Deputy Director-Redevelopment

City-of-Fort-Wayn; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Fort Wayne is seeking an experienced Executive Director to lead the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission and the Department of Redevelopment. You will guide economic development strategies, oversee multimillion-dollar projects, and manage real estate transactions, staff, and Commission operations.

The role requires strong leadership, public‑private partnership experience, and deep knowledge of urban planning, redevelopment, and municipal government.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field; master preferred.
• Four to ten years of progressively responsible related experience or equivalent.
• Experience developing and managing innovative public‑private partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of urban planning, redevelopment, real estate development, municipal government, and economic development strategies.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to redevelopment and economic development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the City's redevelopment and economic development strategies, initiatives, budgets, and departmental goals.
• Evaluate opportunities and provide policy recommendations on financing, implementation, and long-term management.
• Negotiate complex public‑private development agreements and real estate transactions.
• Oversee budgets, bonds, financial responsibilities, meetings, agendas, and documentation.
• Represent the Redevelopment Commission before City Council, agencies, developers, and the public.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Public administration

Urban planning knowledge

Negotiation

Public-private partnerships

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning / related

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Budgeting tools

Financial analysis tools

Job description

Community Development – Redevelopment

Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; schedule may vary

Can you turn complex development opportunities into projects that strengthen neighborhoods, attract investment, and shape Fort Wayne's future? The City of Fort Wayne is seeking an experienced, strategic leader to guide redevelopment initiatives, manage multimillion-dollar projects, and build successful public-private partnerships.

What You'll Do

Serve as the Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission and lead the Department of Redevelopment. This executive-level position is responsible for advancing the City’s economic development and redevelopment strategies while overseeing projects, finances, real estate transactions, staff, and Commission operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the City’s redevelopment and economic development strategies, initiatives, work programs, budgets, and departmental goals.
• Evaluate development opportunities and provide policy recommendations related to project financing, implementation, and long‑term management.
• Negotiate complex public‑private development agreements, real‑estate acquisitions, property dispositions, and other redevelopment transactions.
• Oversee the Redevelopment Commission’s budgets, bonds, financial responsibilities, meetings, agendas, resolutions, and required documentation.
• Represent the Redevelopment Commission and Community Development Division before City Council, governmental agencies, business and civic organizations, developers, the media, and the public.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Direct and manage employees within the Department of Redevelopment.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Assign and direct work, establish priorities, address performance concerns, and resolve workplace issues.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures supporting effective day-to-day operations.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, economic development, public administration, real estate, business, or a closely related field.
• Four to ten years of progressively responsible related experience, training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing innovative public‑private partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of urban planning, redevelopment, real estate development, municipal government, and economic development strategies.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to redevelopment and economic development.
• Experience managing multiple complex, multimillion‑dollar projects simultaneously.

Closely related professional experience may substitute for up to two years of the required college education. A master’s degree is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to evaluate complex issues, analyze data, identify solutions, and make sound recommendations.
• Strong financial understanding, including budgets, bonds, project financing, percentages, ratios, and statistical information.
• Ability to research and prepare redevelopment plans, reports, contracts, policies, resolutions, and presentations.
• Exceptional written, verbal, negotiation, and public‑presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively regarding complex or sensitive matters.
• Ability to build productive relationships with elected officials, Commission members, City leadership, staff, developers, business and civic organizations, governmental agencies, the media, and the public.

License Requirement

A valid Indiana driver’s license is required when operating a City vehicle.

Physical and Work Environment

This position primarily works in an office environment with a moderate noise level. The employee must be able to communicate effectively, sit or stand for periods of time, occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds, and perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Why Work for the City of Fort Wayne?

This is an opportunity to lead projects with a lasting impact on Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods, economy, and future growth. You will work alongside City leaders, community partners, developers, and residents to turn strategic ideas into meaningful investments and visible community improvements.

The City of Fort Wayne is an Equal Opportunity Employer.