Senior Community Development Manager

• Bachelor’s degree in Historic Preservation, Architecture or Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Political Science, Public Administration, or related field, and five years related experience preferred but not required.
• Thorough knowledge of community development and redevelopment principles, practices, methods, and techniques relative to historic preservation, planning, housing, and economic development. Includes the ability to apply these principles and procedures as required. Work requires considerable independent judgment and initiative including analytical and technical problem solving. Ability to prepare and present written and oral reports clearly and concisely; analyze problems and identify solutions; interpret and apply laws and regulations and advance the vision as set by the Department, City Council and Mayor.
• Working knowledge of, and demonstrated ability to, manage computer operations and applications. Working knowledge of database and spreadsheet applications. Computers skills in web-based software, related programs, and basic word processing and programs. Perform a wide variety of technical duties using personal computers, portable computers, and smartphones or similar devices. Must be proficient using Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Must be able to use Outlook to professionally correspond with City staff and the public, maintain current contact lists, maintain appointments using calendars and track projects using tasks in Outlook. Must quickly learn and use department software and know how to troubleshoot and analyze software or hardware issues as they arise.
• Knowledge of local government and non-profit organizations as required to complete job assignments. Specialized knowledge of federal and state regulations as applied to Department activities and duties outlined herein.
• Working knowledge of historic preservation, construction, architecture, finance, legal research, contracts, social services, real estate, public relations, budgeting and public finance.

Incumbent serves as Senior Community Development Manager for the Economic Development Department and is responsible for directing, coordinating, and reviewing the economic development and redevelopment programs for the City. Incumbent ensures compliance with program regulations, procedures and restrictions. Incumbent’s duties have a significant impact on overall departmental performance, with actions based on interpreting and recommending regulations, objectives, programs, and operations. Work assignments are generally planned in advance and unusual problems are anticipated in terms of departmental policies. Work is reviewed for attainment of departmental standards and overall contribution to departmental and City vision.

Essential Functions:

• Manages and assists with the direction and coordination of the Department and its economic development and redevelopment activities that include, but are not limited to, housing, commercial, office and industrial development; historic preservation; workforce development; attraction, retention and expansion of domestic and international business; small business development and startups; downtown development; public facilities and infrastructure; and capital and quality of life improvement projects.
• Helps to implement and develop long range planning activities for the City in cooperation with city boards and commissions, community agencies and other units of government including, but not limited to, the City of Lafayette Historic Preservation Commission, City of Lafayette Parking Commission, Lafayette School Corporation, Greater Lafayette Commerce, Tippecanoe Area Plan Commission, City of West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County as well as private sector businesses and community organizations.
• Provides housing, demographic, economic, and other data for planning activities of the Department, other agencies and City departments.
• Assists Department Director in preparation of budgets and financial reporting and monitoring systems for projects funded through the Redevelopment Commission and the City including bonds, tax increment in allocation areas, and other funding sources.
• Assists Department Director, Controller and other City departments in developing financial strategies for capital projects and fiscal plans for annexation.
• Interprets local, state and federal legislation and regulations related, but not limited to, historic preservation Secretary of Interior standards and 106 reviews, tax exempt financing, tax abatement, annexation, property disposition, economic development and redevelopment to assure compliance.
• Manages and supports the activities of the Historic Preservation Commission and Parking Commission. Assists with the management and support of the Redevelopment Commission, Redevelopment Authority and Economic Development Commission.
• Makes recommendations to the Director on strategies, policies, guidelines, programs, and projects related to economic development and redevelopment goals and objectives including the duties outlined herein.
• Develops and administers external funding sources such as grants and donations for Department projects and activities.
• Plans, assigns, and reviews work of subordinate staff, ensuring implementation and performance of established policies to reach the broader goals of the Department.
• Provides information to the public and receives citizen input concerning City policies and programs in economic development and redevelopment.
• Responds to special problems from citizens such as emergency calls, information requests, complaints, and threats.