Tax Incentive Manager - Commercial

City of Cleveland•9501 - Economic Development, OH

21d

About The Position

The Commercial Real Property Tax Incentive Manager administers and provides financial oversight for the City of Cleveland’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Commercial Enterprise Zone Tax Exemption, and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) portfolios. The position uses these incentives as financing tools to support public infrastructure, catalyze private investment, advance real estate development, and contribute to long-term economic growth across Cleveland. Working with the Department of Development’s Major Projects Team, the Manager supports the strategic implementation of incentives and assists businesses and real estate developers in using them to move projects forward. The role monitors compliance with Ohio Revised Code requirements, City policies, and negotiated development agreements, while promoting equitable and fiscally responsible investment across Cleveland neighborhoods. Under administrative direction, the position plans, manages, and coordinates assigned functions, which may include administration, citizen engagement, research, and financial operations. The Manager develops work rules, implements training programs, and may manage assigned staff to support departmental objectives. Other job-related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Four years of full-time paid management or administrative experience required.
A valid State of Ohio Driver’s License required.
Two years of an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Ohio real property incentive statutes and economic development programs.
Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
Ability to evaluate complex development deals and balance financial risk with public benefit.
Strong attention to detail in managing multiple funding sources and compliance requirements.
Collaborative approach to working across departments and with external partners.
Commitment to equitable development and community impact.

Responsibilities

Support the structuring of development deals that use incentives as gap financing, including analyzing development pro formas and assessing financial gaps, risks, and public benefits.
Develop financial models and projections to evaluate feasibility, return on investment, and impacts on partner agencies receiving tax revenue affected by incentives.
Collaborate with project managers, real estate developers, and finance partners to structure compliant and effective incentive agreements.
Monitor TIF district revenue streams and expenditures to ensure they align with approved uses, including infrastructure, parks, and public improvements.
Serve as a liaison among internal departments, external partners, and taxing authorities, including the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Cleveland Metroparks, and Cleveland Public Library.
Ensure compliance with enabling legislation, development agreements, and state statutes.
Track and report district-wide TIF performance, including revenue generation, expenditures, forgone taxes, and project outcomes.
Prepare reports, memos, and presentations for City leadership, City Council, and external stakeholders.
Support implementation of Cleveland’s evolving TIF strategy, including district-scale approaches to funding transformative infrastructure investments.
Evaluate opportunities to expand or modify TIF districts in alignment with City priorities, such as waterfront development, neighborhood investment, and economic equity.
Plan, manage, and coordinate assigned functions, potentially including administration, citizen engagement, research, and financial operations.
Develop work rules, implement training programs, and potentially manage assigned staff.
Perform other job-related duties as required.