Economic Development Coordinator I - Project Administration

If you’re a numbers person who enjoys navigating complex development projects, keeping intricate financial records precise down to the penny, and helping shepherd Grand Rapids’ impactful economic development initiatives, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. The purpose of this job is to coordinate the administration of various tax abatement and tax increment financing programs. The majority of time is dedicated to supporting projects for the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. If you love a spreadsheet, have a head for accounting, and dot every I and cross every T you come to, this role is for you.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Coordinates day-to-day monitoring of Inclusion Plan requirements for Brownfield and non-Brownfield incentive projects, including initial plan intake, secured subcontractor reports, final reports, follow-up with developers, and maintenance of project compliance records.
• Collects, tracks, and reviews annual project surveys for completed and incomplete economic development projects, including Brownfield, tax abatement, and other incentive-supported projects.
• Maintains project data in Salesforce, shared tracking files, project records, and other internal systems to ensure project status, contact information, approval details, and reporting data remain accurate and current.
• Serves as the routine staff contact for active EGLE grant reporting, including coordinating with consultants and developers, collecting invoices and supporting documentation, updating budget tracking spreadsheets, preparing draft quarterly reports, and monitoring grant revenue and expenditure activity.
• Prepares and maintains grant documentation files, reimbursement backup, payment folders, and internal tracking spreadsheets for EGLE, EPA, RAP, LBRF, and other redevelopment-related grant programs.
• Conducts first-level review of developer reimbursement materials, including invoices, proof of payment, lien waivers, sworn statements, and other supporting documentation needed to verify completeness before final review.
• Assembles Brownfield reimbursement packets, including tax payment confirmation sheets, delinquent tax documentation, payment request cover sheets, project accounting backup, approval minutes, and developer correspondence.
• Performs routine tax payment confirmation work for active reimbursement projects using Treasurer, Assessor, BS&A, Oracle, Salesforce, and other applicable systems.
• Updates and maintains project-level TIR accounting workbooks, reimbursement logs, payment records, grant tracking files, and supporting documentation for audit and reporting purposes.
• Assists with preparation of Act 381 reporting materials, annual survey data, State reporting backup, and documentation requested during regulatory or project audits.
• Coordinates routine payment processing steps for reimbursements and grant disbursements, including preparing payment materials, confirming accounting codes, tracking Oracle activity, and documenting completed payments.
• Supports administration of non-Brownfield incentive programs, including OPRA, NEZ, DDA, CIA, SmartZone, LBA, RAP, and related development support programs through data tracking, documentation collection, survey follow-up, and routine compliance monitoring.
• Maintains organized project files for approved plans, agreements, reimbursement requests, grant reports, approval documents, correspondence, and closeout materials.
• Communicates with developers, consultants, internal departments, and partner agencies to request missing information, clarify documentation needs, track project status, and support timely completion of routine program requirements.
• Documents recurring program procedures, maintains workflow checklists, identifies administrative gaps, and elevates issues requiring policy interpretation, financial review, legal input, or management approval.
• Performs related work as required

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban planning, or related field

--AND--

• At least three (3) years of professional experience related to economic development.

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Leaves and Accommodations Analyst, Amanda Kaulback. Email [email protected] or [email protected] or by phone at (616) 456-4668.

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note: 
This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules.  For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.  

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules