Assistant City Manager​/Economic Development

POSITION SUMMARY

The City of Coldwater is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the administration and economic development efforts for the City of Coldwater and Branch County. This individual will provide support to the City Manager with projects that facilitate city-wide economic development as well as the daily administration of the city. The Assistant City Manager will also serve as the staff liaison to the Branch County Economic Growth Alliance (BCEGA) and Branch St.

Joseph Counties Rail Users Association (RUA).

The BCEGA implements the economic development strategy for the Branch County area and is responsible for business retention, recruitment, and growth in the manufacturing sector and in other key areas impacting quality of life such as housing. The City of Coldwater is in its third year of the Main Street Program as a Select Level community and is also a certified Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Branch County is a rural community of approximately 46,000 located in south-central Michigan. Coldwater is the county seat with a population just under 14,000.

This position has a high level of public visibility and operates in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects operating concurrently. To ensure the Assistant City Manager’s success, ongoing training, education opportunities, and access to technology and resources will be provided, including those that help develop competencies around public administration and economic development broadly. This position is full-time with flexible work hours to accommodate the dynamic nature of the position.

This position will require travel for conferences and other development opportunities.

• Assist the City Manager in implementing strategic economic development projects and initiatives
• Serve as the staff liaison to the BCEGA and RUA by scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and project review summaries, and coordinating training opportunities for Board members
• Assist with drafting and editing documents, including but not limited to press releases, staff reports, grant applications and program guidelines
• Prepare site submissions and RFPs for industrial projects
• Outline grant compliance timelines and milestones
• Compile, compare, and summarize programs and other information
• Attend trainings, professional conferences and events
• Maintain updated directories and data for local manufacturing businesses and downtown properties
• Implement and assist with special projects as needed
• Travel for events and training opportunities
• Perform all other duties as assigned

• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to balance multiple issues and projects in a fast-paced environment
• Adaptable and flexible with changing deadlines and objectives
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, discretion, judgment, collaboration, and the ability to build strong relationships
• Self-motivated
• Demonstrated ability to work in groups or independently
• Proactive problem solver; comfortable seeking and providing help
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other software
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing education/learning
• Willing to travel to events and training opportunities with an occasional overnight
• Familiarity with industrial site selection software a plus
• Familiarity with the MEDC Redevelopment Ready Communities program

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Business, Political Science, or another related field
• One (1) to three (3) years of relevant experience in any of the following areas: economic development, housing, urban planning, business development, program development, grant writing, writing/editing for multiple audiences, or related fields
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Experience working with and/or understanding underrepresented and diverse populations helpful
• Demonstrated evidence of bilingual or multiple language fluency, particularly Spanish or Arabic, helpful