentive programs, zoning, urban renewal and entrepreneurial business programming. Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief Development Officers. Supervision is exercised over departmental staff.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Plan, organize, and implement economic development functions and strategies from conception to completion, including business retention and expansion, business attraction and incentive programs. Lead strategic planning efforts for all services and activities of economic development including for redevelopment, reuse and new development. Implement economic development city-wide goals and objectives, as well as coordinate with developers, local businesses, and other City departments and staff. Maintain a critical focus on business development, redevelopment, key project management, development negotiations, creating local and regional economic partnerships, economic marketing and branding, economic data analysis, and fostering diverse economic and employment growth within the community. Develop and establish policies and procedures that facilitate business development that stabilize and expand the City’s tax base.Ensure that all aspects of City driven economic development speaks to equity and inclusion.Implement the development of medium- and long-range plans for Springfield related to continued business attraction and retention, redevelopment and future development, housing diversity, and economic mobility. Maintain a toolbox of existing resources for advancing business, housing, and urban renewal development. Construct sustainable marketing and branding approaches. Develop and manage the Office of Planning and Economic Development and Springfield Redevelopment Authority budget and staff. Provide guidance and direction regarding administrative duties such as those associated with City Council meetings, public hearings, legal documentation, workflow, and public access and engagement tools. Participate in and direct the collection, interpretation, and analysis of market and community data that identify trends and potential issues. Represent the City on selected boards and committees, present to City Council, commissions, civic groups, and the general public on economic development issues. Analyze existing economic situations relative to business attraction and expansion; review modern techniques for business retention and attraction and negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues; monitor program performance and periodically report status to CDO. Analyze and document current availability of significant space for retail, office, and industrial use. Coordinate and develop proposals; conduct site tours and provide informational materials; create public/private partnerships to enhance economic development; maintain communication and work closely with a variety of local, regional, state, and federal departments and agencies to bring economic development to the city. Meet, confer, and provide detailed data to new businesses contemplating a relocation or expansion. Assist with the negotiation, preparation and processing of documents and implementation of such documents as depositions and development agreements, owner participation agreements, contracts, resolutions, and requests for proposals/qualifications. Serve as a resource to City committees and boards associated with economic development.Interfaces and coordinates with the development community, local businesses and various City elected officials, departments and staff.Performs related work as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Bachelor’s Degree in economic development, urban planning, public/business administration, finance, or related field.Ten years of experience in economic development, community development, or redevelopment activities in the State of Massachusetts. Master’s degree in relevant field preferred.Designation as a Certified Economic Developer preferred.