Economic Development & LRA Manager

HIRING RANGE: $141,092.64 - $156,769.60 annually

Oversee Economic Development Division with all aspects of the economic development work program which is a blend of community vitality and business retention, expansion, recruitment and redevelopment. Responsible for planning, developing, and implementing the overall vision, mission, programs, processes and projects of the division. Provides staff leadership to Economic Development division. Responsible for maintaining project schedules and quality of work product, resolves problems that arise in the normal course of work. Manages the progress of assignments or new problems which may require further direction. Also, serves as the Lakewood Reinvestment Authority Manager. Responsible for creating the vision of Economic Development and Reinvestment Authorities in the City of Lakewood. Represents the City as a liaison with economic development organizations as well as other pertinent interests at the local, state, and regional levels. Gathering input from City Council, City Manager, Departments and the community for developing long-term planning. Maintains close relationships with the Sustainability and Community Development Department and the Revenue Division.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Manages Economic Development staff to include, hiring, developing, disciplining and assigning work. Leads employees through succession planning, workforce development and performance and review development.
• Performs duties of Manager of Lakewood Reinvestment Authority and shall exercise supervision over the business of the Authority and of those members of the City Staff as may be assigned to Authority business.
• Collaboratively work with the Sustainability and Community Development Department, and CFO on vision, projects and funding for community vitality (strategies for improving the economic well-being of residents within the community of Lakewood).
• Collaboratively work with the Revenue Division on analysis and trending of Lakewood businesses and developing a future vision for Economic Development with the CFO.
• Develop relationships, collaborate and be a liaison with employees, community groups, non-profits, businesses, other stakeholders and individuals to explain and promote the city plans and programs under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer. Plans, coordinates, and ensures quality control of information for his/her programs and work to be presented to the City Council meetings and media.
• Negotiation of development and associated agreements with developers and partner City departments for City Council consideration
• Facilitate process for considering new Urban Renew Areas
• Management of Economic Development and Lakewood Reinvestment Authority budget and funds.
• Regularly present to City Council, Lakewood Reinvestment Authority, business and community functions.
• Organizes and implements projects for the Lakewood Reinvestment Authority.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Supervision Received: Chief Financial Officer

Supervision Exercised: Directs the work of and actively participates in the training of the Economic Development staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Visionary coupled with ability to execute.
• Ability to make and employ sound judgments and use skills and knowledge to derive innovative solutions to difficult situations with little or no precedent.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and adapt to rapidly changing priorities using effective written/verbal communication and organization skills.
• Effective presenter to multiple types of audiences.
• Thorough knowledge of the development process, financing options and ability to understand development-related regulations.
• Capable of researching complex issues and preparing clear, concise reports and responses.
• Strong knowledge of Colorado real estate law and practice to include ability to read, prepare and interpret maps, site and construction plans, real estate property legal descriptions and conveyance documents.
• Strong knowledge of Urban Renewal authorities
• Ability to build strong relationships with a wide variety of partners and groups and have the capability to resolve conflicts among disparate groups.
• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership and management skills while employing a high degree of confidentiality, trustworthiness and accuracy.
• Ability to collaborate with the input on design and implementation of marketing and public relations programs.
• Ability to write articles for division newsletters following general journalistic guidelines.

Technological Skills

• Strong computer knowledge and ability with word processing, spreadsheets, databases and graphics.
• Knowledge and experience with Salesforce, CoStar, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office Suite, and eTRAKiT strongly preferred.

Education and Experience

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Administration, Business Management, Economics, Marketing, Urban and Regional Planning, Community Development or related field.

A Master’s degree is preferred in Business Administration, Economics, Urban Planning or equivalent.

Experience:

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, community development, affordable housing, homeless, thriving communities, municipal planning or related area in public or private sector, including at least five years of management experience, supervising four or more people.

Experience must include disciplines in the following areas: Staff development, Communications, Public Speaking, Facilitation, Negotiation, Economic Development Strategy, Recruitment/Business Retention, Project Management, managing a budget, Public Relations.

Five years’ direct experience with private or public sector Economic Development Organization (EDO). Experience will have provided direct exposure to and substantial working knowledge of the planning, development and regulation processes within the public sector, including zoning inspection, building permits and economic development.

Real estate or development experience.

Working knowledge of Real Estate management.

Certification/Licenses/Specialized Training

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• IEDC Certification (Basic and/or CEcD) is required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications.

LIGHT WORK: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Physical Demands

• Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
• Sit, stand or be stationary
• Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
• Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, grasp, move, feel, and inspect, etc.
• Walk, ascend, descend on both even and uneven terrain
• Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color

Environmental Conditions may include

• Office settings

Physical Requirements – No Physical Needed

• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or positions from all levels up to 30 pounds with or without assistance

The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws. All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense. Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and/or Department safety rules. Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden. The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure, or comply with a safety rule will result adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees, and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor.

The City of Lakewood celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of our workforce. Accordingly, the city is committed to creating, nurturing and sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our community and employees.

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions.