Director of Economic Development and Urban Revitalization

City of Greeley•Greeley, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Economic Development and Urban Revitalization (EDUR) is responsible and accountable for leadership and management of the department, including its personnel, budget, and resources. As a member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team and in collaboration with all City departments, the Director is responsible for translating City Council priorities into measurable economic development outcomes, removing organizational barriers to execution, and ensuring delivery of projects that generate jobs, private investment, tax base growth, and community benefit. The Director owns the development, update, and execution of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and establishes annual priorities, performance dashboards, and accountability systems for department staff. The Director leads proactive efforts to attract, retain and grow new investment that diversifies and enhances Greeley’s economic base.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in economics, planning, public or business administration, or related field.
Ten (10) or more years of experience in progressively responsible positions in an economic development, redevelopment or planning agency, or related private sector experience.
Experience with mediation, conflict resolution, and effective problem solving.
Experience with effective problem solving, contract negotiations, site selection, strategic planning and leading interdisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated success working in a community with demographics similar to the City of Greeley.
Five (5) years or more supervising a high performance team.
OR Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job, AND Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Certification in economic development (CECD or EDI Certificate)
Knowledge of fiscal impact and community analysis software.
Knowledge with the use of maps, charts, and other graphic tools.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide overall strategic leadership and operational direction for the Economic Development Department to deliver measurable outcomes aligned with City priorities and values.
Establish annual department priorities, performance metrics, economic/community indicators, and reporting cadence; monitor results and hold managers accountable for business attraction, retention, expansion, site readiness, redevelopment, and workforce alignment outcomes.
Lead cross-departmental coordination to accelerate site readiness, infrastructure delivery, entitlement timelines, permitting processes, development feasibility, and Capital Improvement Planning (CIP) alignment.
Serve as the City’s senior economic development representative; cultivate and negotiate strategic partnerships at local, regional, state, and national levels to advance investment, redevelopment, and workforce objectives.
Provide executive oversight of real estate strategy, redevelopment initiatives, and complex/high-impact development projects to remove barriers, align resources, and manage risk.
Direct economic research, impact analysis, and site analysis functions to ensure accurate, timely data on demographics, taxes, fees, entitlements, permitting requirements, infrastructure readiness, and development feasibility to support business recruitment and investment decisions.
Develop, update, and execute the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan (target industries, incentive strategies, redevelopment priorities, and measurable goals).
Implement strategies to preserve and expand the tax base, attract primary employment, strengthen retail vitality, support sustainable revenue growth, and enhance long-term economic prosperity.
Maintain prospect databases, economic indicators, and performance reporting systems; prepare and present oral/written reports to City leadership, City Council, stakeholders, and the public.
Collaborate with all City departments to promote the City as a business-friendly community and coordinate with Communications & Engagement on tourism promotion and community branding initiatives.
Represent the City and engage key partners including University of Northern Colorado, Aims Community College, Chamber of Commerce, Upstate Colorado Economic Development, Small Business Development Center, University District, Downtown Development Authority, Greeley Urban Renewal Authority (GURA), Creative District, and other local/regional/national entities.
Prepare and administer the department’s annual operating budget and provide input on relevant CIPs.
Establish and lead a high-performing department, including defining staffing levels and roles, delegating authority through managers, and ensuring organizational capacity is focused on external execution.
Lead and support hiring, performance evaluation, coaching, professional development, and performance management; ensure accountability for assigned goals and outcomes.
Ensure effective internal processes, sound business and financial management practices, conflict resolution approaches, and compliance with applicable safety policies and procedures.
Provide executive leadership and oversight of Urban Renewal Authority programs and activities, ensuring statutory compliance, financial stewardship, and alignment with City economic development priorities.
Ensure effective coordination of Urban Renewal Authority Board governance, policy development, tax increment financing (TIF) implementation, development agreements, and long-term district performance.
Oversee preparation of Urban Renewal plans/amendments, financial analyses, and redevelopment strategies; ensure integration with site readiness, infrastructure planning, housing objectives, and private investment goals.
Serve as the primary executive sponsor for major redevelopment projects within Urban Renewal areas, coordinating across departments, developers, and external partners.
Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with brokers, businesses and development communities.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Organize and delegate assignments to team members; Hiring, training, motivating and coaching employees; Evaluate employee performance and goal setting; Hold employees accountable for assigned task and goals; Provide timely and constructive feedback and training opportunities; Provide training opportunities with a focus on employee development; Resolve conflicts and complaints; Analyzing information and processes and develop more effective or efficient processes; Establishing and achieving business and financial objectives; Ensure compliance with safety procedures