CRA Economic Development Specialist II

Employees in this class serve as liaison to affected communities, the private sector, and related stakeholders to stimulate actions that generate sustained and widespread private market reaction, improve the quality of life of communities, make them more attractive, convenient, environmentally healthy, and economically strong. The Work of an employee in this class is differentiated from the lower class by the assignment of more complex projects and serving in a lead capacity over employees in the Economic Development Specialist I class on designated projects as needed. Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent judgment with focus on the diversification and expansion of the tax base, coordination of infrastructure and service enhancements, and maximizing development/redevelopment potential. Tasks are of more than average difficulty and involve extensive contact with government officials and public/private entities (e.g. Community Redevelopment Agency, City Council, financial institutions, real estate representatives, and private community development agencies). Under general supervision, employees coordinate and develop recommendations for the funding of capital programs, development incentives, and implementation of area strategic action plans. Duties require a high degree of tact and courtesy in dealing with a variety of private and public contacts. Assignments cover a wide spectrum of highly complex tasks, which include major administrative and fiscal functions. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and results obtained.

Coordinates local government’s role in advising and negotiating development initiative proposals on public participation, site selection, financing opportunities; performs financial analysis, feasibility studies and other research; compiles data and prepares reports reflecting implementation recommendations, using GIS and Microsoft Office products.

Analyzes and researches files and other records for needed information; provides information to the public by phone regarding the department’s operation in order to facilitate their understanding; acts as team leader on a project basis in order to facilitate project completion.

Participates in discussions are pre-construction meetings in order to exchange information, make recommendations, etc.; conducts field investigations/surveys to collect information/evidence when necessary.

Oversees economic development projects to ensure compliance with applicable contracts, city, county, state, federal codes, ordinances, and laws; makes periodic visits to locations to determine adherence to procedures and solve problems; meets with the public to market development programs; attends meetings to plan development proposals.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of strategic planning, plan implementation, and urban planning; federal, state and municipal legislation impacting municipal government redevelopment initiatives; methods and techniques of data analysis and report preparation using GIS and Microsoft Office products; planning principles, practices and program intent related to community redevelopment (and other) area practices and procedures, administrative management principles and practices; principles, practices, and methods of commercial and residential development and financing; practices and methods essential to the compilation, analysis, and evaluation of economic and marketing research data.

Ability to: plan and coordinate the work of consultants, professional, para-professional and clerical employees in a manner that promotes full performance; effectively identify sound and mutually beneficial economic development terms; conduct research and analyze studies, plans, specifications, legal documents and other material to reach sound conclusions; write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings; think strategically and participate as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, directors, managers, and employees, with contractors, architects and developers, and with the general public; set clear objectives and measures and monitor process, progress and results; serve effectively in a lead capacity as required.

Skills in: Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, planning, finance, economics, urban development, or a closely related field and five (5) years of experience in the field of or any combination of economic/urban development, project management (construction/design/program/operations/finance) or grant/contract administration.

An equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.

Some positions might require specialized training or experience as a condition for initial employment in this class.

Possession of a valid drivers license may be required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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