Economic Mobility Program Specialist

The City of Rochester invites applications for the position of:

Economic Mobility Program Specialist

Limited Term Role

The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.

It takes us all working together

Nature of Work

The Economic Mobility Program Specialist is a strategic, collaborative position responsible for coordinating and implementing economic mobility and opportunities for the City of Rochester. The role drives equity initiatives that expand financial security and opportunity for residents. Key responsibilities include identifying systemic barriers, implementing strategic priorities, and integrating economic mobility goals into City planning and service delivery. The role supports the development and management of data-informed programs in workforce development, housing stability, income growth, healthcare access, education pathways, and financial empowerment.

The position facilitates inclusive community engagement, builds strong cross-sector partnerships, and represents the City at regional and national convenings. It also oversees program evaluation through performance metrics, policy analysis, and reporting to leadership, elected officials, and community stakeholders

Limited Term:

This position is anticipated to last 30 months from the date of hire. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of allocated funds, as well as favorable performance by the incumbent. At the end of this time, the position will be eliminated unless the City elects continuation.

Starting salary range is $110,988 to $130,573 depending on qualifications, with advancement to $163,217.

To have your application considered in the first round of reviews, please apply before Monday, December 1, 2025.Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

• Manage and implement economic mobility initiatives that support the City's strategic priorities

• Identify strategic priorities and systemic barriers that limit residents' opportunities for financial security and economic advancement.

• Collaborate with leadership to ensure economic mobility goals are integrated into City planning, budgeting, and service delivery.
• Design and implement data-informed initiatives addressing workforce development, income growth, housing stability, education pathways, financial empowerment, and other mobility factors.
• Lead or participate in cross-departmental teams focused on equity and economic inclusion.

• Prepare grant proposals and manage budgets for economic mobility-related projects.

• Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Develop and facilitate inclusive engagement processes that co-design strategies with impacted communities, community-based organizations, and local institutions.

• Collaborate with City departments involved in development services, permitting, and business licensing to identify opportunities to streamline processes that disproportionately impact small businesses, entrepreneurs, and underrepresented communities.
• Analyze regulatory systems and service delivery models to uncover structural barriers to economic participation, and support the design and implementation of equitable process improvements that enhance access, reduce administrative burden, and increase transparency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across City departments, partner agencies, nonprofit stakeholders, and the business community to advance shared goals.

• Represent the City at annual convenings and cohort meetings with International City Management Association (ICMA).

• Evaluation & Reporting

• Develop and maintain metrics and performance dashboards to track progress, evaluate outcomes, and inform continuous improvement.

• Conduct research and policy analysis to guide program development and policy recommendations.
• Draft and present reports, implementation plans, and policy recommendations to City leadership, elected officials, and community stakeholders.

Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.

• Essential Duties

Education and Experience

A Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Public Policy or closely related field AND five years of experience in public sector or non-profit economic development, equitable community engagement, workforce development or related field.

An equivalent combination of education to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may be substituted for the required amount of experience.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Valid driver's license

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel periodically for cohort convenings and professional development.

Ability to participate in regular virtual and annual in-person meetings with other EMO SA grantees

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

Continuous demands: sitting and simultaneous use of hands, wrists, and fingers

Frequent demands: reaching and carrying

Occasional demands: standing, walking, fine dexterity, lifting, handling, pushing, pulling, kneeling, crouching, bending, and foot controls.

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, touch.

Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include: not substantially exposed to environmental conditions during the performance of office work.