Economic and Community Development Coordinator

What we’re looking for: A motivated and collaborative individual to join the Economic and Community Development team.   You will continue to successfully serve the current and future needs of the New Braunfels community. 
Under general supervision of the Director of Economic and Community Development, coordinates redevelopment and reinvestment activities of designated neighborhoods and areas of New Braunfels. This includes implementing plans related to revitalization in distressed areas, identifying strategies for sustainable economic and business development growth and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance the economic, social and aesthetic aspects of the neighborhoods and the community’s other economic and community development assets. The position supports the development and implementation of economic and community development initiatives.  

Benefits & Total Rewards:
Our City team members are our most valuable asset! We offer Total Rewards when you join our team.

• Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance
• 2:1 match on retirement contribution
• Volunteer time off – 16 hours per year
• Vacation accrual starts at date of hire – up to 120 hours annually your first year
• Get paid to stay – longevity pay on top of your regular pay after one full year 
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Bilingual pay offered
• Keep learning – professional and personal development training available

The responsibilities you’ll be trusted with:
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Works with and supports the Economic and Community Development Director and Manager to coordinate and progress comprehensive redevelopment and economic development projects within the City and its ETJ.
• Builds collaboration among stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and local governments to establish a shared vision for a neighborhood’s future.
• Identify ways to collaborate with existing city departments to enhance the physical appearance of neighborhoods and emerging districts by improving historic buildings and improving streetscapes.
• Strengthen and diversify a targeted area’s economic base by supporting existing businesses, attracting new enterprises and identifying ways to support, encourage and grow local entrepreneurship.
• Assist in the management and administration of downtown parking planning and enforcement duties as assigned by the Director.
• Undertake and coordinate basic project feasibility studies, demographic analysis and market research to guide strategies for sustainable growth, redevelopment and business development.
• Coordinate with relevant municipal departments to streamline permitting, zoning, and compliance processes for redevelopment and infill projects. Identifies opportunities for code and regulatory amendments that support redevelopment and revitalization efforts.  
• Work to resolve customer service inquiries and other issues related to City regulations and codes as they impact Downtown or other redevelopment opportunities.
• Facilitate public meetings, workshops and other forums to gather input and maintain open communication channels with community members to ensure transparency in redevelopment activities.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with private developers, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to support community development efforts.
• Monitor progress and evaluate the impact of redevelopment initiatives on neighborhoods. 
• Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social and economic issues.
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Economic and Community Development Specific Responsibilities:

•  Researches, analyzes, reports on and promotes economic and market trends; reviews proposed ordinances and codes that relate to economic development and makes recommendations for proposed amendments.
• Assumes a lead role in parking planning, management and contract oversight in the downtown area.  Work to implement recommendations or best practices from management studies or adopted strategies.
•  Analyzes and develops position papers and memoranda as directed; makes presentations to City Council, City Boards and Commissions, and business and citizen groups as requested. 
• Researches, strategizes, and submits grant applications for potential funding sources for economic development projects; investigates the use of PID’s, TIRZ, Chapter 380 agreements, tax abatements, municipal development districts, Type B sales tax, bonds, or other financing instruments that might facilitate the development or redevelopment of business districts. 
• Conducts fiscal impact analysis for projects that require City participation.
• Act as an ombudsman for incentive-approved projects internally with other city departments and assisting companies with the various city processes and permitting requirements.

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter most for this role:
Education and Experience:
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration or related field and four (4) years of experience in planning, financial analysis, marketing principles, and Texas statutes regarding economic development incentives OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification and CNU-A preferred, but not required. Achieving EDFP certification within eighteen (18) months of employment could be required. 
• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Urban/Regional Planning, or related field is preferred.

Required Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations affecting community development, economic development incentive programs and historic preservation.
• Principles, techniques, terminology and practices employed in community and economic development and City and regional planning.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of urban project development and commercial real estate development and finance. Some knowledge of community planning, economics, municipal finance, engineering and construction as they apply to the design and development of urban areas.  
• Current principles and practices of economic development, marketing, promotion, advertising, public information, media relations and community relations programs.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Project planning and management principles and techniques.

Required Skill in:

• Critical thinking – using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze and evaluate complex situations and then to research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation.  
• Judgement/decision making – evaluate the best method of research and exercise appropriate judgement in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. 
• Interpersonal relationships – develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit. 
• Effective communication, both oral and written, including reports and presentations.
• Ability to effectively manage projects, prepare accurate reports and documentation as required within specified timelines, meeting firm deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials or other decisions-makers.
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.
• Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management.
• Coordinating downtown promotional events/activities through the planning, design and implementation stages.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment and involves sitting, standing, walking, and bending for extended periods of time, and must be able to safely lift and carry materials and objects up to forty (40) pounds; occasional work is performed in outdoor environment that may include inclement weather.
• May be required to work immediately before, during or after an emergency or disaster.
• NOTE:  This position is designated safety and/or security sensitive.

Salary : $54,054 - $64,870