Description of Work

Position Definition: Plans, organizes and implements economic and community development functions from conception to completion, including planning, zoning, code enforcement, business development and tourism, recruitment, and guidance to incoming businesses, retention of businesses, city revitalization and blight issues, mobility and parking, and promotion of the City attributes. Implements economic development goals and objectives for the City, interfaces and coordinates with the development community, local businesses and various City departments and staff. Oversees and coordinates the Departments of Planning and Zoning, Code Enforcement, Business Development and Tourism and Transportation, Mobility and Parking.

General Duties: Reports to the Mayor and is responsible for the following: Directs and coordinates the activities of the City's Office of Economic and Community Development with other City departments, boards and agencies; business and organizations; community groups; and regional, state and federal agencies. Analyzes existing economic situations relative to business attraction and expansion; reviews modern techniques for business attraction and retention and negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; monitors program performance and provides reports to the Mayor. Ensures implementation and enforcement of planning and zoning ordinances. Issues interpretations of city zoning, planning, building and related ordinances and regulations. Develops and implements short and long term economic development goals; gathers information and prepares studies, reports and recommendations to retain existing business, to attract new business, and to present a positive image of the City. Becomes familiar with the existing inventory of available public and private buildings and businesses and land areas in the City. Establishes criteria for measuring success of these various initiatives. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of various community and economic development programs and efforts. Develops infrastructure (industrial parks, utilities, transportation, etc.) to support business growth and expansion. Researches, identifies and utilizes resources for community and economic development, including sources of funding and technical expertise. Meets with the public, developers and contractors; discussing planning, zoning and development issues; interprets information in City ordinances pertaining to the department. Researches and analyzes business, economic, socioeconomic and related data affecting strategic planning of community and economic development activities. Monitors local, state and Federal legislation and regulations relating to community and economic development, and reports findings, trends and recommendations to staff and the Mayor. Leads efforts to update and streamline city processes through the implementation of best practices and the roll-out of technological solutions. Works with city teams to update ordinances and regulations related to economic and community development priorities for the city. Maintains good relationships with public and government officials, business leaders, developers, local and regional organizations, and the general public.

Additional Duties: Attends professional, civic, and social gatherings, as appropriate, to represent and promote interests of the City and to collect information pertinent to advancement of interests of the City. May prepare, write and administer grant applications related to economic development. Provides information and makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the public on economic development issues, programs, services and plans. Establishes and maintains a database information system pertaining to the City's economic development and makes this information available to the public. Other related duties as assigned.

Supervised By: Receives general supervision from the Mayor.

Note: The above is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of economic development planning, strategies, implementation and program evaluation. Comprehensive knowledge of economic development issues, principles and techniques, including state and federal policies and programs, capital improvements programming, applicable regulations and regulatory devices, associated data sources and information systems. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department heads, elected and appointed officials, other governmental agencies, business and community organizations, the public and the media. Must have demonstrated experience successfully completing time-sensitive and/or high profile projects through collaboration, consensus and creativity. A goal-oriented thinker who has the ability to set clear priorities among multiple tasks and stay focus on project benchmarks and deadlines. Ability to make presentations, write reports and other communication practices; experienced in public relations. Knowledge of general office management and practices, interpersonal communication, employee supervision, and the ability to motivate and direct the work of others. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written material. Ability to use and comprehend computer software programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Planning or closely related field and seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in municipal economic and/or community development including two (2) years of supervisory capacity. Master's Degree in Urban Planning or Public Administration preferred and may be substituted for two years of the aforementioned practical work experience.

Special Licenses/Certifications AND/OR Supplemental Information

License or Certification: Preferred Certification: Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Valid Motor Vehicle License required.

The City of Norwalk is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employeer

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City of Norwalk, CT

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