Community Redevelopment Agency Specialist

Lake City, City of•Lake City, FL

About The Position

Under administrative direction, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Specialist provides highly responsible administrative support for research, development, and implementation of CRA plans, programs, and projects. The role supports the CRA’s economic development and redevelopment activities, including public inquiries, grant programs, financial and budgetary systems, reporting, and coordination with City departments and external agencies. The position works a varied schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays. The Specialist may also assist Permit Technicians with building permitting and Code Enforcement Officers with enforcement issues within the CRA district.

Requirements

Associate's degree and two years of experience in urban planning or urban design, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Knowledge of urban planning, downtown, community development, and neighborhood redevelopment practices.
Knowledge of Florida Community Redevelopment Agencies and Downtown Development Boards/Authorities.
Knowledge of social, demographic, economic, and market data.
Knowledge of best practices for creating vibrant urban environments.
Knowledge of community outreach and information program development.
Ability to establish and develop strong, professional relationships.
Clear and concise oral and written communication skills.
Intermediate computer proficiency in document and file management, word processing, database management, Internet, and email use.
Ability to speak to the public and present information to a variety of stakeholders.
Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and respond quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to multitask under tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
Ability to quickly and independently learn new software.
Ability to organize work for timely completion and work with minimal supervision.
Ability to use critical thinking to develop solutions and suggest process improvements.
Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for the designated work schedule.

Responsibilities

Answer questions and provide information to the public by telephone, at the front counter, and via the Internet; route calls as needed.
Collaborate with staff on the development and implementation of redevelopment and economic development plans, projects, programs, policies, procedures, and standards.
Provide administrative support and analysis for the CRA and carry out department directives, initiatives, and programs.
Receive members of the public, government officials, reporters, and organizations; provide information on department procedures and policies, process confidential matters, and refer inquiries when appropriate.
Track economic development and benchmarking measurements; conduct field evaluations and observe existing public patterns.
Compile, draft, and prepare reports, applications, inventories, presentations, proposals, collateral materials, surveys, and other documents.
Arrange conferences, meetings, and events, including determining logistics and informing participants about topics and development issues; compile supporting materials.
Assist with evaluating social, economic, demographic, and market data to identify ways to attract, retain, or expand businesses and industries in redevelopment areas.
Assist businesses and residents with inquiries as a primary contact for economic development and redevelopment projects and programs, and provide general customer service.
Assist with administration of residential, commercial, and other grant programs.
Assist with evaluation, coordination, and facilitation of departmental budgetary and financial systems, and with developing and implementing management, processing, and administrative systems.
Work with divisions and other departments to maintain support systems and provide information about departmental operations.
Serve as liaison between the CRA, City department staff, federal, state, and local agencies, and other third parties on assigned projects; participate in public meetings.
Assist Permit Technicians with building permitting within the CRA district as needed.
Assist Code Enforcement Officers with enforcement issues within the CRA district as needed.
Perform related duties and assist with operations as required to maintain workflow and meet schedules and quality requirements.
Participate in meetings and work groups to coordinate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems, and stay informed about developments, requirements, and policies.