Community and Economic Development Director

Job Summary:

The Community and Economic Development Director is a pivotal leader driving the revitalization and sustainable growth of the City of Victor. This role oversees the Victor Main Street program, focusing on economic development and historic preservation within the downtown business district. Guided by the Main Street four-point approach: Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality, the Director works to build a strong foundation for revitalization by fostering partnerships, enhancing downtown’s physical and visual appeal, marketing Victor to attract visitors and businesses, and creating economic opportunities through innovative reuse and development initiatives. Additional responsibilities include providing strategic vision and the supervision and direction of current, long-range, and comprehensive planning activities of the City including oversight of the City’s building inspection and engineering contracts. This position serves as a member of the Leadership Team carrying out the City Council’s goals and directives, ensuring alignment between local priorities and broader development goals, fostering a vibrant and sustainable community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Foster economic growth and revitalization through strategic program management, historic preservation, and community engagement.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with municipal staff, business owners, stakeholders, and the public.
• Serve as a liaison with developers, financial institutions, and other key partners.
• Evaluate and manage grant-eligible projects, including preparing applications and ensuring compliance with funding and accreditation requirements (e.g., Colorado Main Street, Main Street America, CDBG, EIAF).
• Create and execute strategic plans to drive economic development, downtown revitalization, and affordable housing initiatives.
• Oversee zoning and building code adoption, ensuring compliance with municipal, state, and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with city officials and committees to review and implement zoning and building code amendments.
• Enforce zoning, building, and municipal codes, addressing violations and ensuring adherence to established standards.
• Develop and support affordable housing programs, working with stakeholders to identify opportunities and secure funding.
• Maintain a commercial space inventory and market vacancies to prospective tenants.
• Develop and implement downtown economic strategies to increase retail opportunities and expand market potential.
• Manage a small business retention program to support local businesses.
• Lead the Victor Main Street Commission and volunteers in executing yearly workplans and projects.
• Organize and promote community events to enhance engagement and downtown vitality.
• Oversee marketing initiatives, including developing campaigns to attract visitors, businesses, and residents.
• Maintain comprehensive records of revitalization activities, events, and programs.
• Evaluate land disposition plans, collaborate on legal documentation, and assist with research and analysis of economic development programs.
• Prepare and manage budgets related to community and economic development efforts.
• Adapt to changing priorities and work demands to meet organizational needs.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders, resolving issues and ensuring follow-up.
• Participate in professional training and development to stay informed on best practices and resources including participation in Main Street America and the American Planning Association.
• Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, with flexibility to include evenings and weekends based on seasonal, organizational, or event needs.
• Attendance at City Council meetings, board meetings, and other events outside regular work hours is required.
• Travel within the City of Victor and throughout Teller County is an essential component of the role.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Ability to lead and motivate diverse teams, including volunteers and commission members.
• Demonstrated success in executing strategic plans with measurable outcomes.
• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with municipal staff, business owners, and stakeholders.
• Skilled at providing constructive feedback and fostering collaboration.
• Ability to mediate disputes and resolve issues effectively while maintaining professional relationships.
• Capacity to mentor volunteers and team members, providing guidance on best practices in economic development and historic preservation.
• Ability to set clear goals, monitor progress, and evaluate performance against objectives.
• Skilled at delegating tasks while ensuring accountability and adherence to timelines.
• Flexibility in managing changing priorities, schedules, and team dynamics to meet organizational needs.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional service to stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Strong analytical skills to assess challenges and implement effective solutions.

Required Skills and Abilities: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and report writing.
• Ability to gather, collate, and analyze diverse data sets.
• Proficiency in interpreting blueprints, codes, technical sketches, and graphics.
• Strong understanding of program research, development, and implementation techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of loan application, disbursement processes, and related financial practices.
• Familiarity with federal economic and urban development agencies and programs.
• Basic understanding of agency goals, objectives, programs, and services.
• Energetic, creative, and focused on executing yearly workplans and achieving program goals.
• Ability to balance the varying perspectives of merchants, public agencies, property owners, and community organizations in revitalization efforts.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with an understanding of small business operations and motivations.
• Experience working with municipal governments, balancing local government processes with commercial needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues tactfully and discreetly.
• Appreciation for community involvement and skill in fostering community support for projects and events.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently while aligning with overall program objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, success-oriented, and a motivator.
• Personable, patient, and persistent in achieving goals.
• Basic understanding of community resources and development needs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of economic development principles and practices.

Education:

A bachelor’s degree is required. Preferably in business, urban planning, public affairs, or a related field.

Experience:

At least two (2) years of experience in the public sector, community development, or a closely related field. This is in addition to any years used to satisfy the education requirement.

Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

Passing a driving record (MVR), references and criminal history background check will be required prior to the start of employment. 

Physical and Environmental Conditions Requirements: 

• The majority of work is performed indoors with low noise levels.
• Requires the ability to lift, pull, carry, and push objects up to 20 pounds.
• Frequent physical activities include bending, grasping, standing, walking, climbing stairs, twisting, and stooping.
• Requires finger/manual dexterity for tasks such as typing and handling materials.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regular verbal communication with City staff, external agencies, and the public in both one-on-one and group settings, as well as via telephone.

Salary : $68,000 - $80,000