GovHRUSA

The City of Ann Arbor, Michigan (pop. 123,851) seeks enterprising and experienced candidates for the role of Director of Economic Development. This newly established position will be tasked with building out the Office of Economic Development and taking the lead on placemaking in collaboration with city and community partners. This position is appointed by and reports to the City Administrator and will be an advisor and thought partner to the City Administrator and City Council on policies and approaches to cultivate economic resilience and sustainable, inclusive growth. The salary range is $140,000-$180,000, and the City of Ann Arbor offers a hybrid work schedule for this role.
 
Ann Arbor, or “A2” as it is nicknamed, has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best places to live in the country. It is most well-known for the University of Michigan, which influences many aspects of the city’s economy and culture. Ann Arbor is the county seat of Washtenaw County and is situated 25 miles west of the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).
 
  • The City has a FY2025 budget of $607M and approximately 850 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions across all funds. The Office of Economic Development currently consists of the Director and a vacant Economic Development Coordinator position. The incumbent should expect to work closely with the City Administrator as they get oriented and build out the economic development function.              
     
  • The new Director will enter the organization at an opportune time as the City Council has recently adopted a number of policies and resolutions to facilitate placemaking, sustainability, and housing at all levels. In addition to advising the City Administrator on leveraging these new policy tools, they will begin building relationships with the city’s economic development partners, particularly Ann Arbor SPARK, and collaborate with the University of Michigan on the 2050 Growth Plan. Finally, the incumbent should be prepared to step into several efforts already in progress, including the comprehensive planning process and an ongoing economic development deal. 
     
  • The successful candidate will be a visionary with the experience, skills, and drive to create an Office of Economic Development from the ground up. Candidates who demonstrate a background in municipal economic or community development, advanced education, or certification, as well as expertise in best practices related to sustainability and placemaking, will receive highest consideration.
 
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
  • Negotiation skills and the ability to close complicated deals with positive results in a timely manner
  • General understanding of each of the following areas, with expert understanding in more than one area: business retention and expansion, tax increment financing, land development financing, local government plan review process, real estate transactions, site accumulation process, and various contractual models for transacting interests in real property
  • Familiarity with and commitment to implementing sustainable solutions to lower carbon emissions
  • Familiarity with and commitment to the values and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion
 
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, urban planning, finance, or other related area. Five years of senior management experience in economic development or land development. Master’s degree preferred. The salary range for this position is $140,000-$180,000. 
 
Residency within the city of Ann Arbor is not required, and this position is approved for a hybrid work schedule to the extent that it allows the development of strong relationships with community stakeholders. Apply with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five professional references by November 14, 2024. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Dele Lowman, MGT Senior Consultant, at (847) 380-3240 x141.

Application Deadline: November 14, 2024

Posted: 2024-10-17

To apply for this job please visit www.govhrusa.com.