Performs, coordinates, develops, designs and administers sensitive professional and technical development and revitalization work for the City. Work, some of which is confidential in nature, is driven through the use of innovative planning and development practices, technological advances and through use of discretion in developing and recommending policies conducive to community growth, based upon input from both the development community and residents.

The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana. Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical and background check post offer.   

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position).
 

1. Performs research to maintain and update local site and demographic data, to include real-estate listings and related data and employment data. Monitors, tracks, and provides data entry on feedback data from both the public and the development community.
2. Uses discretion in coordinating community-planning to identify goals that promote growth and redevelopment of the Decatur community through an active, inclusionary community engagement process. 
3. Proactively researches and monitors economic development trends to attract new businesses.
4. Assists local partners in managing an entrepreneurial ecosystem. 
5. Works with staff to ensure that local land use guides, zoning classifications and regulatory requirements meet community goals, balancing need for regulations with shifting market demands. Uses discretion in recommending courses of adjustment when necessary to meet ever-changing community needs.
6. Receives, processes, and tracks all planning and economic development site plans, building plans, petitions, and related materials, some of which are confidential in nature. 
7. Directs or performs any and all activities related to the Technical Review Committee, including preparation and distribution of agendas, communications with applicants/petitioners, recording of minutes, transmittal of review comments, follow-up, and project tracking. Coordinates the placement of all Technical Review Committee data, along with other basic factual information, into an approved electronic system.
8. Works with the Department Director and staff to identify, research and establish plans for local land use and reuse, including the use of vacant lots created through the City’s demolition program. Researches economic development activities and undertakes special projects as requested. 
9. Proactively manages the local annexation process, ensuring that annexations are completed in a timely manner and meet the goals of the Comprehensive Plan for Macon County and Decatur, and the Decatur City Council, as well as local development goals.
10. Assists in the preparation, monitoring, and coordination of the City’s economic development plans, projects, programs, and agreements. Authorizes payment for work completed on redevelopment agreements. Does all bookkeeping and reconciliation on redevelopment agreements with the Finance Department. 
11. Assists with data entry updates to the list of commercial and industrial buildings and sites available for development. Maintains and updates the database of all commercial and industrial firms located in the City. Stores and retrieves confidential information regarding potential development projects and land uses. 
12. Assists the Department Director in the creation, management, review, reporting and implementation of the City’s redevelopment incentives, including but not limited to, Tax Increment Financing (TIF). 
13. Manages the City’s flood plain activities in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. 
14. Directs real estate acquisition and disposition activities. 
15. Assists the Department Director and staff in planning, administering, coordinating, executing, evaluating, and formulating policies for commercial redevelopment programs and single-family housing rehabilitation programs to include short and long-term planning. 
16. Provides technical assistance to Neighborhood Revitalization staff and Neighborhood Inspections staff on special projects as assigned. 
17. Serves as the City’s liaison for the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority (CILBA).
18. Prepares packet materials for related City boards and commissions and City Council, including memos, reports, maps, and other information as needed. 
19. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, finance, or a related field; and two (2) years responsible experience in public administration, real estate sales, economic development and/or community development; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Ability to utilize word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, presentation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or mapping computer software. 
3. Skill in interpreting and explaining ordinances and written regulations.
4. Ability to deal effectively with the general public, businesses, developers and advisory board and commission members. 
5. Ability to prepare reports and proposals, and to present recommendations and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
6. Ability to research and collect data and perform accurate calculations, and to perform sound, analytical analyses and make well-reasoned recommendations. 
7. Skill or experience in leading varied community engagement programs and procedures to fully ensure that all levels of community input are included as part of the planning process.
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality in handling information regarding development related matters and potential development projects. 
9. Sound judgment in applying discretion to decision making on work related matters.

This position requires residency within the corporate limits of Macon County or within the corporate limits of any municipality extending into Macon County. Upon original appointment, such appointees may reside outside said limits but shall be required as a condition of continued employment to comply with said residency requirement within twelve (12) months.