Administrator Local Business Development

Oakland County; Waterford Charter Township (MI); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland County seeks a seasoned leader to head the Local Business Development Unit, guiding programs that strengthen downtowns, preserve historic districts, and support small businesses across the County. The role oversees budgets, coordinates with regional and state agencies, and advises county leadership on opportunities in economic development with a focus on community impact.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, 7+ years of relevant experience, a professional license,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 7+ years of progressive experience in urban planning, economic development, or downtown development.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Local Business Development Unit to develop and implement programs supporting local economic development in Oakland County.
• Assess business community needs and redevelopment strategies for downtowns and commercial areas across the County.
• Oversee Main Street Oakland County downtown revitalization programs and related heritage tourism services.
• Direct small business programs including recruitment, retention, and training; administer budgets to support strategic priorities.
• Serve as liaison to regional, state, and national downtown revitalization and economic development agencies.
• Monitor legislation affecting local economic development and advise County administration on impacts and opportunities.
• Review and present recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and County Executive; use county software to manage information.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Policy liaison

Public speaking

Grant management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning/Architecture/Landscape Architecture/Historic Preservation/Community Development/Business Administration/Public Administration/Economics or related field

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary $108,225 - $145,001 This is a hybrid position

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Local Business Development Unit, inspire and supervise staff in developing and implementing programs and initiatives that support local economic development cities, villages and townships in Oakland County
• Assess business community needs and economic conditions to develop, coordinate, and implement redevelopment strategies for downtowns, and commercial areas of urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the County
• Oversee Main Street Oakland County’s downtown revitalization programs, redevelopment plans, historic preservation initiatives, and local heritage tourism programs and services
• Direct small business programs and services, including business recruitment, retention and training
• Prepare and administer the budget to support strategic plan and program priorities
• Serve as the County’s liaison to regional, state, and national downtown revitalization and economic development agencies and organizations
• Monitor state and federal legislation affecting local economic development and advise County administration on potential impacts and opportunities
• Review, prepare, and present recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, County Executive, and other public officials
• Use County and department software to manage information and complete assignments

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Shape initiatives that strengthen local economies and help Oakland County communities thrive
• Support entrepreneurs and small businesses while helping downtowns grow and retain their unique character
• Connect economic development with historic preservation, heritage tourism, and neighborhood revitalization
• Build partnerships with nonprofits, community leaders, public officials, and economic development organizations
• Apply your leadership and strategic planning skills to meaningful public service with a visible community impact
• Support staff development through mentorship, coaching, and opportunities that promote professional growth

Minimum Qualifications

Possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Community Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics or a related field. Have at least seven (7) years of full-time, progressively responsible work experience in city, county or regional planning, private consulting planning, downtown development, real estate development, economic development or other closely related professional experience. Possess a professional license, registration or certification from a recognized licensing agency in downtown management, historic preservation planning, architectural history, architecture, planning, economic development, real estate broker/salesperson, or closely related profession. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. NOTE: A Master's Degree in one of the fields listed above may be substituted for one (1) year of the required work experience.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Considerable experience working with national/state or local historic preservation and main street programs/organizations.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public agencies, private organizations, County employees and officials and the general public.
• Considerable ability to prepare and present reports, analysis and studies on a variety of technical issues related to economic development.
• Considerable knowledge of land use and infrastructure relationships and of the variables which affect economic development.
• Considerable knowledge of the economic, business and financial factors which affect business investment/disinvestment, and the location of economic activity.
• Considerable knowledge of all relevant state and federal economic development programs, incentives and techniques, as well as local community policies toward business retention and attraction.
• Considerable ability to follow complex written and oral instructions.
• Considerable ability to speak publicly in front of large groups.
• Considerable ability to deal effectively in controversial and adversarial situations.
• Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software.

Special Requirements

Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

Supervision Exercised

Functions as a supervisor over professional and technical employees. Instructs, assigns, reviews work, approves time off, appraises performance and recommends employees for increase or promotion. Effectively recommends on hiring, discipline and discharge.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage, oversee and supervise the work of professional, technical and clerical staff in the Local Business Development program to ensure that Unit objectives and the opportunity for career advancement of each staff member are being met.
• Recommends annual project goals and objectives for the Local Business Development program and the methods used to accomplish these goals.
• Prepares and manages the annual budget for the programs, projects and activities of the Local Business Development Unit.
• Seeks out, applies for and manages grants for the Local Business Development Unit.
• Reviews and prepares and/or presents recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, County Executive and public officials on local business development plans and programs for the purpose of determining or implementing policy.
• Assesses needs and economic conditions and prepares, coordinates and implements redevelopment strategies for downtown, urban, suburban and commercial development areas in the county.
• Coordinates and builds partnerships with local governments, tax capture authorities and non-profit economic development organizations and prepares tailored work program and consulting services to meet their identified needs.
• Supervises staff in the development and implementation of the Main Street Oakland County downtown revitalization program targeting historic downtowns, hamlets and heritage corridors.
• Supervises staff in the development of housing, neighborhood, historic preservation plans, and local heritage tourism programs and services.
• Supervises staff in the development and implementation of programs and services for small businesses including business recruitment, retention and training.
• Coordinates with external organizations and resources to develop and promote seminars, small business assistance centers, programs, and services to support local business development.
• Acts as the liaison between the County and regional, state and national downtown revitalization and economic development agencies and organizations.
• Develops and maintains relationships with banks, foundations and other funding organizations for the purpose of developing grant programs for small businesses and local economic development organizations.
• Develops and maintains relationships with developers, businesses and property owners, advocates for investing and in Oakland county and coordinates available business development resources and services.
• Arranges and facilitates discussions between developers, local governments and local economic development organizations on investment opportunities.
• Monitors state and federal legislation impacting Oakland county and local communities in the area of local economic development and reports to the county administration potential impacts and opportunities.
• Makes recommendations and/or persuades and negotiates with personnel of other agencies, public officials, other employees, and the public.
• Participates as a lead presenter at conferences, workshops and other planning related activities.
• Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

May be required to work an adjusted schedule involving evening hours and/or weekends to attend municipal Boards and related project meetings or activities.

Essential Mental & PhysicalRequirements

Ability to communicate to accurately convey information Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment. May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.

Important Note

The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor. Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union

BU90 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Economic Dev Supv (UAW) *If applicable EEO Statement

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace.

All ways, MOVING FORWARD.

At Oakland County, we offer a stable and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and generous education assistance program. We value the dedication and hard work of our team and our commitment to the communities we serve - it's at the heart of our success. We're always seeking new ways to enhance our workplace and foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and innovation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and our future depends on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of our team.