Community Development Specialist

CITY OF ROGERS	Job Description
Title: Community Development Specialist	FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Department: Community Development	Position Status: Regular Full-Time
Accountable To:  Community Development Director	Salary Grade: 9
Supervision of Others: None	Revision Date: August 15, 2024

 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:
General

• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of all Department policies and procedures in order to help facilitate compliance with such policies and procedures.

• Exhibit respectful and cooperative relationships with co-workers, City management, City Council, general public and City consultants and contractors in an effort to help establish, maintain and enhance Roger’s reputation as a well-managed and business-friendly City.

• Demonstrate, by example, leadership, ingenuity, service excellence and integrity expected from all City staff as defined by our core values and code of conduct.

• Help establish a team environment that encourages open communication and empowers staff to take ownership in position and organization in a manner that supports the vision and direction of the City and enhances employee satisfaction.

• Assist with zoning enforcement items and sign permit applications, as needed.

• Serve as an integral part of the Department team.

 
Business & Economic Development

• Process business registrations and licenses issued by the City.

• Assist with business recruitment, retention and expansion efforts for the City; provides updates to the Economic Development Authority and City Council, as necessary.

• Serve as liaison for businesses, property owners, and economic development-related organizations and State, Regional and County development agencies.

• Promote business and financial assistance programs for available to local businesses.

• Track legislation and regulations relating to business and economic development; reports findings, trends and recommendations to the Department Director, and Economic Development Authority and City Council, as necessary.

• Support Department staff with reviewing development and redevelopment projects.

• Evaluate and recommend changes to city ordinances based upon market condition changes, inconsistencies, or new standards.

• Create policies, programs, and/or implement changes based upon feedback received from businesses within the community. Track economic development programs that are available throughout the metro.

• Maintain a relationship with local brokers, developers, and the general business community.

• Gather market research, stay current on industry trends, and monitor developments in other communities.

• Prepare agendas, and staff reports and meeting materials for the Economic Development Authority; records meeting minutes.

 
Development Project Coordination

• Assist with review of development and zoning applications, and zoning inquiries.

• Coordinate drafting, signing, and recording of all agreements related to development and property acquisitions, including, but not limited to: developer and stormwater agreements, plats, purchase agreements, easement and rights of way agreements, amendments and assignments to agreements, etc.

• Schedule pre-construction meetings, as requested by developers.

• Serve as the liaison for development projects and monitor project progress. Administer close out of development projects, including, but not limited to: schedule final inspection, confirm receipt of as-built and other documents and plans, and coordinate release of financial securities, escrow deposits and developer agreements.

• Assist Department Director, Finance Director and City financial consultants with administration of the City’s business subsidy requests (i.e. Tax Increment Financing).

 
Housing Development

• Administer the City’s housing activities, programs and policies, and serves as a point of contact with State, Regional and County and other housing partner agencies.

• Promote housing-financial assistance programs available to property owners.

• Maintain database of potential housing redevelopment sites and assist with property acquisitions, relocation efforts, site clearances and related actions as necessary to implement the City’s housing strategies and goals.

• Research new housing program and funding opportunities that initiate strategies aimed at improving housing options in the City.

• Prepare required annual regulatory housing reports/documentation; review with Department Director before submitting.

 
Other Department Functions

• Prepare staff reports, resolutions, agreements and other documents as necessary for consideration by City Commissions and Council; attends meetings as required.

• Coordinate and prepare business and development related grant applications for County, State, and/or Federal programs. Manage processing and administration of grant contracts between City and granting agencies; prepare and submit required performance reports.

• Attend meetings, conferences and other educational and training seminars regarding business, economic development and housing issues.

• Prepare articles for City newsletter and other City publications and social media.

• Assist with creation and implementation of marketing and promotional activities aimed at attracting new businesses, developments, and investments to the City.

• Respond to requests for information from residents, businesses and developers.

• Fulfill requests for property zoning letters.

• Perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

 
Supervisory Responsibilities
None.
 
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Urban Planning/Studies, Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Housing, Real Estate or closely related field.

 
Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field.

Municipal government experience in economic/community development-related activities.

• Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable municipal laws, city policies and ordinances.

• Knowledge of city ordinances and state and federal laws pertaining to economic and housing development.

• Knowledge of the principals and practices of economic, housing and community development.

• Knowledge of real estate design, finance and development construction practices.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, regional and local grants, loans and other public and private financial programs/incentives.

• Knowledge of economic/housing (re)development programs and practices, including brownfield, main street, affordable housing alternatives and other initiatives.

• Knowledge of the principals and practices of management, marketing, real estate development and redevelopment.

• Skill to effectively prepare and present complete and comprehensive reports, verbally and in writing, and solve complex problems in a timely manner.

• Skill to communicate with a variety of individuals and handle a variety of customer service situations.

• Skill to use computers and variety of office software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe applications, and job-related software programs.

• Ability to plan, develop, implement and direct a comprehensive program of housing and economic development activities.

• Ability to become familiar with the natural and economic resources of the community, including the existing businesses, tax structure, housing, transportation system, workforce, financing, and other factors of importance to successfully manage economic and housing development programs.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the community, City, and other government agencies, officials and employees.

• Ability to organize and coordinate support from professional and technical City staff, consultants and others to ensure successful completion of development or redevelopment activities.

• Ability to work independently and plan, organize and prioritize work tasks.

• Ability to occasionally lift, move and/or carry files, deliveries, and storage boxes.