Executive Director, Redevelopment & Public-Private Growth

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

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.