Urban Renewal/Economic Development Manager

SUMMARY
 
Tualatin is pleased to announce the opening of a brand new position at the City. At Tualatin, we are dedicated to fostering economic growth and sustainability in our community. We work to create opportunities, support local businesses, and drive innovative projects that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking a dynamic and visionary Urban Renewal/Economic Development Manager to lead the formation of a new division dedicated to revitalizing our core area and fostering sustainable economic growth.The position will lead the effort to achieve the goals of the two newly-formed urban renewal districts, Southwest and Basalt Creek Development Area (Basalt Creek) and the Core Opportunity and Reinvestment Area (CORA) that hold the potential for hundreds of millions of dollars in new investments. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative leader to shape the future of urban development and make a significant impact on our community while revitalizing Tualatin's Core Area.

The successful candidate will also have the rare opportunity to create and expand a brand new Economic Development Division. The position will supervise one Management Analyst to start, but as the division grows, additional staff will be added. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative leader to shape the future of urban development and make a significant impact on our community while revitalizing Tualatin's Core Area.

The vision of the CORA Plan, established in 2022, is to provide a guiding document in our community’s sustainable effort to strengthen the social, cultural, environmental, and economic vitality of central Tualatin by funding projects that improve property values, eliminate existing and future blight, and create an active civic core.  Goals for revitalizing the district include new mixed-use commercial and residential development, enhanced connectivity, placemaking, flood mitigation, and environmental stewardship.

Tualatin's SW & Basalt Creek Development Area was established in 2021 and includes 717 acres of employment land – largely zoned commercial and industrial. Recent capital improvements include the extension of 124th Avenue/Basalt Creek Parkway, and recent developments include Portland General Electric’s new Integrated Operations Center. Goals for the district include implementing identified capital infrastructure projects to support development of high-quality employment uses over the next 30 years.

Tualatin is a vibrant city located in Washington County, Oregon, approximately 10 miles south of Portland. Nestled in the picturesque Tualatin Valley, it is part of the Portland metropolitan area and benefits from its proximity to the larger city while offering a distinct, more suburban atmosphere. Tualatin is known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly environment. The city combines the charm of a small-town atmosphere with the conveniences of urban living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, characterized by excellent schools, well-maintained parks, and a variety of recreational opportunities.

Tualatin boasts a diverse and growing economy. The city is home to a mix of established businesses and new ventures, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and retail. It has a strategic and attractive location with easy access to major highways and the Portland International Airport. With its strong community spirit, growing economy, and commitment to quality of life, it is an appealing place to live, work, and invest.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversees and administers the programs of the Economic Development Division; in coordination with the Community Development Director, determines needs, sets goals and objectives of the division.

Develop and implement a comprehensive urban renewal and economic development strategy. Lead the planning and implementation of urban renewal projects; develop project plans; facilitate the development of project scope, goals, milestones, and deliverables; define project tasks and resource requirements; plan and schedule project timelines; identify project risks and develop contingency plans; assemble and coordinate project staff; manage project budgets; communicate with stakeholders; create and maintain comprehensive project documentation and reports

Coordinate real estate activities; research properties for acquisitions; gather data to support the Tualatin Development Commission investment decisions; conduct research on topics related to urban development and economic development; draft policy alternatives for the City Manager; prepare and present reports.

Assist with developing the annual Urban Renewal Areas work plans and budgets; forecast annual urban renewal tax revenues; assist with developing the Capital Improvement Plan; identify and manage funding from grants; participate in the preparation, interpretation, management, negotiation, and enforcement of consultant contracts; develop new urban renewal programs and update existing programs; develop, design, and implement marketing materials to promote the programs to the City and to urban renewal stakeholders.

Develop and manage economic development program policies, procedures, and work plans.

Act as a strategic partner with the Tualatin business community to identify, formulate and implement economic development programs, projects and partnerships.

Work with and support the Tualatin business organizations including but not limited to the Chamber of Commerce, and the Commercial Citizen Involvement Organization.

Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend actions for improvement as necessary.

Performs as supervisor and lead project manager for the City’s efforts related to business recruitment, existing business retention and expansion.

