City of Oberlin Job Description

CITY OF OBERLIN JOB DESCRIPTION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING OFFICER

Title: Economic Development & Department: Planning & Development Housing Officer Positions Supervisor: Planning & Development Director Supervised: N/A and City Manager Civil Service Exemption Status: Unclassified Category: Administrative

FLSA Status: Exempt Pay Grade: 5

Bargaining Schedule: Regular business hours, Unit: N/A some evenings and weekend hours, as needed.

This description is meant to represent a body of work typically performed in this position but does not necessarily represent all the duties which may be assigned to the incumbent in the position. The incumbent is responsible for performing miscellaneous duties as needed or assigned.

General Statement of Duties : Responsible for the retention, expansion and attraction of industrial, commercial and housing developments, helping to maintain existing commerce, create new jobs within the City, assist private enterprises to prosper, to expand Oberlin’s tax base, and diversify our economy. Selectively markets the Oberlin area, using appropriate financial tools. Pursues improvements to downtown Oberlin, writes grant applications, recruits appropriate industrial and housing developers, and oversees the Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP). Explores economic development opportunities with surrounding townships, the Oberlin School District and Lorain County, while advising the Director of Planning and Development, the City Manager and the Oberlin Community Improvement Corporation (OCIC) on ways to improve Oberlin’s business climate and utility customer base.

The Economic Development & Housing Officer shall function with a high degree of independence. He/she shall utilize sound professional judgment, demonstrate planning and organizational skills to establish and manage priorities, programs and staff for his/her functional area. The Economic Development & Housing Officer shall be committed to the mission, vision and values of the City and demonstrate ethical conduct, community stewardship, individual initiative and responsive service. The Economic Development & Housing Officer shall demonstrate effective performance through clear, concise communication; collaboration; proper allocation and utilization of resources; sound decision- making; personal accountability; and responsibility.

The job description is intended merely to illustrate the duties that may be assigned to persons assigned this title. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of persons holding a position assigned this title or to limit the nature and extent of assignments a person may be given.

Minimum Qualifications: Must possess Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in economics, finance, public administration, urban planning, or related field (Master's Degree in same preferred) with a minimum

Economic Development & Housing Officer Revised October 2012 Page 1 of 5 of five (5) years of diverse and progressively-responsible experience in community and/or economic development, particularly in industrial, commercial and/or housing fields; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the skills and abilities necessary to perform the job. Familiarity with the Main Street approach to downtown revitalization and prior supervisory experience is preferred. Must demonstrate experience in assisting existing enterprises and developers, as well as work in finance, business recruitment and grant writing. Must have strong research and analytical skills. Must be computer literate in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, graphics and database software applications and able to utilize Social Media and the Internet. Must be well organized, motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

The position requires a valid state of Ohio driver’s license. An individual who poses a direct threat to himself/herself or others in the workplace will be deemed not qualified for this position.

Supervision: Works under the supervision of the Planning and Development Director and the City Manager.

Primary Job Duties: (Essential functions are identified by an “*”)  Pursue economic activities for the City, including retention, expansion and attraction of industry and commercial enterprise.*  Pursue and coordinate programs that will result in increased affordable housing opportunities.*  Provide technical assistance and information to aid businesses and industry, including coordinating the support of all City departments.*  Maintain an industrial site/building inventory and prospect activity files. Match potential businesses with available space. Work to fill commercial and industrial vacancies.*  Make confidential recommendations to the Planning Director and the City Manager.*  Oversight of any housing rehabilitation program (e.g., CHIP program), including supervising any staff or consultant involved with the CHIP program.*  Provide staff support to OCIC and assist them in administering Oberlin’s Business Incentive Program, Building Improvement Loan Program, Revolving Loan Fund and Façade Improvement Fund.  Serve as City liaison to Oberlin Main Street Chamber, Tax Abatement Negotiation Committee, Lorain County Chamber, and other local and regional organizations, as assigned, and act as staff support to the Historic Preservation Commission.*  Attend sessions of City Council, the Planning Commission and other Commissions/Boards as necessary, as well as participating in meeting with residents. Represent Oberlin with county, state and federal development agencies.  Make public presentations as needed.  Attend meetings of and monitor work of the Lorain County Land Reutilization Board, and identify Oberlin property candidates for land reutilization process.*  Create and implement a marketing program to retain and attract new business and industry. Assist businesses through Oberlin’s development process, including acting as liaison with regional and state economic development agencies/departments.*  Develop marketing material, publications, and Internet/social media marketing that promotes Oberlin to outside developers and economic development agencies.*  Promote financial incentives, such as competitive electric utility rate and services, Community Reinvestment Area tax abatements, Enterprise Zone applications and low-interest loans, for new and expanding enterprises. Determine debt service capacity of borrowers, review renovation/acquisition plans, prepare and review loan documents and contracts. Explore all

