Project Manager – Economic Development

The City of Aurora is accepting applications for the position of Project Manager in the Division of Economic Development.

Under the direction of the Director of Economic Development or designee, coordinates and oversees construction of key development construction projects within the City of Aurora on behalf of the City. Projects include new developments and rehabilitation of existing structures as assigned. Responsible for coordination and completion of each project and will perform a variety of tasks including assessing needs, defining requirements, setting deadlines, acting as staff liaison, and monitoring and summarizing progress of the project.

Responsibilities of this position also include, but are not limited to being responsible for the Coordination and overseeing designated and approved project implementation for a variety of key projects involving residential, commercial, industrial, office, parks and open space, and mixed-use development projects within the City; Acts as the primary day-to-day point of contact between the City of Aurora and private developers, contractors, and businesses; Establish coordinating meetings with consultants, contractors, developers, and staff; Assists as directed with managing and tracking projects throughout the City that are connected to any adopted Redevelopment Agreements (RDA’s); Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City departments, outside agencies, attorneys, contractors, developers, and other stakeholders as related to approved Economic Development projects; Special concentration working with downtown businesses regarding existing or prospective business as directed and prioritized by the Economic Development director, and approved by the Mayor’s Office; Able to problem solve unique and time-sensitive situations and timelines related to land development within the City, finding solutions which both protect the City’s interest while serving the development community as efficiently as possible; Aid in the scheduling and follow through for project deliverables and RDA’s; Assists with time and dollar expenditures to ensure projects and budgets meet established targets; Reviews policies and procedures to ensure that projects are compliant with City policies; Maintains responsibility for the overall success of assigned projects; Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service; Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Successful candidates possess considerable knowledge of the principles and the practices of site development, entitlement processes, urban planning and community development; Knowledge of zoning, comprehensive planning, and site development; Ability to work confidentially with discretion in regard to development projects; Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in a variety of situations, prepare clear and comprehensive written reports; Ability to comprehend and understand local, state, and federal programs and/or incentives; Ability to manage assigned responsibilities with competing demands, changing priorities and required timelines and work under pressure to meet deadlines; Ability to exercise a high degree of sound independent judgment and work within established guidelines with little direct supervision; and interpret and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations and work proactively and utilize innovative techniques and ingenuity in implementing development projects; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with personnel at various levels both within and outside the organization; Knowledge of residential/commercial construction.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Government/Business Relations, Business, Public Policy, Urban Planning, or a related field with two (2) years of experience in community development, economic development, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Requires a valid driver’s license. Bilingual ability, Spanish is preferred.

Must successfully pass pre-hire requirements including but not limited to a physical, drug screen, and background check.

This is a full-time, executive level position. The salary range is $70,699.20 – $94,910.40 with the starting rate depending on experience and qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint of the range.

Executive Benefits:

The City of Aurora offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and eligible part-time employees in accordance with the City’s Executive Pay Plan.

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurances
• Annual pay increases
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
• Paid vacations, holidays, floating holidays, personal days, and sick leave
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Interpreters Stipend
• Tuition Reimbursement

Applications should be submitted online https://il-aurora.civicplushrms.com/careers/ by August 5, 2024.

To learn more about the City of Aurora, IL, visit https://www.aurora-il.org/1111/About-Our-City