Economic Development Specialist

The City of Roanoke is seeking an Economic Development Specialist to perform professional work supporting the City's real estate and economic development initiatives. This position is responsible for managing City owned real estate assets, facilitating property transactions, administering key economic development programs, and serving as a liaison between the City, the Economic Development Authority, and the commercial real estate community.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage City owned property leases, license agreements, easements, and encroachments to ensure compliance with applicable agreements and City policies.
• Coordinate and administer the sale and disposition of City owned real property, including working with internal departments, legal counsel, developers, and prospective purchasers.
• Provide staff support to the City of Roanoke Economic Development Authority (EDA), including coordinating monthly meetings, preparing agendas and supporting documentation, maintaining official records, and implementing EDA actions.
• Administer local and state Enterprise Zone programs, ensuring compliance with program requirements and serving as a resource to businesses and property owners.
• Serve as the department's primary liaison to the commercial real estate community, developers, brokers, property owners, and other economic development stakeholders to support investment and redevelopment opportunities.
• Assist with business recruitment, retention, redevelopment, and other strategic economic development initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

This is an exempt position.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in real estate, business administration, economics, urban planning, public administration, or a closely related field. A Master's degree in an appropriate field is preferred.

Two or more years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, commercial real estate, property management, redevelopment, public administration, or a related field is preferred. Experience administering public programs, managing real estate transactions, negotiating agreements, or preparing state or federal grant applications is highly desirable.

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