Job Summary:
The Director of Community and Economic Development (CED) will serve the City of Calumet City in two capacities: 1) overseeing economic development initiatives involving the planning and managing of all activities aimed at promoting economic growth within the City including attracting new businesses, retaining existing ones, developing infrastructure, and implementing policies and economic development tools that will stimulate local development; and 2) managing Calumet City’s community development programs which include facilitating and coordinating zoning appeals policies, senior programming, community outreach activities, coordinating resident assistance programs, and other activities that will help to improve quality of life.
The Director of Community and Economic Development (CED) Roles and responsibilities
- Assumes full management responsibility for all services and activities related to CED activities within Calumet City and/or immediate surrounding areas.
- The Director of Community and Economic Development reports directly to the mayor.
- Facilitates development opportunities for new businesses and ensures retention efforts for existing businesses while implementing economic development goals, objectives, policies, and priorities established by the City of Calumet City’s vision and comprehensive planning initiatives passed by Council.
- Pursues potential companies (clients) interested in relocating to Calumet City and existing companies interested in expansion with the City; determines appropriate means of assistance by and through the Economic Development Department; allocates resources appropriately.
- Seeks available resources regarding funding and otherwise, to aid in CED activities for Calumet City. Sources include but are not limited to: Cook County CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) program and other County funding programs as well as partnerships that enhance quality of life; state and federal grants, and/or low interest loans.
- Coordinates and implements programming regarding economic development tools including: TIF (Tax Increment Financing); Cook County Property Tax Incentive Programs (Classes 6B, 7, 8, and 9); Calumet Region Enterprise Zone, Opportunity Zones, and Special Service Districts.
- Works directly with the City’s regional (COG) Council of Government, SSMMA (South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association) as well as the South Suburban Chamber, Southland Visitor Bureau, and other regional organizations that help to enhance development
- Markets the community to potential companies; follows up to receive feedback regarding pros and cons as perceived by potential companies; develops strategies to convey feedback to City leaders and the community (i.e., what needs to occur to improve marketability).
- Represents the Economic Development Department and coordinates activities with potential companies, City staff, elected officials and outside agencies.
- Explains economic development process to corporate executives and developers and negotiates incentives to establish and maintain business relations within the City.
- Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the Economic Development Department budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
- As requested by the mayor’s office, may respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Identifies needs of existing companies and develops programs to support companies and encourage local expansion of jobs, annual payroll, and capital investment.
- Identifies local workforce issues and collaborates with companies, local government entities, and State entities to develop programs to meet workforce needs.
- Collaborates with outside firms to develop and implement marketing initiatives, marketing materials, and collateral materials, and represents the Economic Development Department at seminars, trade shows, and other economic development functions.
- Markets directly to site location consultants, industrial brokers and industry officials to bring new jobs and capital investments to the City.
- Develops and maintains the Economic Development Department website, community profiles, and other demographic information.
- Develops and implements the strategic plan for economic development with the assistance of the City staff, and volunteers. Represents the Economic Development Department to the City Council, civic organizations, County and regional organizations.
- Maintains various documents and reports regarding Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to keep abreast of various TIF agreements, TIF negotiations and the adding of new TIF districts.
- Manages Tax Increment Financing Zones and maintains active communication with the City, County, and State to ensure appropriate maintenance measures are taken.
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.
APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have knowledge of operations, services and activities of a comprehensive municipal economic development program
- Be familiar with pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations
- Possesses strong analytical, organizational, and negotiating skills
- “Have knowledge of securing county, state, and federal grants as well as facilitation of grant programming.”
- Extensive knowledge of working with engineering firms and extensive knowledge with working with planning agencies
- Have working knowledge of municipal zoning/codes and infrastructure, and planning programs and processes
- Certifications from various Economic Development organizations preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, public administration, business administration, or similar fields required
- Maintain a valid driver’s license
- Must have U.S. citizenship
APPLICATION PROCEESS
- Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Roberto Carmona at rcarmona@carmonastrategicsolutions.com
- Calumet City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.
