Career Center

St. Charles, IL (population 33,366) is a premier community known for its historic downtown, vibrant business and commercial areas, beautiful neighborhoods and progressive, innovative government. The City is seeking economic development professionals as candidates for its reinstituted Director of Economic Development. Located in the scenic Fox Valley, St. Charles has over 2100 businesses, 7 TIF districts and a Business Improvement grant program.  Known for its highly regarded business outreach and quality of development projects, the new Director will work closely with the business community, partner agencies including the St. Charles Business Alliance and chamber of commerce, elected officials and staff to enhance the economic vitality of the City. 

Reporting to the City Administrator, the Director will focus on attracting real estate investment and business development to several high-profile economic development projects including multiple downtown mixed-use redevelopment sites, redevelopment and revitalization and reuse of Charlestowne Mall as well as the highly visible Pheasant Run development, the Randall Road corridor businesses, and the Central Manufacturing District to ensure their continued economic success. The successful candidate will take personal responsibility to promote and maintain the City’s long-term economic viability through the use of business analytics, fostering strong relationships in the community, region and statewide, and proposing creative solutions to development challenges.

The Director must possess refined communication and consensus building skills inside and outside of City Hall, a keen political acumen, an energetic and driven personality and a participatory management philosophy with a record of success in leading as well as collaborating on economic development efforts. 

Qualified individuals will be expected to have: 

• A bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Finance, Business, Marketing, Public Administration or related field is required; a master’s degree is strongly desired along with 10 years increasingly responsible economic development leadership and at least five (5) years in supervisory experience.
• Extensive leadership skills to effectively and efficiently organize, direct and coordinate efforts to  promote a stronger economic base and ensure programs and initiatives will attract new business and encourage expansion and retention of existing commercial and industrial business.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high profile economic development projects, evaluate and recommend economic incentives (including TIF incentives) in collaboration with Finance and Community Development departments. 
• Skilled and resourceful in resident and business engagement; comfortable responding to complex issues while navigating policies and procedures with a focus on building a stronger, resilient St. Charles.
• Promote and develop the community through marketing strategies; establish personal relationships with business and property owners, developers and investors. Increased use of social media and business analytics is anticipated.
• A creative, problem-solving approach and well developed interpersonal and oral/written/presentation communication skills.  

Current salary range is $127,077 - $181,539 with hiring range between $130,000 and $145,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Residency is not required.

Apply online at www.govHRJobs.com with résumé, cover letter, and contact information for 5 professional references by October 25, 2021, Attn: Kathleen Rush, GovHR USA, 630 Dundee Road, Suite 225, Northbrook, IL 60062. Tel: 847/380-3240.

Barry County, MI (pop. 60,540) County Seat: Hastings. Barry County offers a unique rural quality of life, with convenient access to the major urban areas of southwestern and central Michigan including Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and Lansing. Family-friendly communities and a vibrant selection of businesses and amenities, surrounded by the serenity and beauty of all that nature has to offer makes Barry County a perfect place for residents and visitors to enjoy the splendor of Michigan.

The County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners are elected to 2-year terms from districts that are roughly equal in population. The Board appoints a County Administrator who oversees the day-to-day operations of the County. The Director of Equalization is appointed by and reports to the County Administrator. The total State Equalized value for Barry County is $3,421,046,041 and its Taxable value is $2,456,473,596.
The Director of Equalization directs assessors and projects the market value for each class of property within the County based on sales/appraisal studies done by the Director and staff. The Director is responsible for compiling all property parcel data of the County and completing reports throughout the year, providing important data to the State and local jurisdictions. This position directly assists the public with various matters related to property assessment and taxation.

The Director also proactively educates the public on new State laws that apply to property taxes. The Director manages the Equalization Department, which includes a staff of three employees: one full-time Senior Property Appraiser, one full-time Property Appraiser, and one ¾-time Property Records Clerk. The Director is
responsible for preparing and managing the annual departmental budget of $355,119. The Director calculates the estimated annual tax revenues for the County’s General Fund budget (approximately $13.5 million) and extra voted millages for the current and projected budget years. This position also will advise the Administrator and other County leaders regarding contingencies, changes in law, or other potential impacts that may change the budgeted real estate tax revenue.

Required Education and Experience:
● Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field of study.
● Have had at least five (5) years of relevant assessing / appraising experience.
● Possess a Michigan Advanced Assessment Officer Certification.
 

Desirable Qualifications:
● Considerable knowledge of appraising all classes of real estate, including in-depth knowledge of State guidelines.
● Demonstrated understanding of how projected real estate values changes property tax revenues.
● Well-developed skills in ensuring projected values are followed by local assessors.
● Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
● Ability to effectively plan and work under stress, with deadlines and changes in work priorities.
● Familiarity with BS & A software is preferred.
● Considerable familiarity with current professional trends, personal computers, software, and activities of professional and technical associations.

Salary range is $72,758 to $87,297 DOQE.

The County has approved pay scales through 2025, including for this position. Barry County offers its full-time employees a generous benefit package including medical insurance and MERS hybrid retirement plan.

Apply via email to Michael Brown, County Administrator, mbrown@barrycounty.org with resume, cover letter, contact information, and three (3) professional references. Barry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity,
equity and inclusion and seeks candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Questions regarding the position may be directed to the attention of Michael Brown, County Administrator, mbrown@barrycounty.org.
 