Economic Development & Housing Officer Revised October 2012 Page 2 of 5 sources of private and public funds for projects, including special assessments, tax credits, grants, improvement districts and tax incremental financing.*  Foster strong public power partnership by providing potential businesses with vital economic development services dedicated to encouraging relocation to Oberlin, including, researching and gathering available building and site information required, conducting demographic research, providing electric as well as other utility cost calculations, and scheduling meetings with local business executives and local decision makers; in addition to taking advantage of the business development and key accounts education opportunities offered through OMLPS partner organizations.  Identify opportunities for redevelopment and adaptive re-use of existing vacant buildings. Work in conjunction with City’s historic preservation goals, energy efficiency and sustainable land use.  Administer the CDBG grant program, develop annual CDBG budget, analyze funding requests and prepare year-end reports, as needed.*  Communicate frequently with existing industries and businesses to gauge the present level of activity and to determine current and future needs and opportunities.*  Keep abreast of changes in relevant fields, such as taxation, funding sources, development legislation and regulations, utilities and real estate. Attend training and conferences as needed.  Assist Director of Planning & Development with creating and implementing the community long- range Comprehensive Plan especially in the areas of utility, transportation and land use planning for future industrial, commercial and housing developments. Master plans should be devised and maintained for industrial and commercial areas, the central business district and housing.*  Maintain basic information pertaining to the City, including demographics, housing statistics, employment characteristics, tax base data, utility rates and a profile of existing industrial, commercial and residential development.*  Research, write and implement state and federal grants. Perform grant-required monitoring of projects, including environmental reviews, equal employment opportunity, citizen participation, fair housing, and other specific grant programs.*  Assists in developing and implementing overall economic development and housing policies and standards of operations, programs, procedures and regulations.*  Responsible for preparing and presenting reports to the City Manager and City Council, including reviewing agenda material with the City Manager and attending City Council meetings, public hearings, and related proceedings to represent the Economic Development & Housing office on activities, major developments, and economic development and housing trends.*  Coordinates economic development and housing programs, services, and administrative matters with the City Manager, including attending meetings with administrative staff and keeping the City Manager informed of key needs, issues, and support requirements.*  Assists in the development of the annual budget for the office based on an analysis of projected needs and resources; monitors expenditures under the current budget.*  Maintains and secures all records and materials associated with the office.*  Maintains relationships with professional associations and other agencies, boards, commissions, committees and organizations to further office objectives.  Assesses economic development and housing service needs; investigates new methods, technologies, laws and programs to improve current levels of service.*  Assists in developing and implementing short and long-range goals for the office and in establishing priorities for the improvement of economic development and housing services.*  Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Economic Development & Housing Officer Revised October 2012 Page 3 of 5 Knowledge of:  Industrial, commercial and housing development principles and practices.  Local, state, and federal grant procurement and administration processes.  Contemporary principles and practices for economic development and housing administration, including leadership ability and strategic planning experience.  Municipal operations, finance and services, economics, planning, recruitment, real estate and local government practices and procedures including public sector procurement procedures as they relate to development.  Management principles and practices necessary to plan, analyze, develop, direct, and evaluate programs, administrative policies and organizational structures, as well as those necessary to accomplish organizational change in a highly traditional work environment.  Principles, practices and procedures of modern methods of planning and development service delivery; federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards governing the delivery of planning and development department services; as well as budget planning, development, and monitoring practices.  Principles of employee supervision, training, performance evaluation, and public administration.

Ability to:  Market and promote business incentive programs, the City’s industrial parks, other available property and the City itself to existing and potential enterprises.  Strategically coordinate development activities, and to manage multiple projects concurrently.  Superior interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly in reports and public presentations, to facilitate meetings and to organize people.  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the business and industrial community, developers, elected officials, local, regional and state economic development officials, advisory boards, supervisors, City employees, professional peers and the general public and coordinate assigned activities with the City Manager, Public Works Director, and other City departments and outside agencies and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.  Work cooperatively with Oberlin College staff in a dynamic college town setting.  Lead by example demonstrating a high degree of honesty, integrity, and professionalism and be committed to excellent service, functioning as a team player with consensus building skills.  Plan and supervise the work of professional and technical personnel engaged in planning research.  Read geographic maps, development site plans, blue prints, tax maps and U.S. Census data.  Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly in reports and public presentations.  Organize people and facilitate meetings, and discussions with executive level staff, and other Federal, State, and local agencies, departments, groups, and individuals so others will understand, including completing reports according to pre-set formats.  Think creatively, maintain a customer service focus, and promise a participatory planning approach.  Define problem areas; direct the collection, interpretation, and evaluation of data and development of sound solutions to technical and administrative planning and development problems.  Coordinate and initiate actions, implement decisions and recommendations.  Interpret complex regulations, laws, and guidelines.  Effectively use the Internet, social media, and other cutting edge tools to market and promote development opportunities.

Economic Development & Housing Officer Revised October 2012 Page 4 of 5  Maintain composure and work effectively under conditions of high stress due to emergency situations and deadlines, performing duties and responsibilities in a manner which reflects professional judgment, appearance, and in conformance with high ethical standards and integrity.  Ability to multi-task and perform with evolving priorities; and to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong and to investigate, analyze and effectively resolve problems and conflicts.  Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues with discretion and sound judgment, and communicate and demonstrate support and stewardship for the City’s mission, vision and values.  Ability to pass a background check and drug screen.

Licenses and/or Certifications:  Certification from the National Development Council as an Economic Development Finance Professional or the American Institute of Certified Planners is preferred  Valid Ohio driver's license

Work Environment: The Economic Development & Housing Officer will perform those physical requirements necessary for essential functions including, but not limited to, regular sitting, standing, walking, and general mobility; continual talking in person, in group presentations, and over the phone to diverse groups of various sizes and natures; keyboarding; infrequent crouching, kneeling, crawling, climbing, limb extension, and all other physical activities required in activities in non-emergency and emergency situations.

This position works primarily in an office setting, but exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including inclement weather, extreme temperatures, noise, dust, fumes, and other conditions may be required while performing essential and secondary functions of the position. Standard office equipment is utilized routinely in the job, and the work is performed in a typical office environment with adequate lighting, ventilation and temperature controls.

Work Situation Factors: Position requires competing demands; may require occasional work beyond normal business hours. SAFETY SENSITIVE POSTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING ACCORDING TO CITY POLICY.

______Employee Signature/Date Supervisor Signature/Date

______Human Resources Signature/Date Law Director Signature/Date

______Reviewed by Civil Service Com. Appointing Authority Signature/Date Reviewed by City Council

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