Community Redevelopment Agency Specialist

General Description

Under administrative direction, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Specialist performs highly responsible administrative support for the Community Redevelopment Agency in the research, development, and implementation of CRA plans, programs and projects.

NATURE OF WORK

Essential Functions:

The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this position. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this description. 

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform all duties as assigned.)

• Answer questions and provide information to the public, via telephone, front counter and/or Internet.
• Collaborates with staff in the development and implementation of redevelopment and economic development plans, projects, programs, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Provides highly skilled administrative support and analysis for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA); carries out department directives, initiatives, and programs relative to all facets of the position and the needs of the CRA department.
• Receives general public, government officials, reporters, and organizations on all levels; disburses information pertaining to department procedures and policies and processes confidential matters; refers questions to appropriate employees or departments when warranted.
• Responsible for tracking economic development and benchmarking measurements and conducts field evaluations and observation of existing public patterns; compiles, drafts, and prepares comprehensive reports, applications, inventories, presentations, proposals, collateral materials, surveys and other documents. 
• Makes arrangements for conferences, meetings, and events; manages and determines space, time, and place; informs participants of topics and development issues to be discussed; compiles documents, reports, and other information. 
• Assist with the evaluation of social, economic, demographic, and market data to analyze best means to attract, retain or expand businesses and/or industries within the redevelopment areas.
• Assists with business and resident inquiries as one of the primary points of contact for economic development and redevelopment projects, programs, and general customer service; assists in the administration of residential, commercial, and other grant programs. 
• Assists, supports, analyzes, and facilitates the coordination of all budgetary and financial systems for the department; assists in the development and implementation of management, processing, and administrative systems. 
• Works closely with divisions and other departments in maintaining the support systems and providing information regarding departmental operations. 
• Serves as liaison between the CRA and other City department staff, federal, state, and local agencies, and other third parties on assigned projects; participates in public meetings.
• Works a varied schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Answer telephones and provide information as requested. Route calls as necessary.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Assist Permit Technicians with building permitting located within the CRA district as needed.
• Assist Code Enforcement Officers with enforcement issues within the CRA district as needed.
• Perform or assist with any operations, as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules and quality requirements.
• Participate in any variety of meetings and work groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, and policies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge urban planning, downtown, community development and neighborhood redevelopment practices
• Knowledge of Florida Community Redevelopment Agencies and Downtown Development Boards/Authorities 
• Knowledge of social, demographic, economic, and market data
• Knowledge of best practices for creating vibrant, urban environments 
• Knowledge of community outreach and information program development
• Establishing and developing strong and professional relationships
• Communicating clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
• Operating a computer with intermediate level proficiency in document and file management, word-processing, database management, and internet and email usage
• Speaking to the public and presenting information to a variety of stakeholders
• Maintaining composure in stressful situations 
• Responding quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to multitask while working under tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Ability to quickly and independently learn new software.
• Ability to organize work for timely completion.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills to arrive at solutions and suggest improvements to processes.
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule.

Equipment: Uses computers for data entry. Uses copiers and other office machinery. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Associate's Degree and two (2) years’ experience in urban planning or urban design OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.