Manager of Urban Renewal and Redevelopment

Summary

Description

City of Aurora, Colorado
It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Hiring range for this position: $104,000-$130,000/Annually

The deadline to submit applications is Monday June 30th,2025. Initial review of submitted applications will commence shortly after. However, it is subject to close at any time without prior notice once a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is obtained.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT

We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven, and experienced Urban Renewal and Redevelopment Manager to lead the planning and execution of revitalization initiatives across twenty-one urban renewal areas and several key urban areas under consideration. In this role, you will work collaboratively with governments, private developers, and community organizations to oversee redevelopment projects focused on improving infrastructure, housing, public spaces, and community services, while fostering economic growth and community well-being.

The proactive and solutions-oriented Manager will be responsible for planning, managing and administering the City of Aurora’s Urban Renewal and Redevelopment program under the direction of the Director of Planning and Business Development and the Aurora Urban Renewal Authority Board.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises, manages, and oversees the development and administration of urban renewal within the City of Aurora.

• Establishes plans, promotes redevelopment opportunities, solicits private investment, and implements strategies and projects for twenty-one (21) existing urban renewal areas and other redevelopment activities.

• Evaluates potential urban renewal area needs and opportunities, analyzes economic conditions, conducts studies, and establishes short and long-range development priorities, financial plans, and strategies.

• Negotiates and manages incentives for infrastructure, public improvements, and private development under long-term agreements (up to 25 years).

• Makes recommendations to the AURA on all urban renewal areas and projects.

• Prepares and makes policy recommendations to the City Council and the Aurora Urban Renewal Authority for future development activities.

• Prepares and manages the Division’s and Authority’s budgets.

• Develops incentive programs; assists on inter-governmental issues; works with underwriters, financial consultants, and bond attorneys to determine financial approach for each project.

• Determines tax increment financing districts.

• Establishes, plans, schedules, and reviews work of subordinates.

• Manages assigned staff including selecting, hiring, training/coaching, performance management, and disciplining.

• Develops and maintains a culture of performance and engagement focused on customer service, communication, accountability, proactive planning, and results.

• Manages federal funds allocated to the Aurora Urban Renewal Authority.

• Actively seeks public-private partnerships for the implementation of development and redevelopment projects and plans provides guidance and direction to project team members.

• Has in-depth knowledge of state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning, real estate, and development topics

• Demonstrates excellent problem solving and negotiating skills working with redevelopment applicants regarding project scope, public finance, and processes.

• Exhibits strong interpersonal and public relations skills and demonstrated capacity to work effectively with public officials, business partners, private developers, staff and the general public.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports, and the presentation of information to stakeholders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education: 

• Master’s degree in public administration, planning, finance, economics, or related field.

Experience: 

• At least 3 years’ progressively responsible experience in project management, business or economic development, and retail attraction, retention and growth, including at least 3 years’ supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

• This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• None

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of business/economic development, including an understanding of retail attraction, retention and growth.

• Knowledge of business development incentives.

• Municipal ordinance interpretation, real estate development, and personal computers with related software applications including word processing and project management applications.

• Contract administration, administration, municipal management, budget planning, and regulatory requirements.  

Abilities: 

• Visionary and innovative with the ability to execute.

• Ability to establish and maintain strong partnerships and relationships with employees, executives, developers, businesses citizens, real estate and business brokers and elected officials.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.

• Ability to make and employ sound judgments and use skills and knowledge to derive innovative solutions to difficult situations with little or no precedent.

• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Plan and schedule team operations.

• Mediate and resolve conflicts, establish, and fulfill goals and objectives.

• Direct and effectively supervise employees, plan and schedule work unit operations and perform as project manager for complex projects.

• Establish and administer budgets.

• Direct and effectively supervise professional staff.   

Skills: 

• Strong interpersonal, analytical, negotiation, project management, managerial and presentation skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands: 

• Sedentary physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 10 pounds.

• Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing; vision to read and interpret reports and documents.

• Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees, coworkers, businesses, partners and residents.

Work Environment: 

• Works in a clean, comfortable environment.

Equipment Used: 

• Uses standard office equipment including a personal computer with related software.

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.