ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE

Appointment and continued employment is at the pleasure of the Department of City Development Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, City of Milwaukee.

What Milwaukee can offer YOU

Introduction

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.  

The City of Milwaukee offers a collaborative, positive work environment where each employee contributes to making the city the best place possible to live and work.  The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a top rated pension plan, health and dental benefits, paid time off including vacation, 11 holidays and sick leave accrual, and much more.

Under the general direction of the Commercial Corridor Manager, the Economic Development Specialist assists Common Council members in coordinating economic development initiatives in the City of Milwaukee’s neighborhood commercial districts.

• Develop new and innovative strategies for commercial development throughout the City.
•  Prepare marketing materials and establish working relationships with commercial real estate brokers for the purpose of marketing neighborhood commercial district opportunities.
• Establish and maintain regular in-person and telephone contact with members of the Common Council, to understand their perspectives and insights regarding development initiatives and concerns within their districts.
• Arrange meetings and events that provide platforms for communication between Council members and businesses and commercial property owners in their districts.
• Work with City departments and other appropriate parties to resolve business and property owner concerns identified by Council members.
• Manage the City’s relationship with assigned Business Improvement Districts (BIDS).

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

1. Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, business administration, real estate, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Three years of program formulation and project implementation experience in the areas of economic development and/or commercial real estate development. 
3. Valid driver’s license and possession of a properly insured vehicle for use on the job is required at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: College transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. Transcripts should be emailed to the Human Resources Officer, Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov- Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable) and the date completed.

• A Master’s degree in Communications, Political Science, Business Administration, Real Estate, Marketing or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience working with elected officials.

• Knowledge of business and management principles, including economics, urban development, strategic planning, project management, and marketing.
• Knowledge of commercial real estate development.
• Ability to identify and determine new and effective ways to develop interest in the City’s neighborhood commercial districts.
• Ability to effectively set goals, manages multiple priorities, and work within tight time constraints.
• Ability to read and interpret complex business, technical and legal documents.
• Written communication skills to be able to write clear, complete and error-free correspondence and reports.
• Oral communication and presentation skills to be able to promote commercial development for the City.
• Interpersonal and customer service skills to be able to establish and maintain good relationships with elected officials, City staff, and business owners.
• Ability to think critically and analytically to problem-solve, make decisions and use sound judgment.
• Ability to use standard computer software and programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and the Internet.
• Self-directed and able to work in a collaborative environment.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2GX) for City of Milwaukee residents is $51,469-$72,063 annually, and the non-resident salary range is $50,206-$70,295. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits2017.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations and the Department of City Development reserve the right to call only the most qualified candidates to an interview. Information from the selection process will be used to make a hiring decision.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE – Interested individuals must submit a resume and a letter of interest by email to the Human Resources Officer, Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov. Please indicate “Economic Development Specialist” in the subject line. Questions may be directed to Vanessa Armstrong by email or by phone at 414.286.6076. The deadline for submission of application materials is 8/31/2017.

EEO 204

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.