Supervises the work of others, including professional and administrative staff, in carrying out the City’s business recruitment, retention and expansion efforts, including but not limited to: personnel assignments; developing and implementing budgets, schedules and work programs; evaluating Urban Renewal Division staff performance and selecting and managing consultants through the preparation of Requests for Proposals/Expressions of Interest (RFP/RFEI’s) reviewing proposals, conducting interviews, and negotiating and executing contracts.
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Supervises division staff to ensure City goals and objectives are met: schedules, assigns and reviews work; makes hiring decisions; conducts performance reviews; and provides for training and development.

Develops and maintains effective working relationships with realtors, developers, corporate site selectors, the media, and appropriate agency and elected officials to coordinate efforts to attract business investments in Tualatin.

Provide information to staff, other departments, the general public, and/or outside agencies; serve as a staff liaison to the Tualatin Development Commission, TriMet, Metro, and others; act as a representative on committees, interagency task forces, special projects, and other community outreach activities as assigned.

Evaluates and recommends possible incentives to encourage business development.

Manages complex real estate and financing negotiations, often involving multiple parties and with multiple objectives.

Prepares reports on economic development activities for administrative and Council decision-making.

Researches, directs, and implements programs and projects that support industrial development, including economic development tools and targeted legislative efforts.

Analyzes financial and market date as it pertains to real estate development an business investment; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of economic development, incorporating new developments as appropriate; makes policy recommendations based on this analysis to City management and City Council.

Represents the City on various boards and organizations such as Greater Portland Inc, Westside Business Alliance, Small Cities Consortium, and other business and economic development groups. Keep immediate supervisor or designated others accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.

Participates in the development of policy initiatives of other departments which potentially bear on the City’s economic development efforts, such as zoning code amendments, new/revised development fees, and so forth.

Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training session related to business recruitment retention and expansion, reviews publications and materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field.

Works effectively in a highly visible position.

Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.

Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.

Drives to meetings, facilities, and work sites regularly.
QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Technical Knowledge/Ability: Substantial knowledge of local and regional economic development principles and practices, real estate development; and local, regional, and state land use laws. Substantial knowledge of strategic planning and implementation, project management, and cultural relations. Comprehensive knowledge of city planning techniques and issues. Thorough knowledge of City operations, policies, and procedures. Substantial knowledge of the use and drafting of project-related technical and legal documents.

Comprehensive knowledge of international protocols relating to economic development. Comprehensive knowledge of national and international politics and government and public relations relating to economic issues and implications.

Other Skills and Abilities: Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal planning and zoning. Considerable knowledge of environmental impact issues, laws, and regulations. Considerable knowledge of governmental and legal procedures, and terminology in connection with economic development.

Substantial knowledge of principles of public sector budgeting, and contract terms and administration. Knowledge of management methods and techniques and ability to apply inter group relation skills gathered through education and/or experience.

Ability to effectively lead, provide direction and assign work to assigned department personnel. Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions. Ability to make sound decisions and recommendations with respect to the cost-effectiveness, impact and timeliness of projects. Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines. Ability to effectively prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.

Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral form using both technical and non-technical language. Ability to work pro-actively with other agency staff, business owners, and others, to engage them in the success of economic development goals and program. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with commissions, governmental agencies, the general public and other employees.
Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Language Skills: Ability to effectively and consistently interpret policies and ordinances to others. Ability to work effectively with angry and emotional distraught individuals and address and resolve complaints and concerns of the general public. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have the ability to operate a personal computer, knowledge of database, spreadsheet and scheduling software; Experience with Internet usage and with e-mail.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Possession of, or the ability to secure possession of, a valid State driver's license.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Urban Planning or a related field. Five years of demonstrated progressively responsible professional experience in local or regional economic development, planning, commercial real estate, community development, marketing, and/or business management, with substantial experience in managing economic development projects, and two years in a lead capacity; or any satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience, which ensures the ability to perform the work, may be substituted for the above.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervises a Management Analyst, and as the division grows, other employees that are hired into the Urban Renewal/Economic Development Division. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

How to Apply:
Visit our website at www.tualatin.gov. and apply online prior to the closing date and time. Feel free to attach a resumé and/or cover letter.

The City of Tualatin is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination, and rigorously strives to increase diversity and inclusion.  

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge skills education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you think you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skillset for the role. 

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