Candidates will be reviewed upon receipt of application, with preliminary reviews to be completed by October 22, 2021.
 

The position will remain open until filled.

Ann Arbor, MI (pop. 121,477) – The City of Ann Arbor is the County seat of Washtenaw County and the fifth largest city in Michigan.  Downtown Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, over 7,500 downtown residents, more than 1,300 downtown employers and 29,000 downtown employees (2019).  The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was formed in 1982 and has worked continuously to meet its mission: to undertake public improvements that have the greatest impact in strengthening the downtown area and attracting new private investment. 

The DDA Executive Director works closely with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders to identify, fund, and manage high impact downtown programs and improvements.  Major responsibilities of the DDA include management of the downtown parking system, streetscapes, public engagement efforts, infrastructure maintenance and improvements, nonmotorized transportation, affordable housing partnerships, and other community enhancing efforts.  Within certain statutory powers and limits, the next DDA Executive Director has the opportunity to be creative and innovative in their approach to downtown projects and programs.  

The Executive Director is appointed by a twelve member DDA Board, which represent a variety of downtown interests.  Board members are appointed by the Ann Arbor Mayor and City Council to serve a four-year term.  The Executive Director manages a staff of five full-time employees and annual budget of $28 million (budgeted expenditures, FY 2021).  Nearly three-quarters of the DDA budget expenditures are related to capital improvements and management of the downtown parking system. 

Ideal candidates will have a track record of effectively working with staff and community partners, with the highest level of transparency and trust.  Individuals who think strategically, have the courage to be cutting edge, while offering high energy passion for downtown, are encouraged to apply.  The successful candidate will be an innovative leader with exceptional communication skills.  

The Executive Director position requires flexible availability and a high-level of accessibility in order to successfully execute the goals of the DDA.  The Executive Director must also be focused on facilitating the improvement of a vibrant downtown while remaining absolutely committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion of all stakeholders.  

Candidates are required to have:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college or university.  Significant experience may be substituted for educational attainment.
• At least 5 years supervisory experience; and at least 5 years leading an organization.
• At least 5 years experience in municipal government, public/nonprofit organizations, urban planning, or a related field.

Preferred experience includes:

• Master’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business administration, or a related filed.
• Familiarity with budget preparation and management practices in a municipal setting.
• Knowledge of urban planning and transportation best practices, awareness of social and economic trends and issues that affect downtowns, land use, infrastructure, transportation, and economic development principles.

Salary is $114,633 - $149,022, dependent on qualification and experience (DOQE).  The DDA offers its employees a comprehensive benefit package. 

Apply at GovHRjobs.com with resume, cover letter, contact information and three (3) professional references.   The Ann Arbor DDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The DDA values diversity, equity and inclusion and seeks candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.  Questions regarding the position maybe directed to the attention of Jaymes Vettraino, Vice President, GovHR USA /Cheryl D. Orr, i4x, Tel: 847-380-3240

Candidates will be reviewed upon receipt of application, with preliminary reviews to be completed by September 9, 2021.

The Town of Hamden is seeking an Economic Development Director to work under the direction of the Mayor.  This position will identify opportunities to support a diverse and strong business community using both traditional and innovative techniques.  This position is also responsible for working closely with the region’s stakeholders in promoting its business and economic development interests. The Economic Development Director will provide guidance to individuals and companies to establish, relocate, or expand their businesses within the community. The Economic Development Director will develop strong internal and external relationships that will foster a positive business climate, and will recommend the tools to facilitate desired objectives, including working with the region’s Chambers of Commerce to identify areas of concern in the promotion of business location and expansion within the entire region. The Economic Development Director will initiate marketing and outreach activities to identify retail, restaurant, entertainment, and business opportunities throughout the Town.

The successful candidate should possess outstanding listening and comprehension skills as well as the ability to effectively present information to a diverse audience. A responsive and accessible candidate with a strong commitment to public service is highly desired.

Interested applicants may request an emailed copy of the application and the job description from Administrative Secretary Renee Morgan at rmorgan@hamden.com.  Completed applications should be emailed to Renee Morgan at rmorgan@hamden.com or you may place your application in the Personnel Department mail box in front of the Government Center, 2750 Dixwell Ave. Hamden, CT, if you choose to drop your application off.  Applications can be mailed via the USPS as well.

Job Announcement

Job Description

We are now accepting session proposals for the 2019 Annual Conference. The conference theme is Driving Growth: The Race for Talent, Innovation, and Place, and will explore the key elements of workforce development. Concurrent sessions will be organized into five tracks: 

- Livability (Resilient, livable, and equitable communities) 
- Future Business, Future Worker 
- Housing and Infrastructure 
- Talent Partnerships 
- Business Clusters (The Circle of Friendship and Prosperity) 

The call for session proposals will close on January 31, 2019. See guidelines, conference track descriptions, and other important dates in the Call for Session Proposals. 

The Logan Development Group is conducting the executive search for the Economic Development Director of the Town of New Milford. The Director will serve as the chief economic development executive for the community. Seven plus years of proven economic development leadership required. Strong leadership and communication skills. Ability to develop and implement overall economic development strategy for the community. Interested candidates can request a detailed recruitment profile by emailing daniel@logandevgroup.com. or calling 662-231-9820.