Description

Reports to:  Allen Park Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board

Supervises:  Administrative Staff, including Farmer Market and Events Managers and Contractors/Vendors

Status: Exempt

Job Summary: 

Serves as Director and CEO of the DDA and functions as the point person for economic development and business attraction strategies for the Downtown District within the City of Allen Park. The Director works with a variety of boards, commissions, agencies, and business groups to implement economic revitalization programs for the Downtown District in the City and works with the over 400 businesses in the Downtown District.

Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Develops and identifies strategic planning, tax increment financing and local stabilization fund projections, economic assistance programs, funding sources and strategies for commercial business attraction and retention of commercial businesses for the Downtown District. Meets with individuals and companies interested in business location and expansion, actively promotes and advertises business opportunities and works with local officials and realtors to encourage leases, sales and commercial inflow.
• Plans, organizes, and directs all aspects of DDA operations including personnel, budgeting, general administration, and capital needs assessment. Develops, recommends and implements approved DDA policies and procedures, internal controls, and goals and objectives in accordance with needs, directives, and legal requirements. Prepares materials relating to economic development and other matters for the DDA budget and for DDA Board and, where appropriate, City Council approval.
• Works with various local, State and Federal agencies and officials on projects pertaining to economic development, environmental quality and clean-up, brownfield reuse and regional development.
• Works cooperatively with attorneys, planners, engineers, economic development staffers, and public officials and agencies on real estate, capital improvement, business assistance, and infrastructure projects affecting the Downtown District.
• Develops and oversees the implementation of marketing and public relations efforts on behalf of the DDA. With DDA staff and vendors, responsible for the production and review of various articles and informational pieces for newsletters, website, social media, brochures, press releases, and general distribution materials.
•  Coordinates the preparation by OHM Advisors of a plan for a major streetscape program on a major thoroughfare and implementation of the plan and the  construction and installation of improvements. This will also entail working with the City, Wayne County, local businesses and other stakeholders.
•  Cooperates with City Administrator and Council with plans for the enhancement of the Downtown District’s business development. Promotes improvements in the Downtown District and assists businesses in accomplishing improvements through the Building Department and City Planner. Meets with business and community groups interested in revitalization.
•  Responsible for administering grant funded projects, including finding grant opportunities, preparing and submitting applications.
•  Develops and administers the annual DDA budget. Ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time and prepares financial documents.
• Maintains an active presence in economic development through participation in various groups and associations. Responsible for organizing and participation in events, gives presentations and encourages business and community involvement. Maintains cooperative relationships with peer agencies and other governmental units
• Keeps abreast of legislative and regulatory developments and current issues in the economic development field through continued education and professional growth. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars, as appropriate.
• Assures compliance with Michigan Public Act 57 of 2018 for the DDA and any other statutory requirements applicable to the DDA.
• Performs and coordinates related work.

Requirements

Qualifications 

 Education Level and Experience: 

Bachelor’s Degree, in urban planning, economic development, business or nonprofit management, or a related field; or equivalent experience.

Preferred five or more years’ experience, with one or more years of supervisory experience, in economic and community development, planning administration, or related municipal experience.

Specific Skills: 

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal planning and land-use issues.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and funding sources pertaining to downtown development authorities , economic development, and redevelopment.
• Thorough knowledge of the professional public management techniques involved in budgeting, and operations management.
• Skill in developing and fostering effective public relations and community promotion techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing, and make presentations in the public forum.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
•  Ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy in contentious or confrontational situations. 
• Ability to critically assess situations, problem-solve, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines and changes in work priorities.
• Ability to maintain discipline, supervise a staff, and lead and command employees effectively.
• Ability to attend meetings scheduled at times other than normal business hours, travel to other locations within the City and State.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including computers and related software.

Certifications & Licenses: 

A valid State of Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person, on the telephone and in writing. The employee must frequently recall information from the past and present memory. The employee is frequently required to review and produce written and computerized documents. The employee is frequently required to access various locations within the City’s office building and within the City and occasionally required to lift and/or move items of light to moderate weight.