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Posted 2d ago

Economic Development Director

@ Town of Berlin
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Berlin, Connecticut, United States
$90k-$115k/yrOnsiteFull Time
Responsibilities:directing programs, negotiating contracts, grant writing
Requirements Summary:Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of related experience; strong leadership and communication; knowledge of economic development, real estate, grants (> $1M), and municipal processes; ability to lead interdepartmental initiatives and utilize computer tools.
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Job Description
Job Title: Economic Development Director               
Hours: (35) per week
Union Affiliation: Middle Management                                                    
Salary Range: Group C, $90,324 - $115,472 annually
                                                                                                           
 
Function: Under the direction of the Town Manager, oversees and administers the Town's economic development program.  This includes real estate acquisition; special projects related to economic development, real estate, and other development projects; as well as grant writing and administration.  Spearheads economic development, real estate and special projects that require interdepartmental coordination. 
 
Typical Duties, Responsibilities, Tasks & Assignments:
  • Plans, directs, and administers all aspects of the Town's economic development and real estate functions.   Leads real estate and related development agreement negotiations at the direction of the Town Manager.  Recommends Departmental policies, projects, and procedures.  Performs duties as Staff Liaison to the Town's Economic Development Commission and confers with the Town Manager and the Economic Development Commission concerning ongoing and future projects. Prepares Town Council agenda items and attends Town Council meetings and meetings of other Boards and Commissions, as needed.
 
  • Develops and maintains an inventory of available commercial and industrial real estate and markets the Town's economic development opportunities and responds to media questions and inquiries.  Manages local business retention programs to develop and grow businesses.
 
  • Assists the Town Manager and other departments in the research, preparation and acquisition process for grants, some of which are in excess of $1 million.  Provides oversight and grant management as necessary.  
 
  • Works in conjunction with the Town Manager to establish and oversee a project management system for the Town's priority capital projects.  Oversees the management of programs, including tax abatements, infrastructure loans and grants, and façade grants.   Provides technical assistance to all other Town Departments and/or Divisions engaged in capital projects particularly in the areas of real estate and grants.
 
  • Under the direction of the Town Manager and Corporation Counsel, oversees and administers the Town's real estate acquisition activities for economic development, open space and for other governmental purposes.  Serves as ombudsman for development projects, ensures due diligence and participates in property development activities as required.
 
  • Plans, develops and implements short and long range strategic initiatives for economic development including recommendations for zoning amendments to support economic development.  Develops and presents strategic capital budget plans and administers ongoing budget. 
 
  • Develops and maintains effective working relationships with local businesses, developers, state and federal government officials, colleagues and the public and consistently displays tact and professionalism, in an effort to continually develop Berlin as guided by the Economic Development Commission.
 
  •  Leads efforts to promote economic development through social media and public engagement. Maintains a community calendar of events, coordinates with the Mayor and Town Council on outreach and recognition activities, and organizes ribbon cuttings, anniversaries, and related events.
 
  • Coordinates with various Town departments, regional partners, and private entities to advance housing and community development initiatives, including the development and preservation of affordable housing.
 
  • Supports and facilitates Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects, brownfield redevelopment efforts (including the identification, application for, and administration of related grants).
 
  • Collaborates with the Arts & Culture Committee and other community stakeholders to enhance quality of life and economic vitality.
 
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
 
Special Skills & Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 5 years of related experience or equivalent preferred.  Strong leadership and communication skills required.  Must possess a working knowledge of economic development; including governmental programs, real estate negotiation, contracts, and land use regulatory issues.   Knowledge and experience in obtaining and administering grants including grants in excess of $1 million.  Comprehensive technical and practical knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques relative to local economic development issues.  Working knowledge of a variety of computer software programs including data collection and spreadsheets.  Knowledge of municipal government processes and organization.  Must possess the ability to work independently, to lead interdepartmental initiatives involving economic development, real estate and capital projects.