Manager, Economic Development

City of Sarasota•College Park, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License is required

Nice To Haves

A Masters Degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of experience
Real Estate experience preferred
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) membership is preferred

Responsibilities

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.