Administrator Local Business Development

Oakland County•Waterford, MI

7d•$108,225 - $145,001•Hybrid

About The Position

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward. This is a hybrid position Are you an experienced leader passionate about strengthening local businesses and creating thriving communities? Be part of a supportive, collaborative high achieving team that makes a real impact in public service. Join Oakland County as the Administrator of Local Business Development and lead initiatives that support downtown revitalization, community redevelopment, and small business growth.

Requirements

Possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Community Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics or a related field.
Have at least seven (7) years of full-time, progressively responsible work experience in city, county or regional planning, private consulting planning, downtown development, real estate development, economic development or other closely related professional experience.
Possess a professional license, registration or certification from a recognized licensing agency in downtown management, historic preservation planning, architectural history, architecture, planning, economic development, real estate broker/salesperson, or closely related profession.
Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.
Functions as a supervisor over professional and technical employees. Instructs, assigns, reviews work, approves time off, appraises performance and recommends employees for increase or promotion. Effectively recommends on hiring, discipline and discharge.
Ability to communicate to accurately convey information
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger

Nice To Haves

A Master's Degree in one of the fields listed above may be substituted for one (1) year of the required work experience.
Considerable experience working with national/state or local historic preservation and main street programs/organizations.
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development.
Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public agencies, private organizations, County employees and officials and the general public.
Considerable ability to prepare and present reports, analysis and studies on a variety of technical issues related to economic development.
Considerable knowledge of land use and infrastructure relationships and of the variables which affect economic development.
Considerable knowledge of the economic, business and financial factors which affect business investment/disinvestment, and the location of economic activity.
Considerable knowledge of all relevant state and federal economic development programs, incentives and techniques, as well as local community policies toward business retention and attraction.
Considerable ability to follow complex written and oral instructions.
Considerable ability to speak publicly in front of large groups.
Considerable ability to deal effectively in controversial and adversarial situations.
Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software.

Responsibilities

Lead the Local Business Development Unit, inspire and supervise staff in developing and implementing programs and initiatives that support local economic development cities, villages and townships in Oakland County
Assess business community needs and economic conditions to develop, coordinate, and implement redevelopment strategies for downtowns, and commercial areas of urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the County
Oversee Main Street Oakland County’s downtown revitalization programs, redevelopment plans, historic preservation initiatives, and local heritage tourism programs and services
Direct small business programs and services, including business recruitment, retention, and training
Prepare and administer the budget to support strategic plan and program priorities
Serve as the County’s liaison to regional, state, and national downtown revitalization and economic development agencies and organizations
Monitor state and federal legislation affecting local economic development and advise County administration on potential impacts and opportunities
Review, prepare, and present recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, County Executive, and other public officials
Use County and department software to manage information and complete assignments
Manage, oversee and supervise the work of professional, technical and clerical staff in the Local Business Development program to ensure that Unit objectives and the opportunity for career advancement of each staff member are being met.
Recommends annual project goals and objectives for the Local Business Development program and the methods used to accomplish these goals.
Prepares and manages the annual budget for the programs, projects and activities of the Local Business Development Unit.
Seeks out, applies for and manages grants for the Local Business Development Unit.
Reviews and prepares and/or presents recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, County Executive and public officials on local business development plans and programs for the purpose of determining or implementing policy.
Assesses needs and economic conditions and prepares, coordinates and implements redevelopment strategies for downtown, urban, suburban and commercial development areas in the county.
Coordinates and builds partnerships with local governments, tax capture authorities and non-profit economic development organizations and prepares tailored work program and consulting services to meet their identified needs.
Supervises staff in the development and implementation of the Main Street Oakland County downtown revitalization program targeting historic downtowns, hamlets and heritage corridors.
Supervises staff in the development of housing, neighborhood, historic preservation plans, and local heritage tourism programs and services.
Supervises staff in the development and implementation of programs and services for small businesses including business recruitment, retention and training.
Coordinates with external organizations and resources to develop and promote seminars, small business assistance centers, programs, and services to support local business development.
Acts as the liaison between the County and regional, state and national downtown revitalization and economic development agencies and organizations.
Develops and maintains relationships with banks, foundations and other funding organizations for the purpose of developing grant programs for small businesses and local economic development organizations.
Develops and maintains relationships with developers, businesses and property owners, advocates for investing and in Oakland county and coordinates available business development resources and services.
Arranges and facilitates discussions between developers, local governments and local economic development organizations on investment opportunities.
Monitors state and federal legislation impacting Oakland county and local communities in the area of local economic development and reports to the county administration potential impacts and opportunities.
Makes recommendations and/or persuades and negotiates with personnel of other agencies, public officials, other employees, and the public.
Participates as a lead presenter at conferences, workshops and other planning related activities.
Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.