Economic Development & Community Relations Coordinator

The City of Charlotte is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated professional to serve as our Community Development Director. This position works closely with the City Manager to advance the City's strategic goals by supporting economic development initiatives, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing public engagement.

The Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing a variety of programs, projects, and communications that promote business growth, community involvement, and the overall quality of life in Charlotte. This role combines administrative, technical, and professional responsibilities while serving as a key liaison between the city, local businesses, community organizations, residents, and other stakeholders.

Supervision & Work Environment

This position reports directly to the City Manager and works collaboratively with City staff, elected officials, businesses, community organizations, and the public. While the City Manager establishes overall goals, priorities, and strategic direction, the successful candidate will be expected to work independently, exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities, and take initiative in carrying out projects and assignments. The position requires a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to make informed decisions while advancing the City's economic development and community engagement objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

• Collaborate with the City Manager, City Council, advisory boards, local businesses, and community stakeholders to develop and implement short- and long-term economic development strategies and initiatives.
• Support community-wide strategic planning efforts that encourage sustainable growth, business attraction, redevelopment, and investment within the city.
• Serve as a resource for existing and prospective businesses by providing information on development opportunities, available incentives, site selection, permitting processes, workforce resources, and community assets.
• Develop and maintain an inventory of available commercial and industrial properties, including information on zoning, infrastructure, utilities, environmental conditions, and redevelopment potential.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local, regional, state, and federal economic development organizations to advance community development goals.
• Research, prepare, and coordinate grant applications while identifying funding opportunities that support economic development, infrastructure, housing, transportation, environmental sustainability, and community revitalization projects.
• Conduct research, collect and analyze data, and prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations to assist City leadership in planning and decision-making.
• Coordinate and manage special projects, programs, and community initiatives assigned by the City Manager, ensuring projects are completed on time and aligned with the City's strategic priorities.
• Prepare and present regular progress reports and project updates to the City Manager, City Council, boards and commissions, community organizations, and the public.
• Foster positive relationships with residents, businesses, developers, nonprofit organizations, and partner agencies while promoting the City of Charlotte as an attractive place to live, work, and invest.
• Represent the City at meetings, conferences, public events, and community engagement activities as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the City's economic development and community relations objectives.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of education, experience, and skills that demonstrate the ability to successfully perform the responsibilities of this position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Economic Development, Community Development, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Valid Michigan driver's license (or ability to obtain one upon hire).
• Experience in economic development, community development, municipal government, or a related field is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Successful candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with business leaders, developers, community organizations, government agencies, elected officials, and the public.
• Communicate effectively through professional written correspondence, reports, presentations, and public speaking.
• Think strategically and contribute to long-range planning, goal setting, and community development initiatives.
• Negotiate effectively and facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Research, analyze, and solve complex problems while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and well-organized reports, grant applications, and other professional documents.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and adapting to changing priorities.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating as an effective member of a team.
• Represent the City with professionalism, integrity, and excellent customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in municipal government or another public sector organization.
• Experience administering or managing economic development, community development, redevelopment, or planning initiatives.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal economic development programs, grants, and incentive programs.
• Experience researching, writing, and administering grants, including programs such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), or similar funding sources.

Pay: $49,837.97 - $60,019.93 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person