Grand Rapids

Nature of Work

This is advanced professional work evaluating, negotiating, and facilitating economic development activities with a primary focus on the City’s Corridor Improvement Authorities (CIAs) and Business Improvement District (BID). The role will focus on advancing the City’s long‑term vision for equitable growth, infrastructure revitalization, and commercial corridor transformation through the strategic implementation of Tax Increment Finance (TIF) and Development Plans. It will lead cross‑functional efforts to ensure governance compliance, accelerate high‑impact capital and placemaking projects, and foster public‑private partnerships that will result in place‑based economic strategies, marketing initiatives, and neighborhood investment frameworks that align with broader citywide goals.

The work is performed under the managerial direction of the Assistant Economic Development Director. The work may include providing guidance and direction to less experienced staff.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Leads the development and execution of annual board priorities and long‑term strategic initiatives for each CIA and BID.
• Ensures full compliance with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act, relevant enabling legislation, Public Act 57 of 2018, Public Act 120 of 1961, and the provisions of adopted TIF and Development Plans.
• Oversees the annual BID Declaration of Plans process and required reporting.
• Promotes continuous process improvement to strengthen board accountability and operational efficiency.
• Leads the delivery of catalytic infrastructure improvements, and placemaking projects within CIA districts.
• Manages and guides economic development incentive programs for the CIAs; identifies and evaluates other grant opportunities, prepares applications, and administers grants.
• Coordinates cross‑authority efforts for shared streetscape amenities that align with citywide planning and infrastructure improvement efforts.
• Partners with City departments and external stakeholders to ensure CIA visibility and integration in broader infrastructure and development initiatives.
• Prepares and writes reports for federal and state agencies, manages or maintains data in a variety of systems to ensure programmatic and departmental integrity.
• Prepares a variety of correspondence related to the work and presents publicly; assists with special projects; attends a variety of internal and external meetings related to the work.
• Develops, presents, and manages annual budgets for all six CIAs and BID; monitors spending and project execution to ensure alignment with board‑approved budgeted priorities.
• Facilitates and manages regular public meetings for each authority (six CIAs and one BID), including agendas, documentation, and public engagement protocols.
• Provides direction and performance oversight for contracted corridor managers, including goal setting and alignment with authority objectives.
• Pursues cross‑sector partnerships to expand financial resources and programmatic support; facilitates strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to amplify the impact of authority programs and investments.
• Cultivates a culture of leadership and accountability among corridor managers and executive committees to enhance place management and district identity.
• Promotes alignment and shared practices across districts to streamline processes and maximize citywide impact.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, urban planning, or a related field
• Five (5) years of professional experience related to economic or real estate development
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Master’s degree in business or public administration, urban planning, or a related field