Adams County Government

Economic & Community Vitality Manager

Brighton, CO (On-site)

What Success Looks Like In This Job The Community and Economic Development (CED) Department serves Adams County through an integrated and equitable approach to community planning and investment. The Department partners with neighborhoods, businesses, agencies, and others to bring about positive change for Adams County. The departmental divisions include Building Safety, Planning & Development, Permits & Licensing, Environmental Programs, Housing Policy & Community Investments, Economic & Community Vitality, and an Administrative Division that provides departmental oversight and coordination. The Economic and Community Vitality Division is a newly formed division with an emphasis on a cross-functional and multidisciplinary approach to the future of development in Adams County. Merging comprehensive and long-range planning with economic development strategies and programs, this dynamic team is positioned to implement Adams County’s vision through robust community engagement activities that support positive relationships with businesses, developers, property owners, and neighborhoods. The team also collaborates with other communities at a regional level, representing the interests of Adams County, and coordinates across the organization to ensure an integrated approach to community engagement for the physical development of unincorporated Adams County. The Economic & Community Vitality Manager operates under the guidance of the Deputy Directors and the oversight of the Department Director. The Economic & Community Vitality Manager leads, organizes, and supports the division staff and is responsible for the successful implementation of the division’s plans, programs, and policy initiatives. In this capacity, the Manager works to promote effective relationships with regional partners, special districts, the real estate and development community, state and local government agencies, and community members. With an added focus on public policy and community engagement, the Manager interacts frequently with elected officials and boards and must make professional and well-researched recommendations for policy decisions and represent the positions of Adams County with clarity and objectivity. This position and the work of the Economic & Community Vitality Division must coordinate closely with the activities of other divisions, departments, and outside organizations, including incorporated/municipal jurisdictions within Adams County. The ability to form and maintain collaborative relationships and establish trust and mutual respect with local, regional, and statewide planning and economic development professionals is essential to success in this position. Assignments are broad in scope and are carried out with a significant degree of autonomy, requiring sound professional judgement, attention to detail and deadlines, and an awareness of organizational dynamics and priorities. This position must be able to work well independently, as well as provide guidance and support to staff, and to make collaborative contributions to department-wide efforts with others in positions of leadership. Examples of Duties for Success Plans, organizes, manages, integrates, and evaluates the division’s long-term and short-term activities and operations within CED. Develops, implements, and monitors short- and long-term goals and objectives focused on achieving the County’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities. Specifically, this position leads the implementation of the County’s Comprehensive Plan, Development Standards and Regulations, Economic Development Strategy, and the Incentive Policy Framework, including periodic updates and amendments. Provides collaborative leadership and works to retain highly competent, customer service-oriented staff through selection, compensation, training, and day-to-day management. Participates in the development of the departmental budget; forecasts funds needed for the division’s activities; approves division expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary. Manages preparation of applications for planning and economic development grants at federal and state levels. Serves as a leader on special projects or committees related to comprehensive and long-range planning, economic development, and redevelopment areas to include County Revitalization Areas. Manages the collection of demographic and other relevant social, economic, and land use data and analyzes present and projected community development needs; coordinates efforts to address these needs with the development community and regional partners. Communicates the elements of the County’s long-term development and redevelopment strategies in terms of both land use and economics to diverse groups and works to expand understanding, build consensus, and foster positive working relationships. Plans, manages, implements, and assigns the division’s projects and programs; develops performance measures; identifies problems and issues; determines analytical approaches; obtains and analyzes necessary data and information; evaluates alternative courses of action. Maintains current knowledge of the local development and economic environment and stays informed about ongoing projects across the region; provides information to CED administration, other divisions within CED, and the Board of County Commissioners, as directed. Maintains current knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of community planning and economic development; attends and participates in professional meetings, workshops, conferences, and seminars; participates in professional development activities; reads relevant publications and disseminates information to the division and the department. Leads long-range planning and economic development activities with other County departments and local municipalities; coordinates with other governmental and private development entities throughout to foster collaboration in alignment with strategic goals. Manages community engagement activities for County-led integrated planning of corridors, sub-areas, and other identified redevelopment areas, including future County Revitalization Areas, in coordination with other departments. Prepares reports on economic development and long-range planning activities; presents reports to the Board of County Commissioners, county partners, and community organizations as requested. Supervises consultants and other employees in the preparation of planning documents, reports, studies, and projects. Provides analysis and recommendations for land use cases and economic incentives utilizing the fiscal land use model and economic impact analysis tools when applicable and appropriate. Facilitates software licensing and data acquisition to develop, maintain, and enhance data-driven approaches to planning, pursuit of development opportunities, and responses to economic prospect alerts. Supports the County’s legislative and regulatory efforts pertaining to land use and economic development policies, analyzing and reviewing pending legislation, regulation, priorities, and issues to identify their potential impact on the County. Participates in state, regional, and local planning and economic development work groups and committees (DRCOG, EDCC, ULI Colorado, etc.) to stay informed and represent Adams County on land use and economic development matters. Performs related duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities Exercises direct supervision over Division staff and project management of cross-functional and/or cross-departmental teams as directed. Qualifications For Success Knowledge of: Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a multidisciplinary community and economic development program in a local government environment. Principles and strategies of real estate development. Principles and practices of community engagement focused on public participation and reaching diverse and underrepresented populations, as well as public relations techniques used in economic development and redevelopment areas. Project management principles and practices, including contract management for professional services. Federal and state historical land use practices, current best practices, and methodologies for addressing investment in communities to support economic health for both businesses and residents. Community economic development and redevelopment tools, incentives, and financing methods, including federal and state programs related to brownfields and infrastructure. Current practices in transportation, infrastructure, housing, utility and natural resource planning at a level to lead multidisciplinary project teams in the creation of long-range development plans. Fundamentals of Colorado law as related to land-use planning, economic incentives, public finance tools, and related regulatory frameworks. