tecumseh, mi 49286 city of tecumseh - … · city of tecumseh 309 e. chicago blvd. tecumseh, mi...

City of Tecumseh309 E. Chicago Blvd. Tecumseh, MI 49286

517.423.2107


517.423.2107

MICHIGAN


517.423.2107

is seeking a dynamic and creative leader to serve as its

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Application Deadline: Monday, January 8, 2018

Innovative • Timeless • Inviting


517.423.2107


517.423.2107

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

The City of Tecumseh is seeking a dynamic and creative leader for its Economic Development Department. The ideal candidate will be an energetic and self-motivated individual that will proactively work to ensure the City is leveraging its resources to sustain its position as a “top-ten” small community in Michigan. The next Economic Development Director must understand the recent trends in our evolving economy and local government’s role in placemaking, quality of life and talent attraction. A successful candidate must enjoy and actively pursue networking with the local business community and working directly with both large and small business owners on helping them succeed. Primary duties include developing and implementing projects with the Downtown Development Authority, associations and business owners; assisting businesses or developers with site or building searches; acting as a facilitator with the City, County and State permitting departments to expedite local approvals; working with the City Manager to negotiate tax incentives or other financial assistance available through the City and State; assisting in locating or applying for economic development loans or grants from the State or other lenders; and directing economic development research and strategic planning.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The Economic Development Department staff includes the Director, Marketing Manager and Administrative Services Manager. The Department utilizes its small staff to collaborate with the Tecumseh Central Business Association, Tecumseh Downtown Development Authority, the Tecumseh Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as several other community organizations. There is also a close working relationship with the Developmental Services Department that manages the planning, zoning and building code reviews for existing and new businesses.

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

The Department provides research, policy analysis and technical and administrative support to the following commissions, associations, and boards.

• Adrian-Tecumseh SmartZone

• Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

• Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

• Central Business Association (CBA)

• Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA)

• Planning Commission

RECENT AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

E-Cities Best Practices Community for Entrepreneurial Support (2010 - 2017)

USA TODAY’s 10 Best Fall Road Trips in Michigan (2017)

TRIPS TO DISCOVER - 11 Best Weekend Getaways in Michigan (2017)

CRAZY TOURIST - 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Michigan (2017)

BEST OF LENAWEE - Appleumpkin Festival: Best Festival/Event (2016, 2017)

LONG RANGE PLANNING AND SPECIAL PROJECTS

The Department is responsible for research, analysis, community engagement, and information management in connection with the City of Tecumseh’s economic development strategies and Comprehensive Plan (a.k.a. Master Plan). Economic Development is often the lead department responsible for researching and applying for state and federal grants related to its areas of responsibility. The City also relies on the Department to stay ahead of emerging economic development trends and propose strategic shifts in how the City allocates its resources.

Tecumseh’s current Comprehensive Plan was first adopted in 2005, and has been updated several times since, most recently with the adoption of the South Evans Sub-Area Plan (2017). It is a policy guide for the City Council, boards and commissions and contains the community’s aspirations, goals, and recommended actions to achieve those goals.

The Department is also responsible for implementation of the Downtown Tecumseh Strategic Plan, which highlights goals and objectives of the Downtown Development Authority. Some of the key Goals and Strategies in this Plan include Pursue a Range of Evans Street Improvements, Continue to Encourage Upper Floor Conversions to Residential Uses in Downtown Buildings, Continue and Expand the Extent and Resources for Marketing Efforts through the Pure Michigan Campaign and Other Appropriate Media, and Link the Bike Trail Coming into the City to Provide Access to the Downtown for Bikers.


517.423.2107


517.423.2107

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Tecumseh, Michigan is a vibrant community, situated 25 miles southwest of Ann Arbor, Michigan and 45 miles northwest of Toledo, Ohio. Nestled into the rolling landscape of Lenawee County, the city’s location provides easy access to major highways and international airports. Tecumseh is home to over 8,700 residents and 275 innovative businesses that need to stay connected; that’s why various forms of broadband including cable and fiber optic are available throughout the community.

Tecumseh is a celebration of the entrepreneur. Tucked inside historic downtown buildings you’ll find an interesting mix of more than 110 specialty shops, professional services, boutiques and dining options. Whether you’re looking for custom designed jewelry, a special teapot from Europe, an outfit for a night out on the town, or the best cinnamon rolls in Lenawee County, you’ll find it in Downtown Tecumseh. Shop owners take pride in offering customers goods imported from around the globe. A diverse selection of restaurants are highlighted by a gourmet food niche featuring locally produced wines and beers, a micro-creamery and a restaurant that has earned “destination dining” status.

Quality of life is valued in Tecumseh. Our Parks and Recreation Department boasts over 360 acres of parks and trails throughout the city. You can pack a picnic and enjoy an outdoor concert during the summer or play a round of championship golf! The Tecumseh Center for the Arts, Cabela’s, Michigan International Speedway and Michigan State University’s Hidden Lake Gardens all provide inviting recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Excellent educational facilities are provided through the Tecumseh Public Schools and the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD). The LISD and Tecumseh’s Southern Michigan Center for

Science and Industry can tailor industry-specific programs to focus on the needs of area businesses. The area’s access to major universities, including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Siena Heights University and Adrian College, have long provided the backdrop for innovation and talent in the Tecumseh area. This expert workforce

is backed by a strong commitment to education and workforce development from South Central Michigan Works and the State of Michigan.

