Downtown Development Director - City of Grand Junction, CO

Downtown Development Director 

City of Grand Junction

Professional Area: 

Other topics not covered above

Experience: 

3-5 years

Website: 

http://www.gjcity.org

Location: 

Grand Junction, CO

The Organization The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established in 1977 for the purpose of preventing blight and deterioration of property and property values within its district. The primary responsibility of the DDA is to support and facilitate economic development efforts to enhance the downtown community through capital investment. Tax Increment Financing (TIF), approved in 1981, is the primary source of DDA funding. The Position The ideal candidate for the DDA Executive Director will have proven experience and strength in the areas of communication, consensus building and problem solving.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Creation and implementation of economic development, housing, redevelopment and marketing strategies for the DDA district. 
• Working in partnership with the DDA Board to plan, direct, coordinate and oversee the programs and operations of the DDA. 
• Effectively representing the interests of the DDA when partnering with other governmental, commercial and non-profit organizations of the community.

Incumbent is expected to take the lead on current re-development projects at DDA owned sites to include: 

• White Hall Property; demolition of existing building underway, develop vacant lot 2015. 
• R5 High School Property; historical building and vacant city block, possession expected mid-2016.

QualificationsThe ideal candidate will have:

• Familiarity with real estate construction, finance, contracting and project management. 
• A thorough understanding of the necessary elements of a successful and thriving downtown. 
• Experience working with a Board of Directors. 
• Experience interacting with governmental agencies. 
• Experience with governmental grant writing. 
• Experience developing and managing a multi-million dollar budget.
• Experience with public sector budgeting, TIF and grant writing. 
• Business development skills. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule. 
• Success as a self-starter, self-motivated and as a problem solver. 
• Senior level management experience. 
• Strong leadership skills. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with media and public relations. 
• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration, engineering, urban planning or other field closely related to this position. 
• Equivalent to four years of increasingly responsible experience in public economic development, public administration or field closely related to this position with at least two years of management responsibility.

Compensation
The salary for this position will be between $65,000-$80,000 depending on qualifications plus an attractive benefit package. Highlights of the benefit package include health and dental insurance with premiums largely paid by the DDA, an attractive 401(a) retirement plan and access to other deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, a general leave program supplemented by short and long-term disability programs and employer-paid life insurance.

Application Procedure 

The City of Grand Junction is assisting the DDA with this recruitment. Interested applicants may obtain a City application and information on how to apply on the City’s website www.gjcity.org - Jobs. Applications are due by Friday, July 31, 2015. For visually/hearing/voice impaired dial 711 (TTY). EOE. Telephone interviews with top candidates will be scheduled for August 5-7, 2015. The selection process with finalists is scheduled for August 20-21, 2015.

For more information about the DDA, Downtown Grand Junction and the Grand Junction area visit www.downtowngj.org, www.gjcity.org, www.visitgrandjunction.com and www.gjchamber.org.