Urban Renewal Manager

City of Bend; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Job summary

The City of Bend seeks an experienced Urban Renewal Manager to lead transformative redevelopment strategies that support economic vitality, infrastructure investment and vibrant community spaces. This role oversees the Bend Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) and collaborates with elected officials, developers and staff to implement complex projects across multiple renewal areas.

The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with practical implementation, strong financial acumen, and exceptional

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• 2 years’ experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks.
• 1 year of managerial experience.
• Experience with urban renewal, redevelopment, and public administration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct, plan, organize and manage urban renewal and redevelopment strategies for Bend areas.
• Lead urban renewal staff and cross-functional project teams in planning, implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee Bend Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) Board strategies, budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Develop budgets, tax increment financing (TIF), and financial forecasting for urban renewal.
• Prepare reports and presentations for BURA Board, City Council, and community stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations and policy development for public/private partnership projects.
• Guide conceptual development of urban renewal areas from inception to maturation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project management

Communication

Public stakeholder engagement

Financial acumen

Team leadership

Education

Associate’s degree in urban planning/public administration/economic development

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1), full-time Urban Renewal Manager. This is a FLSA Exempt (overtime in-eligible), non-represented position. The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.

The City of Bend is seeking an experienced and visionary urban renewal and redevelopment professional, to lead transformative redevelopment initiatives that support economic vitality, infrastructure investment and vibrant community spaces. The position plays a key leadership role by strategically managing complex efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and lead the urban renewal team to support economic development, improve infrastructure, and create places where people want to live, work, and gather. As the city’s Urban Renewal Manager, you’ll work with a variety of stakeholders including elected officials, community members, developers, business leaders, and City staff to bring redevelopment visions to life.

Bend is one of Oregon's fastest-growing communities and continues to balance growth, livability, economic opportunity, and infrastructure investment. This position provides a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the community through strategic redevelopment and urban renewal initiatives.

Classification Framework: Manager I

The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in the role and not intended to be an exhaustive list.

• Direct, plan, organize and manage complex urban renewal and redevelopment strategies for all Bend urban renewal areas
• Provide leadership and direction to urban renewal staff and cross-functional project teams responsible for redevelopment planning, implementation, and stakeholder engagement
• Manage the Bend Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) Board by providing strategies, financial management, and direct oversight
• Develop and administer urban renewal budgets, tax increment financing (TIF), and financial forecasting
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for the BURA Board, City Council, advisory committees and community stakeholders
• Lead urban renewal negotiations and policy development for City, private sector and public/private partnership projects
• Lead conceptual development and implementation of a variety of urban renewal areas, including industrial and urban/mixed-use, in stages ranging from inception to maturation
• Ensure transparent, exceptional fiscal management of Bend’s Tax Increment Finance Urban Renewal budget
• Develop strategies, programs and projects that invite public use, vitality and inclusivity to urban redevelopment

The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative, and solutions-oriented leader with experience guiding complex redevelopment initiatives and managing public investments. They bring expertise in urban renewal and economic development, strong financial acumen, and the ability to build trust with elected officials, community members, developers, and partner organizations. The successful candidate effectively balances long‑term vision with practical implementation and demonstrates exceptional communication, political acumen, and sound judgment.

Working knowledge of:

• Urban renewal principles and Oregon urban renewal law
• Economic development, redevelopment, and community revitalization strategies
• Tax increment financing (TIF), municipal finance, and bond financing
• Real estate development, urban planning, and urban design principles
• Public administration and local government operations
• Oregon municipal planning, development, and housing regulations
• Project management and implementation of complex capital and redevelopment projects

Skills in:

• Ability to direct, manage and organize urban renewal functions
• Ability to create and implement strategic investment plans
• Ability to use independent judgement and discretion to resolve complex challenges
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction, while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others
• Manage a high volume of tasks at one time, including organizing and prioritizing own work and the work of others
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co‑workers, supervisors, the public and other stakeholders sufficient to exchange or convey information to provide and receive work directions
• Navigate complex public policy, political, and community interests while maintaining transparency, professionalism, and strong public trust
• Demonstrate a high attention to detail
• Effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing, including by phone, e‑mail, or in person
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals and groups, both through direct reports and other internal and external teams
• Ability to be an effective collaborator in a team‑centered environment and work effectively under minimal direction
• Ability to exercise keen time management skills, balance multiple priorities, and consistently meet timelines and due dates
• Skill in oral presentation and written communications and ability to utilize broad technology applications in documents processing, spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint presentations and publishing software applications
• Ability to use software programs such as Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint and other interactive computer programs as well as common office equipment

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business administration, economic development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• 2 years’ experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks
• 1 year of managerial experience

Certification/Licensing Requirements:

• Current and valid driver’s license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook

Desired (but not required) Attributes:

• A Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field
• Certifications in planning, commercial real estate and/or economic development
• Experience with municipal bond financing
• Experience working in the public sector with elected officials, advisory boards, and public agencies

Application Deadline: Applications received by 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Pacific Time on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, will be included in the initial review and considered for interviews. However, the position will remain open until filled.

Application Requirements: To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes all of the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Supplemental Question

Veterans’ Preference: Applications seeking Veteran’s Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application. For more information click here.

Equity Statement: The City of Bendremains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend’s Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.

Benefits: The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting.

Starting Compensation: Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate’s education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.