Tecumseh also offers a wide range of housing options. Charming bungalows, nationally registered historic homes and modern neighborhoods provide many options in single family housing. Rather not mow the lawn? A wonderful selection of apartments, condominiums and downtown lofts will give you more time to work on your golf swing.

Successful businesses locate in areas like Tecumseh where talented workers want to live. Come see for yourself why global manufacturers such as Kirchhoff Automotive, Glycon, Wacker Chemical, Comstar Automotive and Uniloy Milacron call the Tecumseh area home.


517.423.2107


517.423.2107

JOB DESCRIPTION:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Supervised by: City Manager

Supervises: Department staff

Type: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the City Manager, functions as point-person for the City’s economic development and business attraction strategies. Serves as Director to the Downtown Development Authority and works with a variety of commissions, agencies, business and citizen groups to implement economic enhancement programs for commercial areas in the City.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Develops strategies for commercial business attraction and retention for the City. Meets with individuals interested in business location, actively promotes and advertises business opportunities and works with local officials and realtors to encourage leases, sales and commercial inflow.

2. Plans, organizes, and directs all aspects of departmental operations including personnel, budgeting, general administration, and capital needs assessment. Develops, recommends and implements departmental policies and procedures, internal controls, and departmental goals and objectives in accordance with departmental needs, City directives and legal requirements.

3. Works with various local, State and Federal agencies and officials on projects pertaining to environmental quality and clean-up, brownfield reuse and regional development.

4. Serves as Director to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Distributes meeting agendas and meeting materials, maintains meeting minutes, researches particular issues and acts as liaison to downtown businesses.

5. Works cooperatively with attorneys, planners, engineers and public officials and agencies on real estate, capital improvement and infrastructure projects affecting the City’s commercial areas.

6. Develops and oversees the implementation of marketing and public relations efforts on behalf of the City. Produces various articles and informational pieces for newsletters, web-site, brochures and general distribution.

7. Serves as a media contact person for downtown and economic developmental issues. Meets with reporters, answers questions and issues press releases on newsworthy development issues.

8. Assists City Manager and Council with plans for the enhancement of the City’s public space. Promotes improvements in commercial districts and assists business owners in accomplishing improvements. Meets with business and community groups interested in revitalization.

9. Researches grant opportunities, prepares and submits applications and administers grant funded projects, as appropriate.

10. Develops and administers the annual department operating and capital budgets. Ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time. Approves purchases and prepares departmental financial summaries as required.

11. Maintains an active presence in community development at both the local and County level through participation in various groups and associations. Organizes and participates in events, gives presentations and encourages community involvement. Maintains cooperative relationships with peer agencies and other governmental units.

12. Functions as a coordinator for various events, activities and projects, eliciting volunteer involvement and organizing participation.

13. Keeps abreast of legislative and regulatory developments and current issues in the economic development field through continued education and professional growth. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.

14. Performs related work as required.


517.423.2107


517.423.2107

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

A Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience, in urban planning, public administration, economics, or a related field.

Five or more years experience, with one or more years of supervisory experience, in economic and community development, planning administration, or related municipal experience.

A valid State of Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal planning and land-use issues.

Knowledge of state and federal laws and funding sources pertaining to economic development and downtown development and redevelopment.

Thorough knowledge of the professional public management techniques involved in budgeting, personnel administration, labor relations, and operations management.

Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including computers and related software.

Skill in developing and fostering effective public relations and community promotion techniques.

Ability to effectively communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing, and make presentations in the public forum.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.

Ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy in contentious or confrontational situations.

Ability to critically assess situations, problem-solve, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines and changes in work priorities.

Ability to maintain discipline, supervise a staff, and lead and command employees effectively.

Ability to attend meetings scheduled at times other than normal business hours, travel to other locations within the City and State.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person and on the telephone. The employee is frequently required to review and produce written and computerized documents. The employee is frequently required to access various locations within the office building and within the City and occasionally required to lift and/or move items of light to moderate weight. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting. The employee is occasionally exposed to adverse weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, and may occasionally become moderate in field situations.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 Depending on Qualifications.

Benefits: The City offers a competitive benefits package including health and dental insurance, a competitive hybrid defined benefit and defined contribution retirement program, vacation, sick, and personal leave, and ten paid holidays.

Due to the demands of the position and after-hours work requirements, the Economic Development Director is afforded a flexible work schedule. While it is expected that this position will work at least 40-hours/week, the Director has flexibility in setting their own work schedule.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit a Cover Letter and Resume to City Manager, Dan Swallow, at the address listed below:

Dan Swallow, City ManagerCity of Tecumseh309 E. Chicago Blvd.Tecumseh, MI 49286

Applications are due on or before Monday, January 8, 2018 at the close of business. This position will remain open until filled with review of candidates.

Questions: Contact Dan Swallow, City Manager, at (517) 424-6555 or [email protected]

tecumseh, mi 49286 city of tecumseh - … · city of tecumseh 309 e. chicago blvd. tecumseh, mi...

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