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as amended and applicable to community and economic development projects, programs, and activities. Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report preparation. Ability to: Select, manage, train, coordinate, and evaluate the work of divisional staff as well as foster a collegial and supportive work environment. Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques. Perform complex analysis and research, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals. Develop and implement plans and land use development policies focused on the long-term physical and economic development of unincorporated Adams County. Develop and implement targeted programs and incentives serving unincorporated Adams County businesses, developers, and property owners, as well as programs and incentives that complement regional goals and initiatives. Demonstrate a high level of professional judgment and build a reputation of trust when engaging in highly sensitive economic development projects. Develop and monitor the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and the Economic Development Strategic Plan, along with other adopted corridor, sub-area, and specialized area plans. Advance development and implementation of County Revitalization Plans under the newly formed County Revitalization Authority (CRA). Understand the organization, operation, and services of the County and outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Foster a spirit of teamwork and cooperative effort in meeting the County’s long-term planning and economic development objectives. Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive administrative and technical reports. Represent the department in a professional manner when dealing with the Board of County Commissioners, boards, community groups, and the general public. Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the political, socio-economic, linguistic, and cultural diversity of the community. Read and interpret complex data, information, and documents. Work on multiple, concurrent projects with strict deadlines and with frequent interruptions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; develop and maintain effective interdepartmental coordination of information. Respond and perform assigned duties in the event of a County-declared emergency. Experience More Qualifications for Success Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience that includes comprehensive land use planning and economic development, project management, and government agency service. Direct experience in leading redevelopment initiatives such as urban renewal is preferred. Three (3) years of supervisory experience. Two (2) years of combined experience in contract management for professional services, public policy analysis, and administration of state and local grant funds. Education and Training: Required: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field that provides a technical foundation for community and economic development. Strongly preferred: Master's degree in Urban & Regional Planning, Urban Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Real Estate Development, Law, or a closely related field. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver's license. Preference for completion of one or more of the following: Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification through the International Economic Development Council (CEcD) Other professional level certification or licensure associated with land and real estate development. Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check. Other: Community meetings will occasionally be required on weekends or evenings, potentially in locations where only private vehicle transportation options exist. Occasional travel for conferences or training opportunities. Adams County and the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office complies with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act (“JAFA”). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation. Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations. Click here to watch our video about why Adams County is an Employer of Choice! Benefits You Expect AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance Deferred Compensation Plan Dental/Vision/Medical Plans Generous Vacation/Sick leave Long-Term Disability Retirement Plan Short-Term Disability Plus Some You Might Not Expect Employee Assistance Program Employee Fitness Center Employee Health Clinics Flexible Work Schedules Recreation Center Discounts Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs Wellness programs Lactation friendly certified workplace 01 Please be aware that your cover letter and resume will not be accessed in the initial screening process, so you must complete your application and supplemental questions with as much detail as possible. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your cover letter and resume will then be accessible to the hiring team. Information provided on the application is used to determine if a candidate meets minimum qualifications. Only information provided at the time of the application being completed will be considered and additional information that is not listed on the application will not be considered when deciding if a candidate meets or does not meet the qualifications. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to include all information and details on their application. I understand and agree that only information provided at the time of my application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum requirements for this position. Yes, I understand and agree Yes, I understand but disagree. 02 This role requires at least five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience that includes comprehensive land use planning and economic development, project management, and government agency service. Do you meet this requirement? Yes No 03 This role requires at least three (3) years of supervisory experience. Do you meet this requirement? Yes No 04 A requirement of this role is at least two (2) years of combined experience in contract management for professional services, public policy analysis, and administration of state and local grant funds. Do you meet this requirement? Yes No 05 This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field that provides a technical foundation for community and economic development. Do you meet this requirement? Yes No 06 This role requires possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver's license. Do you or can you meet this requirement? Yes No 07 Please indicate which of the preferred certifications you hold. Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification through the International Economic Development Council (CEcD) Other professional level certification or licensure associated with land and real estate development. None 08 If you selected "other professional level certification," please indicate which certifications you possess. If not, please write "N/A." 09 Please describe your experience with urban renewal, brownfields, or other redevelopment programs and/or projects. If none, please respond N/A. 10 Please describe your experience with public finance mechanisms. If none, please respond N/A. Required Question