Economic & Community Vitality Manager

The Community and Economic Development (CED) Department serves Adams County through an integrated and equitable approach to community planning and investment. The Department partners with neighborhoods, businesses, agencies, and others to bring about positive change for Adams County. The departmental divisions include Building Safety, Planning & Development, Permits & Licensing, Environmental Programs, Housing Policy & Community Investments, Economic & Community Vitality, and an Administrative Division that provides departmental oversight and coordination.

The Economic and Community Vitality Division is a newly formed division with an emphasis on a cross‑functional and multidisciplinary approach to the future of development in Adams County. Merging comprehensive and long‑range planning with economic development strategies and programs, this dynamic team is positioned to implement Adams County’s vision through robust community engagement activities that support positive relationships with businesses, developers, property owners, and neighborhoods.

The team also collaborates with other communities at a regional level, representing the interests of Adams County, and coordinates across the organization to ensure an integrated approach to community engagement for the physical development of unincorporated Adams County.

The Economic & Community Vitality Manager operates under the guidance of the Deputy Directors and the oversight of the Department Director. The Economic & Community Vitality Manager leads, organizes, and supports the division staff and is responsible for the successful implementation of the division’s plans, programs, and policy initiatives. In this capacity, the Manager works to promote effective relationships with regional partners, special districts, the real estate and development community, state and local government agencies, and community members.

With an added focus on public policy and community engagement, the Manager interacts frequently with elected officials and boards and must make professional and well‑researched recommendations for policy decisions and represent the positions of Adams County with clarity and objectivity. This position and the work of the Economic & Community Vitality Division must coordinate closely with the activities of other divisions, departments, and outside organizations, including incorporated/municipal jurisdictions within Adams County.

The ability to form and maintain collaborative relationships and establish trust and mutual respect with local, regional, and statewide planning and economic development professionals is essential to success in this position.

Assignments are broad in scope and are carried out with a significant degree of autonomy, requiring sound professional judgement, attention to detail and deadlines, and an awareness of organizational dynamics and priorities. This position must be able to work well independently, as well as provide guidance and support to staff, and to make collaborative contributions to department‑wide efforts with others in positions of leadership.

• Plans, organizes, manages, integrates, and evaluates the division’s long‑term and short‑term activities and operations within CED.
• Develops, implements, and monitors short‑ and long‑term goals and objectives focused on achieving the County’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities. Specifically, this position leads the implementation of the County’s Comprehensive Plan, Development Standards and Regulations, Economic Development Strategy, and the Incentive Policy Framework, including periodic updates and amendments.
• Provides collaborative leadership and works to retain highly competent, customer service‑oriented staff through selection, compensation, training, and day‑to‑day management.
• Participates in the development of the departmental budget; forecasts funds needed for the division’s activities; approves division expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Manages preparation of applications for planning and economic development grants at federal and state levels.
• Serves as a leader on special projects or committees related…