SUMMARY OF POSITION: Manchester is a vibrant, diverse small city of 60,000 residents and services as the commercial hub of the east-of-the-river Greater Hartford region. The successful candidate will be tasked with advancing several of the Town’s key economic development initiatives. Under general direction, the position: Facilitates and administers economic development efforts for the Town of Manchester. Establishes and maintains a working knowledge of available and potentially available
commercial sites and opportunities. Engages with current and potential property owners, businesses, and the real estate community and administers economic development-related grants. Builds relationships with the business and development community to attract economic development to Manchester. The position will emphasize economic development work within Downtown Manchester, with approximately 50% of work dedicated to Downtown revitalization.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  Knowledge of and experience in economic development, business, community revitalization, urban planning and/or commercial real estate. Ability to express oneself effectively in both oral and written form. Ability and desire to work with people of various cultural backgrounds. Strong problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, and diplomacy. Ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously and work on projects with committees or teams. Ability to develop a work program and carry out assignments independently in a timely manner. Ability to communicate effectively with businesses owners, real estate developers and the public. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with Town officials, staff, and other agencies. Ability to utilize computers for data base
management, budgeting, and word processing. Ability to use computer software programs including the Microsoft Office package.

NATURE OF WORK
Under general direction facilitates and administers economic development efforts for the Town of
Manchester. Establishes and maintains a working knowledge of available and potentially available commercial sites and opportunities. Engages with current and  potential  property  owners,  businesses,  and  the  real  estate  community.    Builds relationships  with  the  business and development community to attract economic development to Manchester. The position will emphasize economic development
work within Downtown Manchester, with approximately 50% of work dedicated to Downtown
revitalization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
•     Works to ensure Manchester maintains its reputation as a forward-thinking, creative community
that is welcoming  to innovation and a diverse business community
•    Works to retain existing businesses and assist with expansion and other initiatives
•    Solicits businesses in line with the Plan of Conservation and Development to encourage their location in Manchester.
•    Creates and administers economic development grant and loan programs and other incentives
•     Seeks out, applies for, and manages economic development grant opportunities from the state,
federal   government, and other entities.
• Provides  staff  support  to  the  Economic  Development  Commission,  Redevelopment  Agency  and
 other  Boards  and Commissions as assigned.
•    Builds a network of property owners, real estate agents and developers.
•        Develops and maintains economic development messaging and targeted marketing materials via
the Town website, social and other media
•    Assists businesses and developers through the municipal permitting process.
•    Coordinates Town efforts with the Downtown Special Services District and WORK_SPACE staff.
•     Recommends and assists with coordination of Downtown capital improvements
•     Tracks development interest and success.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
•    Performs professional and administrative work for other projects as assigned.
•    Provides guidance related to development incentives, regulations, and application procedures.
•     Researches and creates reports to keep local officials informed of potential economic
development issues,  problems, trends, opportunities, and economic indicators.
•    Maintains and presents economic data on businesses and commercial real estate.
•     Represents Manchester to the business community.
•    Addresses business and civic groups on economic development issues.
•     Performs other duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
•    Knowledge of and experience in management and administration.
•     Knowledge of urban planning and/or commercial real estate.
•    Proficiency in using various social media for marketing and communications tools.
•    Ability to express oneself effectively in both oral and written form.
•    Ability and desire to work with people of various cultural backgrounds.
•    Strong problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, and diplomacy.
•    Ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously and work on projects with committees or
teams.
•    Ability to develop a work program and carry out assignments independently in a timely manner.
•     Ability to communicate effectively with businesses owners and the public.  Ability to
establish and maintain   effective working relationship with Town officials, staff, and other agencies.
•    Ability to utilize computers for data base management, budgeting, and word processing.
•    Ability to use computer software programs such as those in the Microsoft Office package, with
knowledge of Excel and Word to create reports and documents.

CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2024