Revitalization Manager

City of Covington, KY

Economic Development Department

Reports To: Director of Economic Development

Location: City Hall

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm

Salary Range: $85,000 - $105,000

________________________________________________________________________

  

SUMMARY

The Revitalization Manager manages projects and strategic initiatives that strengthen the vitality, economic competitiveness, and physical environment of Covington’s downtown and key neighborhood commercial districts. This position focuses on activating underutilized properties, coordinating public-realm improvements, and facilitating redevelopment projects that align with City objectives.

A major priority of this role will be supporting the continued development and activation of the Covington Central Riverfront neighborhood, the City’s transformative 23-acre redevelopment of the former IRS site, as well as advancing revitalization efforts throughout the City’s various commercial corridors, especially in the Latonia neighborhood. The position will work closely with developers, property owners, businesses, and public stakeholders to facilitate investment, attract businesses, and ensure these areas evolve as vibrant destinations for visitors and residents alike.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: These tasks are typical for this position and may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead and manage redevelopment and revitalization projects within Covington’s downtown and neighborhood commercial districts, with a primary focus on advancing the Covington Central Riverfront (CCR) and supporting targeted corridor improvements in Latonia.


• Serve as the City’s day-to-day project manager for assigned development initiatives at CCR by coordinating development agreement negotiations, underwriting, compiling and managing Request for Proposals, and managing communication between developers and stakeholders.


• Evaluate development proposals and incentive applications by conducting financial and market analysis, including review of proformas, sources and uses, and return metrics, and provide recommendations to Director.


• Facilitate redevelopment of underutilized and strategic properties by identifying opportunities and working with property owners and developers to advance feasible projects aligned with City priorities.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, brokers, property owners, businesses, and community stakeholders to generate investment interest, support project execution, and foster long-term collaboration.


• Incorporate ROI to the City concepts when leveraging economic development financing tools (e.g., TIF, IRBs, gap financing, etc.).


• Monitor and report on progress and economic impact of projects and initiatives, especially as it relates to meeting compliance requirements for maintaining State Signature TIF status at CCR.


• Provide support to Director as it relates to public financing discussions for major infrastructure projects.


• Other duties as needed.

 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Employees at all levels are expected to work effectively together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values.  Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This position requires a high degree of self motivation and the ability to work with very minimal supervision, including completing tasks from start to finish independently. It also requires strict confidentiality since responsibility includes management of records and information that may involve personal information.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, particularly in preparing and delivering clear, accurate, and professional public-facing communications, both written and verbal.


• Strong research and analytical capabilities, including interpreting sources such as Kentucky Revised Statutes, City Code of Ordinances, county clerk records, contractual agreements, zoning codes, building regulations, and related materials.


• Knowledge of economic development financing tools and incentives, including Tax Increment Financing, Industrial Revenue Bonds, tax credits (e.g. historic, NMTC, LIHTC), and other public-private gap financing mechanisms.


• Highly self-directed with the ability to take ownership of assignments and drive them to completion with minimal supervision; exercises sound judgment, critical thinking, and proactive problem-solving while anticipating the needs of both public and private stakeholders.


• Working knowledge of real estate development processes, including project timelines, site feasibility, capital stack structuring, and investor return considerations.


• Foundational understanding of construction concepts, with a demonstrated willingness to engage subject-matter experts and continuously expand technical knowledge.


• Ability to build and leverage professional networks to supplement internal expertise, identify risks, and enhance project outcomes.


• General understanding of real estate legal concepts, including but not limited to mortgages, title and recording, plats, rights-of-way, and related transactional elements.


• Familiarity with utilities, public infrastructure systems, and their role in supporting development projects.


• Working knowledge of permitting processes and regulatory approvals.


• Proven ability to navigate regulatory frameworks efficiently, resolve issues, and obtain necessary information or approvals.


• Maintains a positive, solutions-oriented attitude with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in economic development, urban planning, public administration/political science, real estate, finance, or a related field strongly preferred.


• Five to ten years of relevant experience in economic development, community development, real estate development, construction management, business development, or a related field.


• A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for a portion of the required experience.

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Professional certifications such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), or Grow America Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) are preferred but not required. 

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS: 

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents including development agreements, contracts, financial reports, zoning codes, local/state/federal statutes, and technical planning materials. Ability to prepare clear, concise, and professional written communications, including reports, memos, presentations, and correspondence for internal leadership and external stakeholders. Ability to effectively present information, facilitate discussions, and respond to questions from developers, consultants, public officials, and members of the community.

 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: 

Ability to apply mathematical and financial analysis to real estate development and economic development projects, including interpreting pro formas, development budgets, sources and uses statements, and return metrics. Ability to perform calculations related to project feasibility, incentive structuring, and basic cost-benefit analysis (e.g., tax revenue projections, payroll impacts, and funding gaps). Proficiency in working with spreadsheets and financial models to support data-driven decision-making.

 

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to think critically and strategically in evaluating complex development scenarios involving multiple stakeholders, regulatory requirements, and financial constraints. Ability to synthesize diverse information such as legal, financial, technical, and market-based to inform recommendations and decisions. Ability to exercise sound judgment, anticipate challenges, and develop practical solutions in dynamic and sometimes ambiguous situations. 

 

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 regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to sit.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hand to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 (Twenty-Five) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

 

TRAVEL:

Travel is minimal (estimated ~5%) and consists mostly of local travel to clients and stakeholders with potential overnight travel for conferences in and out of state. 

 

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full-time position.  Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.  Evening, weekend and work hour adjustments may be required as job duties demand. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

 

EEO STATEMENT:

The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the rich variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in our community. We encourage individuals from all walks of life to apply and proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.