ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Recruitment #1812-4620-001

Introduction

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE

Appointment and continued employment is at the pleasure of the Department of City Development Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, City of Milwaukee.

What Milwaukee can offer YOU

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.

Purpose

Under the general direction of the Commercial Corridor Manager, the Economic Development Specialist coordinates economic development initiatives in the City’s neighborhood Commercial Districts and serves as compliance officer for all City Business Improvement Districts and Neighborhood Improvement Districts. 

Essential Functions

  • Serve as Commercial Corridor Team liaison to specific Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Neighborhood Improvement Districts (NIDs).  Attend board meetings, link BIDs and NIDs to City services and programs, and work with BIDs to identify business location opportunities in assigned districts.
  • Serve as compliance officer for all BIDs and NIDs in Milwaukee.  Establish baseline data regarding annual assessments. Evaluate annual operating plans.  Plan and present workshops to educate BID and NID staff regarding compliance requirements.  Communicate with BID and NID staff to correct deficiencies.  Prepare reports for Common Council regarding compliance, in connection with annual Council review of BID and NID operating plans.
  • Compile and present performance data regarding commercial grant programs operated by the Commercial Corridor Team.  Respond to data requests from policy makers and department management.
  • Assist business owners and neighborhood business groups in Commercial Districts in neighborhood organization efforts.
  • Prepare and develop Business Development workshops for business owners and neighborhood business groups.
  • Establish and maintain active communication with members of the Common Council regarding development initiatives and concerns in their districts.
  • Appear before public bodies and community organizations to articulate issues and positions of the department and the City.
  • Administer BID and NID board appointment process.  Vet board nominees for adherence to City requirements.

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, economics, urban affairs, business administration, real estate, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Three years of program formulation and project implementation experience in the areas of economic development and/or commercial real estate development.
  3. Valid driver’s license and possession of a properly insured vehicle for use on the job is required at time of appointment and throughout employment. Private automobile allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code.

Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: College transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. Transcripts should be emailed to the Human Resources Officer, Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov- Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable) and the date completed.

Desirable Qualifications

  • A master’s degree in communications, political science, business administration, real estate, marketing or a closely related field.
  • Experience working with elected officials.
  • Spanish language skills.

Knowledges, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

  • Knowledge of business and management principles to include: urban development, strategic planning and project management.
  • Knowledge of commercial real estate development.
  • Ability to identify and determine new and effective ways to develop interest in the City’s neighborhood commercial districts.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex business, technical and legal documents.
  • Written communication skills to be able to write clear, complete and error-free correspondence and reports.
  • Oral communication and presentation skills to be able to promote commercial development for the City.
  • Interpersonal and customer service skills to be able to establish and maintain good relationships with elected officials, City staff, and business owners.
  • Research and analytical skills.
  • Ability to think critically and analytically to problem-solve, make decisions and use sound judgment.
  • Ability to use standard computer software and programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and the Internet.
  • Ability to be self-directed and work in a collaborative environment with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.  
  • Ability to effectively set goals, manages multiple priorities, and work within tight time constraints.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 2GX) for City of Milwaukee residents is $51,469-$72,063 annually, and the non-resident salary range is $50,206-$70,295. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits2019.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations and the Department of City Development reserve the right to call only the most qualified candidates to an interview. Information from the selection process will be used to make a hiring decision.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE – Interested individuals must submit a resume and a letter of interest by email to the Human Resources Officer, Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov. Please indicate Economic Development Specialist in the subject line. Questions may be directed to Human Resources Officer Vanessa Armstrong by email or by phone at 414.286.6076. The deadline for submission of application materials is Thursday, January 10, 2019.

Conclusion

EEO 204

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.