Chief Development Officer

SUMMARY:

The City of Springfield seeks a dynamic professional to serve as its Chief Development Officer. The Chief Development Officer is charged with overseeing all aspects of the City’s Development Services Division, including economic development, zoning, planning, housing, neighborhood services, historic preservation and building initiatives, strategies, and special projects. Reporting to the Mayor, the position is responsible for performing complex administrative and technical work in coordination of city departments and staff in a shared vision for development in the city. Departments within the Development Services Division include the Office of Planning and Economic Development, Development Services Division, the Community Development Department, Neighborhood Services, Office of Housing Services, Homeless and Special Needs, Inspectional Services-Building and Inspectional Services-Zoning. The Chief Development Officer advises the Mayor, city officials, boards and commissions, the business community and neighborhood councils on activities and works closely with them in the development of plans and initiatives. The position supervises a staff of 79 with a general fund operating budget of $3.2 million. This is professional, administrative and supervisory work of a complex and technical nature in the planning, development, and implementation of the City’s economic and community development programs. Works with considerable latitude and the use of extensive judgment to encourage and implement a strategic and orderly plan for the City. Responsible for overseeing the implementation of programs and plans that encourage growth and development throughout the community. Exercises leadership in developing strategies for retention and expansion which promote healthy employment and quality growth in the City. Prepares short and long-range development plans, drafts ordinances, coordinates and conducts research; advises other departments and city officials.

RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to:

• Developing, coordinating and implementing economic development plans and projects for the City including business development, redevelopment, housing and advocacy services.
• Managing day-to-day operations; implementing rules, regulations, policies and procedures for effective departmental operations including short-term and long term goals and objectives. Supervising and training assigned personnel. Supervising departmental staff including hiring, evaluation and termination.
• Attracting new businesses and industries and assisting existing businesses and industries to strengthen the City’s economic posture and base. Developing plans, strategies, and activities to attract employers to the City.
• Conducting research and analyzing data such as demographic and building permit trends and business plans in order to make recommendations for appropriate courses of action. Maintaining demographic and statistical databases. Maintaining database of public and privately owned sites and buildings available for development. Monitoring departmental software support systems including GIS and permitting software. Making recommendations for improvements.
• Maintaining current knowledge of state and local statutes, ordinances, state and federal reporting requirements.
• Assessing economic development needs and strategically planning for the future. Coordinating development and modifying economic development strategy as needed or required.
• Advising the mayor, City Council and all other staff and boards and committees on development, land-use, housing and planning matters. Conveying goals to city officials.
• Resolving development issues and concerns. Serving as development ombudsperson and advocating for development projects and issues.
• Providing regular information to, and meeting with developers and their representatives regarding pending development projects and property owners interested in developing their land. Discussing regulatory requirements; ensuring that land use factors associated with potential projects are analyzed; and representing the City on initial commitments.
• Reviewing and negotiating incentive agreements.
• Working with other local development and coordinating entities such as the Economic Development Committee (EDC), Westmass, Westover airport, the Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC), the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.
• Overseeing and coordinating all community development programs, grants and projects including budget, from initiation to implementation; monitoring quality and quantity of work and services. Determining grant proposals and applications, contracts and other necessary documents as may be required for acquisitions, demolitions and public services.
• Overseeing and coordinating inspectional services for both housing and building related code enforcement.
• Overseeing and coordinating planning and zoning initiatives within the city. Providing recommendations for action on applications; attending meetings as necessary.
• Handling post-approval requirements, including review of final maps and legal documents, and preparation of bond agreements; preparing administrative forms, model easements, draft ordinances.
• Working with federal, state and local agencies to facilitate the development of affordable housing with the City.
• Managing municipal capital improvement projects and supervision of staff assigned to those projects.
• Preparing annual departmental goals and capital expenditure budget for department.

The essential functions or duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive knowledge of economic development and community development activities, land use laws and their relation to land use planning.
• Experience supervising projects that involve international trade, corporate outreach, retail and small business marketing programs.
• Thorough knowledge of the business climate and potential for development in New England.
• Thorough knowledge of zoning and code enforcement practices.
• Strong ability to prepare budgets and provide fiscal analysis of large scale real estate development proposals.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans and architectural designs; ability to gather and interpret statistical and technical information and prepare reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, city officials, contractors, architects, land developers, associates, and the general public.
• Proven ability to work with citizens and value their input and participation.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations and written correspondence with the broadest range of development participants including federal, state and local elected and appointed officials, the media, business and community leaders
• Possession of a high code of personal ethics and integrity in meeting demands and carrying out the responsibilities of the position.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Masters Degree or equivalent experience in planning, public or business administration, community development, or land-use planning.
• Minimum of five (5) years experience in a development position with supervisory capacity, preferably in a municipal setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Drivers License
• CORI check will be conducted

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The list is not all-inclusive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimal physical effort generally required in performing duties under typical office conditions.
• Ability to perform site work including walking for long distances at times over rough terrain; occasionally may need to lift objects up to 20 pounds. 
• Work requires balancing, standing, fingering, and repetitive motions.
• Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Subjection to inside and outside environmental conditions.

Position is open until filled: review of applications will begin November 24. Salary is commensurate with experience. The City of Springfield has a competitive benefits package.  Send cover letter, resume and three references to Ann-Marie Mahnken, Springfield Finance Control Board, 36 Court Street, Room 312, Springfield, MA 01103.

The above position is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all –inclusive of every task or responsibility. The description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Springfield and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.