Manager, Economic Development

Overview

To establish goals and objectives for economic and community development and redevelopment in the City of Sarasota.  To manage and coordinate all redevelopment activities in the City’s Community Redevelopment Areas (CRA’s) and supervise staff activities in support of the Downtown Improvement District.  To serve as principal economic development and redevelopment advisor to the Department Director, City Manager, Community Redevelopment Agencies and the City Commission, to achieve the City’s goals and objectives. Provides management oversight of the City’s Real Property including property management, leases, improvements on Real Property, and purchase/transfer or sale of City-owned real property.

Essential Functions

Oversees the creation and implementation of economic development and redevelopment plans proposed for the City of Sarasota. This includes the development of strategies to attract and retain businesses, and business investment, in accordance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and all applicable code and regulations.
Serves as an advocate for redevelopment projects to improve the overall quality of life for City residents and facilitate smooth and timely completion of those projects.
Facilitates positive stakeholder relations with community members, developers, business owners, local philanthropic groups, chamber of commerce organizations and more.
Implements the Community Redevelopment Area Plans to accomplish the objectives outlined in these Plans.
Initiates projects to revitalize the CRA areas using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds.
Analyzes pertinent demographic, business, retail and marketing data to guide sound, rational decision making on economic development policies and programs.
Coordinates development of a comprehensive site inventory and marketing plan to showcase existing and emerging economic development opportunities in the City.
Actively directs projects during the formation of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to accomplish the objectives detailed in the City’s Community Redevelopment Area Plans.
Oversees preparation of reports to the Community Redevelopment Agency on specific redevelopment proposals.
Monitors economic conditions in Sarasota, receives quarterly reports from Managers and makes oral presentations to the City Manager, City Commission, Community Redevelopment Agency, and others as necessary and appropriate.
Works closely with development professionals, the business community, lenders, realtors and representatives from other diverse groups interested in the City.
Prepares pertinent reports that show economic development and redevelopment activities throughout the City and CRA’s.
Maintains the economic development information on the City’s website.
Serves as staff liaison to the Newtown Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board (NCRAAB) including meeting management and implementing all initiatives as directed by the Board.
Manages the City’s Real Property including handling inquiries, property uses, lease negotiations, lease development, lease renewals, tenant compliance, inspection program for leased property, and physical improvements on City-owned land through review and approval of building permits. Manages Purchase and Sale Agreements of real property owned by the City or being purchased by the City, As required, makes presentations to, and seeks approvals of, the City Commission.
Oversees activities of the Downtown Improvement District.
Supervises staff of the Office of Economic Development and oversees all HR related functions.
The intent of this class description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that would be required of classifications given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbent may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business Administration, Planning, Public Administration, Finance or closely related field,
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience with at least five (5) years in an administrative or supervisory capacity in community development programs such as urban planning; economic development; urban revitalization and redevelopment; or the equivalent in education, training, and experience, which would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities,
A Masters Degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of experience,
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License is required,
Real Estate experience preferred,
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) membership is preferred.
Job Based Competencies

Knowledge and experience in Community Development, Economic Development, Redevelopment, Urban Development principles, Urban Planning and Marketing.
Knowledge and experience in urban planning/design, land use law, redevelopment, applicable plans, codes, and regulatory documents, preparation/review of redevelopment and development agreements.
Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and programs related to land use, grant procurement / administration and economic development activities.
Considerable knowledge of private sector lending practices.
Experience attracting desirable retail businesses, merchants, professional offices, and other businesses to low-income communities.
Experience working with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts as related to financing and implementing public/private projects.
Experience developing and implementing data-dependent studies to target and encourage commercial development opportunities and achieve desired results.
Experience in overseeing and monitoring the development of a business communication strategy and related marketing materials.
Experience working with diverse, multi-disciplinary groups to achieve complex objectives.
Experience working with historically marginalized communities and implementing successful public outreach projects among minority groups.
Ability to lead multiple department efforts to create and implement plans for economic development or redevelopment.
Ability to develop strategies, plans, programs, or projects based upon direction from city officials, with considerable input from the public, regulatory agencies, special interest groups, etc.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of budget preparation and public administration.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city staff, elected officials, neighborhood representatives, business leaders, social service providers, and others.
Responsibility

Under the direction of and responsible to the Director or designated representative. Plans, assigns, and directs the work of the key staff of the division with maximum reliance on delegated responsibility and authority in the conduct of continuing, day-to-day operations.

Physical Requirements

This is primarily office work requiring limited physical effort.   Position requires visual acuity for reviewing, checking, preparing, and maintaining written and computer files.   Incumbent is required to have sufficient hearing to accurately perceive information at normal spoken word levels.   Manual dexterity to operate standard office, data entry, and word processing equipment is required.

Retirement Benefit

The City of Sarasota made the transition to become a Florida Retirement System (FRS) employer effective December 1, 2021. To learn more about what this benefit may mean for you, please visit MyFrs.com. Please note that if you are hired to work for the City of Sarasota as an FRS employer, you will be asked to complete a form to certify your FRS status, as there may be an impact to any FRS benefit you are already receiving.