Administrator Local Business Development

Hybrid Administrator of Local Business Development role with Oakland County, leading downtown revitalization, community redevelopment, and small business growth across the County.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Local Business Development Unit, supervising staff to develop and implement economic development programs and initiatives for Oakland County cities, villages, and townships
• Assess business community needs and economic conditions to create and implement redevelopment strategies for downtowns and commercial areas across urban, suburban, and rural communities
• Oversee Main Street Oakland County activities, including downtown revitalization programs, redevelopment plans, historic preservation initiatives, and local heritage tourism programs and services
• Direct small business programs and services, including business recruitment, retention, and training
• Prepare and administer the unit budget aligned to strategic plan priorities
• Act as the County liaison to regional, state, and national downtown revitalization and economic development agencies and organizations
• Monitor state and federal legislation affecting local economic development and advise County administration on impacts and opportunities
• Review, prepare, and present recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, County Executive, and other public officials
• Use County and department software to manage information and complete assignments
• Recommend annual project goals and objectives, including methods to meet unit objectives
• Seek out, apply for, and manage grants for the Local Business Development Unit
• Coordinate and build partnerships with local governments, tax capture authorities, and nonprofit economic development organizations, including tailored work programs and consulting services
• Supervise staff development and implementation of initiatives related to:
  • Main Street Oakland County targeting historic downtowns, hamlets, and heritage corridors
  • Housing, neighborhood, historic preservation plans, and local heritage tourism programs and services
  • Small business programs and services for recruitment, retention, and training
• Coordinate seminars, small business assistance centers, and programs by working with external organizations and resources
• Develop and maintain relationships with banks, foundations, and other funding organizations to support grant programs for small businesses and local economic development organizations
• Build relationships with developers, businesses, and property owners to support investment in Oakland County and coordinate available business development resources
• Arrange and facilitate discussions between developers, local governments, and local economic development organizations on investment opportunities
• Make recommendations and/or persuade and negotiate with other agencies, public officials, employees, and the public
• Participate as a lead presenter at conferences, workshops, and planning-related activities
• Utilize countywide and/or department-specific software to complete assignments

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Community Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or a related field
• 7+ years of full-time, progressively responsible experience in city, county, or regional planning; private consulting planning; downtown development; real estate development; economic development; or a closely related professional field
• Professional license, registration, or certification from a recognized licensing agency in downtown management, historic preservation planning, architectural history, architecture, planning, economic development, real estate broker/salesperson, or a closely related profession
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license
• Considerable experience working with national/state or local historic preservation and Main Street programs/organizations
• Considerable knowledge of economic development principles and practices
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public agencies, private organizations, County employees and officials, and the general public
• Considerable ability to prepare and present reports, analysis, and studies on technical issues related to economic development
• Considerable knowledge of land use and infrastructure relationships and variables that affect economic development
• Considerable knowledge of economic, business, and financial factors affecting business investment/disinvestment and the location of economic activity
• Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal economic development programs, incentives, techniques, and local community policies for business retention and attraction
• Considerable ability to follow complex written and oral instructions
• Considerable ability to speak publicly in front of large groups
• Considerable ability to handle controversial and adversarial situations effectively
• Familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software

Compensation

• $108,225 - $145,001 per year

Position Details

• Location: Waterford, MI (hybrid)

Overview & Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits
• Opportunity to do meaningful work that matters
• Work that helps shape the future of Oakland County

Union

• BU90 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Economic Dev Supv (UAW)
• If applicable

EEO Statement

Oakland County is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally protected basis under federal, state, or local laws.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, and encourages qualified applicants to apply.