Join a dynamic and award-winning team in Newberry, one of the best-managed towns in America! We're on the lookout for innovative, ambitious individuals who are passionate about excellence in public service. At Newberry, we empower our employees with the tools and autonomy they need to excel and raise the bar in their fields. We value creative thinkers who bring fresh ideas to enhance our service levels. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to contribute to a vibrant community, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for. Dive into a role that offers the flexibility of hybrid work and the chance to make a tangible impact. Read on to discover how you can be a part of Newberry's success story.

This is a hybrid-eligible position; remote work of up to 50% is acceptable.

The CRA & Economic Development Manager coordinates, directs, and implements programs and projects that support the City of Newberry’s economic growth and redevelopment objectives. This strategic role involves robust project management, business recruitment and retention, and community engagement to foster economic development and revitalization, particularly within the City's Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). The successful candidate will work under the direction of the Assistant City Manager and play a pivotal role in enhancing the City’s economic landscape. This administrative professional position manages the implementation of economic development programs for the City. This includes planning, coordinating, and monitoring programs and projects to retain existing businesses, attract new ones, and secure new economic investments.

This position will play a vital role in developing and implementing strategies to promote economic growth, support local businesses, and attract new investment to the City.

Work includes conceptual program design, development of financing plans for public or private expenditures, site and structural design analysis, solicitation of and negotiation with private developers, economic development planning, interdepartmental coordination, and direction of programs. The work is oriented towards short-term or multiyear projects. 

Essential Functions:
Project Management:
  - Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of economic development and CRA projects, ensuring they align with the City’s goals and objectives.
  - Develop and maintain detailed project plans to ensure successful project delivery, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
  - Monitor and report on project progress, identifying and addressing any issues or risks to keep projects on track.
  - Assist with RFP, RFB, and contract development for CRA projects. 
  - Develop and implement grant and funding initiatives to spur redevelopment of the CRA.

Business Recruitment and Retention:
  - Implement strategies to attract new businesses to the City of Newberry and retain existing businesses within the CRAs.
  - Engage with developers, investors, and business owners to facilitate new developments and expansions, providing them with necessary support and resources.
  - Facilitates target marketing of the City for new business development and business expansion efforts through meetings and various marketing strategies.
  - Maintain strong relationships with local businesses, associations, and partner agencies, promoting the City as a prime location for business.
  - Develop and manage business financing programs through tools such as grants and economic development incentives.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
  - Liaison with the business community, civic organizations, and government agencies on economic development matters.
  - Builds strong relationships with local businesses and local associations.
  - Organize and participate in events, meetings, and promotional activities to foster relationships and gather input from stakeholders.
  - Address and resolve community concerns related to CRA projects and economic development initiatives.

Financial and Contract Management:
  - Prepare, negotiate, and administer contracts for development projects, including land acquisition, construction, and financing agreements.
  - Develop and manage budgets for economic development and CRA programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with City policies.
  - Identify and pursue grant opportunities to fund development initiatives and manage grant compliance.

Research and Analysis:
  - Conduct research on economic trends, demographic data, and market conditions to inform the City’s development strategies.
  - Prepare and present detailed reports and recommendations to City officials, the CRA Board, and other stakeholders.
  - Utilize data analysis to assess the impact of development projects and adjust strategies as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge:
  - Extensive knowledge of economic development principles, project management, urban planning, and public administration.
  - Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations related to community redevelopment and economic development.
  - Understanding of financial instruments and incentives used in economic development, such as tax increment financing (TIF) and urban renewal districts.

Skills:
  - Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously.
  - Excellent communication and negotiation skills, capable of conveying technical information clearly to a variety of audiences.
  - Proficiency in research and data analysis, with the ability to translate findings into actionable strategies.

Abilities:
  - Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
  - Capacity to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including business leaders, government officials, and community members.
  - Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.

Qualifications:
Education:
  - Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Economic Development, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:
  - Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in economic development, project management, real estate, or community development, with a proven track record of success in managing large-scale projects and business attraction/retention.
  - Experience in managing public-private partnerships and navigating complex regulatory environments.
  - Combination of eduction and experience will be considered. 

Licenses/Certifications:
  - Valid State of Florida driver’s license.
  - FRA Certification preferred. 


Working Conditions:
- This position requires occasional physical activity, including lifting objects up to 50 pounds, standing, and walking for extended periods.
- The role demands flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends, and may require travel to attend meetings and events.

The City of Newberry is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.