Deputy Director-Redevelopment

City of Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Fort Wayne seeks an experienced executive to serve as Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, guiding the Department of Redevelopment and advancing economic development strategies. The role oversees projects, finances, real estate, staff, and Commission operations to deliver tangible neighborhood and investment outcomes.

The position requires leading complex redevelopment efforts, negotiating agreements, and representing the Commission with City Council,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, economic development, public administration, real estate, business, or related field.
• Four to ten years of progressively responsible related experience.
• Experience developing and managing 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.
• A master's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead redevelopment and economic development strategies, budgets, and departmental goals.
• Evaluate opportunities, provide policy recommendations on financing and implementation.
• Negotiate complex public-private development agreements and real estate transactions.
• Oversee budgets, bonds, meetings, and documentation for the Redevelopment Commission.
• Represent the Commission to City Council, agencies, partners, developers, and the public.
• Direct and manage department staff and operations.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures for day-to-day operations.

Skills

Public-private partnerships

Urban planning knowledge

Economic development

Financial analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, economics, real estate, or related field

Master's degree preferred

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.