City of South Bend
May 29, 2013
Professional Area:
Community / Economic Development
Experience:
5-7 years
Contact person:
Mary Ramsdell
Phone:
(574) 235-9935
Fax:
(574) 235-9928
Email:
mramsdel@southbendin.gov
Website:
Location:
South Bend, IN
Category: Regular Full Time
Department: Department of Community Investment
Reports To: Assistant Executive Director of Community Investment
Shift: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; M – F; Night and weekend meetings may be required
Pay Rate: $50,000 - $55,000
Position SUMMARY Department: Department of Community Investment
Reports To: Assistant Executive Director of Community Investment
Shift: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; M – F; Night and weekend meetings may be required
Pay Rate: $50,000 - $55,000
Responsible for executing business recruitment and retention efforts through a variety of tasks that include proactive marketing and outreach as well as assisting existing businesses to navigate various City processes and procedures. Works with economic development partners to develop incentive packages to attract new businesses to the area and assist current employers to expand their operations. Research and publishes ‘white papers’ on best practices for myriad of subjects critical to improving the overall economic vitality of South Bend. Innovation, creativity, high energy and problem solving are critical skills toward incumbent’s success.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Reporting to the Director of Business Development, responsible for the completion of various projects related to Community/Economic Development projects and the service of local employers in problem resolution and business expansion. This position has no direct or indirect supervisory responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This list represents the types of duties required by the position. Other duties may be assigned as reasonably expected.
- Essential to the oversight of the Department’s economic development and redevelopment activities including business attraction/expansion, infrastructure planning, and the creation of successful public-private partnerships.
- Develops performance measures based on accepted best practices to assess programming effectiveness.
- Assists in the development of marketing efforts to businesses inclusive of electronic and paper media, business visits and the use of community events as attraction tools.
- Assists in the development and implementation of workforce programs designed to meet the current and future needs of local businesses. Works with professional service providers (attorneys, financial consultants, engineers, etc.) along with developers/investors to finalize projects.
- Works on internal interdisciplinary project teams around individual opportunities, drawing from the expertise of the Planning, Analytics, Business Development, and Neighborhood Support groups within the Department, and from outside the Department where appropriate.
- Oversees implementation of approved development projects with City participation.
- Develops and maintains working relationship with key area businesses to facilitate growth and reinvestment in the City.
- Works collaboratively with private sector economic development groups to further City’s community investment goals and objectives.
- Researches, leverages, receives and deploys appropriate federal, state and local funding sources in furtherance of City development goals.
- Works to market available City properties to businesses in an effort to assist in the expansion/attraction of business product lines and diversification opportunities.
- Meets with and advises City Officials, redevelopment commissioners, business leaders and other concerned citizens as to economic development, redevelopment, community development, business assistance, housing and neighborhood plans.
- Works with the community's elected and appointed leadership to develop policy in the areas of business assistance and economic development and redevelopment.
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- A college degree in public administration, urban planning, law, finance and economics or related field and five years of increasingly responsible positions in real estate and development, public housing, urban planning, urban redevelopment, community development, economic development or a similar area of work experience.
- A graduate degree in business, public administration, urban planning, law, finance and economics or related field is preferred.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning, redevelopment, business assistance and economic development, neighborhood revitalization and housing programs;
- Working understanding of the basic principles of finance and accounting;
- Experience that demonstrates initiative, problem diagnosis, critical thinking, and proactive problem solving skills.
- Experience using diplomacy and conflict resolution techniques.
- Experience maintaining a strong degree of confidentiality, integrity, and judgment.
- Knowledge of basic public administration procedures; ability to coordinate a variety of projects related to economic development, community development, urban redevelopment and neighborhood revitalization; ability to evaluate and analyze complex plans, projects, and programs, taking into consideration such factors as the public budget process, the sources and uses of revenue, the conflicting community viewpoints and plans, the political process, strategic planning considerations and other difficulties;
- Ability to relate well with community leaders, elected and appointed officials and diverse community and civic groups;
- Ability to clearly explain long‑term, complex plans and alternatives in both private and public meetings and presentations.
Valid Indiana Driver’s License
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in office settings, with moderate inside temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Entire office is smoke free.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, veteran's status, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.
To Apply
All applications for currently posted positions will be submitted online at www.southbendin.gov or at the Office of Human Resources, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., 12th Floor, South Bend, IN 46601. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Required:
Pre-Employment Drug Screen