*Background and Position Summary * As a community-led organization, Northwest Neighborhoods equitably fosters diverse, vibrant neighborhoods that are physically and socially connected, where anyone can thrive. Our service area (West 45th to West 117th Streets, north of I-90) includes Cleveland's Cudell, Detroit Shoreway, and Edgewater neighborhoods.

Northwest Neighborhoods is seeking a dynamic individual to serve as Director of Economic Development. This is a key position in our Planning and Development Department and is responsible for providing technical assistance to businesses, coordinating governmental approvals, convening merchants' associations, and assistance with commercial leasing for properties owned by Northwest Neighborhoods CDC.

The ideal candidate is passionate about Cleveland, its neighborhoods, and its diverse residents and has a servant leadership mentality -- placing first the growth and well- being of people and the communities to which they belong. The candidate should be a problem- solver, good listener, and patient. Candidates should also enjoy developing relationships, working with many partners, both public and private, providing managerial leadership and be able to work both independently as well as on a team.

Reports To: Director of Community Involvement

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintain strong relationships with businesses and commercial property owners in the Detroit
• Shoreway, Cudell and Edgewater neighborhoods.
• Oversee Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) accomplishment goals and provide monthly reports.
• Assist business with the City of Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program and other City business support programs.
• Support Director of Communications in coordinating business involvement for special events.
• Coordinate and provide staff support for neighborhood business associations.
• Coordinate and provide staff support for the Economic Development Committee of the Northwest Neighborhood CDC board.
• Convene with the Economic Development Committee of the Northwest Neighborhood CDC board and Community Entertainment District committee.
• Coordinate with other governmental approvals such as the Board of Zoning Appeals and the City 2
• Planning Commission.
• Work with local developers to engage in public processes for the Board of Zoning Appeals, the
• Cleveland Planning Commission, and the Near West Design Review
• Assist with planning, infrastructure, and public projects with the City of Cleveland, NOACA,
• Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Metropolitan School District and others. Examples include
• streetscape, transit and roadway improvements; the Lorain Avenue bike infrastructure; school
• redevelopment sites; and neighborhood gateways.
• Negotiate, maintain, and assist businesses with commercial leases for Northwest Neighborhood owned properties.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Economic Development or related degree; or four years experience in a related field.

Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and can deal with public and private officials and negotiate complex transactions.

Demonstrated capacity to render independent judgment, and negotiate terms and conditions for services and materials.

Must be proficient in spreadsheet analysis (Microsoft Excel) and proficient in word processing (Microsoft Word). Knowledge of CiviCRM or other CRM software is a plus.

Must be proficient in using public databases as well as mapping software.

Must be self-motivated, able to work independently, innovative, and able to thoughtfully problem-solve

Ability to work with people of all backgro