Assistant Director of Economic Development

The-City-of-Hartfor; South Windsor (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement options

Paid leave

Job summary

The City of Hartford seeks a Division Manager to oversee the Economic Development Division in the Department of Development Services. This role reports to the Division Director, guiding day-to-day operations, aligning programs with city goals, and coordinating with other departments and city staff.

The position emphasizes policy development, staff supervision, and collaboration with public and private partners to advance redevelopment and real estate initiatives.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, public administration, business administration, economics, economic development or a closely related field preferred.
• Four years of progressively responsible work in housing, economic development, planning, commercial real estate or industrial real estate, one year in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Economic Development Division.
• Coordinate with City departments to align programs with city and community goals.
• Represent the Division at council, commission, and NRZ meetings as assigned.
• Assist Division Director in setting direction, priorities and objectives.
• Prepare complex correspondence, memoranda and staff reports.

Skills

Staff supervision

Budgeting

Public administration

Interagency collaboration

Policy development

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning/public administration/economics

Job description

Vacancy is within the Economic Development Division of the Department of Development Services.

This position assists the Division Director of Economic Development in the overall management and administration of the Division of Economic Development within the Department of Development Services. Work involves responsibility for overseeing the administration of all day-to-day activities of the Economic Development Division. Under administrative direction, plans, directs, monitors, and participates in the implementation of programs and projects and supervises subordinate staff involved in such activities; reviews the operations of the Division for efficiency; works with other City departments where work and activities overlap or require the expertise of the Economic Development Division. This position works directly with Department Leaders and City Staff as needed; May attend and represent the Economic Development Division at council, commission and/or NRZ meetings as assigned. Acts for the Division Director at his/her direction, when needed. Assists and advises the Division Director in developing direction, priorities, goals and objectives of the Division that align with City, departmental and community needs and objectives. Assists in establishing and implementing the Division’s internal organization and management systems to effectively meet operating goals and objectives. Assists in developing and evaluating internal policies and operating procedures and develops staff organization to effectively carry out departmental operations. Assists the Division Director in carrying out programs and initiatives related to economic development. Advances discussions and negotiations with public and private sector entities with regard to development projects including City facilitated or City owned properties; and coordinates closely with other City departments and serves as liaison at the direction of the Director for a variety of economic development partners, related committees, community & neighborhood associations, and special interest groups. Prepares a variety of complex correspondence, memoranda and administrative staff reports; coordinate and participate in the preparation of agendas. Attends meetings before Boards, Commissions, City Council and its committees.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may perform additional related duties as required.

This is a non-union classified position. The hours of this position are 40 per week. The above salary includes 5% in lieu of overtime.

The examination will consist of rating your training and experience as contained on your application. It may also include a written test, an oral test, or a combined thereof. All parts of the examination will be designed to measure the following:

Knowledge of:

• General understanding of federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning redevelopment, economic development, real estate, and real property.
• Principles, practices, and methods of economic development and property management.
• Principles, practices, and methods of public administration including budgeting and purchasing.
• Financial procedures and regulations pertaining to real estate, loan management, and property improvements.
• Title report preparation and real estate acquisition and relocation procedures.
• Municipal zoning regulations and development review procedures.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision and leadership, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs of the assigned areas of responsibility.
• Principles and techniques of working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Develop and implement goals and objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with other governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Ensure the confidentiality of sensitive employee information for past, current, and future employees.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Interpret policy contracts, insurance provision and laws as they relate to real property conveyances, management, leasing and licenses, contracts and agreements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship with government officials, business representatives, public and City employees.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with some travel to different sites. Incumbent may be required to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Open to all qualified applicants that meet the following qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, public administration, business administration, economics, economic development or a closely related field preferred AND four (4) years of progressively responsible work in: housing, economic development, planning, commercial real estate or industrial real estate, one (1) year of which must be in a lead or supervisory capacity.

A COPY OF YOUR DIPLOMA OR TRANSCRIPT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. A DIPLOMA OR TRANSCRIPT SUBMITTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

If selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a City physician, a drug and alcohol screening, and a background check. If appointed, you will serve 3-12 months of probation. This examination and employment process is subject to all federal, state, and municipal laws, rules and regulations.

• Benefits include: health and life insurance, retirement options, voluntary benefit programs, and paid leave.
• Application must be completed in its entirety, including required documentation. Applications without proper documentation shall result in your disqualification.
• All correspondence and information concerning the application and testing process will occur via email, unless otherwise requested at the time of application.
• Please be sure to check your junk and spam email for all recruitment communication.
• Applications via facsimile or email are not accepted.

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCES AND LEGAL NOTICES

• Hartford Residency Preferred: Preferably be a bona-fide resident of the City of Hartford at the time of application. A completed City of Hartford Residency Affidavit including proof of residency as indicated on the RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT may be submitted.
• Veteran's Preference Form: Preferential Points may be given to Eligible Veterans. Must submit a Veteran's Preference Form, along with a DD-214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran's Affairs.
• Americans With Disabilities Act: The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• An Affluent Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities