Required Experience:
Director of Community and Economic Development
City of Chester
1 East 4th Street, Chester, PA 19013
$90,000 - $100,000 a year - Full-time
Skills
Do you have experience in Supervising experience?
Education
Do you have a Master's degree?
Benefits
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Full job description
City of Chester
Job Posting
Position Title: Director of Community & Economic Development
Organization Unit: Public Affairs
Reports to: Chief of Staff
Status: Full-time, Non-Bargaining Unit
Hours: M-F, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Posting Period: August 31, 2023 – Until Filled
Salary: $90,000 - $100,000
Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, & Life
Summary:
The Department of Public Affairs' central focus is to serve both the quality of life and place for Chester City residents and businesses. The Department performs all municipal planning functions, building code and ordinance enforcement, licensing and inspecting of businesses, housing, food establishments, and land development approvals for the community.
All of these are ultimately responsible for creating jobs, increasing the tax base, attracting and retaining businesses, and serving as a catalyst for creating a sustainable economy.
The Director oversees the Department's day-to-day operations of Licensing and inspections, Planning and zoning, and Building Inspections, including client relationships and project management of economic, community, and real estate development projects within the City of Chester. The Director leads the department staff to assist businesses through knowledge and resource sharing, technical assistance, and direct funding (grants and loans). In addition, the Director leads the Department’s staff to work in neighborhoods and commercial areas to assess the overall health and implement strategies to improve them. The Director will identify opportunities for business and real estate development; work with business and community stakeholders to develop and execute a shared set of goals; and be able to serve as a reliable resource for accurate and helpful information that can attract, retain, or help expand businesses in Chester.
Essential Functions:
· Collect information for, and periodically update strategic initiatives to make improvements to Chester.
· Coordinate with Business Associations, Major Employers, Nonprofits, Developers, and Stakeholders to identify community and business needs that can be addressed by program, policy, or other City-led or City-assisted intervention.
· Lead the team to create a process and database to maintain an inventory of businesses and properties in Chester including an inventory of vacant and available properties, and property owners,
· Develop and implement strategies for local business attraction and vacancy reduction.
· Understanding the state and local permit and regulatory processes and providing direct assistance to businesses seeking to obtain permits for new business openings and expansion.
· Understanding and being able to clearly describe all tax credits and direct financial assistance programs available to businesses in Chester.
· Understanding and being able to clearly describe all City and non-City resources for businesses including, but not limited to pathways to obtaining business capital; workforce; community and business partnerships; legal, technical, and other small business information and resources.
· Identify candidates for business assistance/community development programs;
· Managing large-scale project approval processes, including communicating with and evaluating feedback from government and legislative representatives, community members, and groups.
· Assisting with neighborhood commercial revitalization through the real estate development process by:
o Understanding and being able to describe all development tax credits.
o Understanding and facilitating the process for permits, inspections, and approvals
o Understanding, and being able to communicate, the zoning code and other land use conditions that may affect the ability of a neighborhood to benefit from certain development types.
o Monitoring and assisting with private real estate projects, including communicating with and evaluating feedback from government and legislative representatives, community members, and groups.
· Author reports, and presentations, and conduct briefings to inform internal and external audiences including board members, business leaders, economic development partners, public and private officials, and other groups as appropriate.
· Cultivate purposeful partnerships and collaborate to advance the organization’s economic and community development research capabilities and provide thought leadership to regional stakeholders.
· Balance multiple priorities, working independently or participating as part of a cross-functional team, keeping others informed through clear written and verbal communication, and maintaining a high productivity level.
· Contribute to the organization's efficiency by performing other duties and participating in special projects as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
1. Mentor, initiator, and manager whose work involves supervisory responsibilities for professional, project managers, and administrative support staff members.
2. Exceptional writing and presentation skills and experience communicating effectively in a range of written forms to a wide range of audiences.
3. Has the ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse internal and external groups including elected officials, business, community, and civic organizations.
4. Maintains knowledge of and tracks initiatives at the local, state, and Federal levels that may impact the City’s economic, business, and real estate development efforts and advises the Chief of Staff of related challenges and opportunities.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Completion of a Master's degree program at an accredited college or university in an economics, planning-related field* or an MBA/MPA, plus a minimum of 3 years of experience, but preferably 5 years. Experience in technical city planning or economic development is preferred, but not required.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The work environment includes offices, courtrooms, residences (both occupied and vacant), and commercial, manufacturing, and industrial settings. Performance of duties may be required at emergency response scenes and shelters. Unsanitary conditions and vectors will be encountered. Work will take place both indoors and outdoors and may include exposure to inclement weather.
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 610-447-7700 ext. 7783 FOR A JOB APPLICATION OR DOWNLOAD FROM THE CHESTER CITY WEBSITE AT WWW.CHESTERCITY.COM
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Ability to Relocate:
Chester, PA 19013: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
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