Assistant Director of Economic Development

City of Hartford, CT

$76K — $110K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, business administration, economics, or related field
  • 4+ years in housing, economic development, planning, or related areas
  • 1+ year in a lead or supervisory role
  • Experience in project management related to economic development
  • Proficiency with economic development regulations and practices.

Responsibilities

  • Assist Division Director in managing Economic Development Division
  • Oversee daily operations and staff of the Economic Development Division
  • Plan, direct, and implement economic development programs and projects
  • Evaluate Division efficiency and make recommendations for improvement
  • Coordinate with public and private entities on development projects
  • Prepare administrative correspondence and reports for meetings
  • Represent Economic Development Division at city meetings and events.

Benefits

  • Flexible work schedule including evening and weekend hours as needed
  • Full-time position with a structured work week
  • Opportunity to lead and influence community development initiatives
  • Engagement with various government and community stakeholders
  • Professional development opportunities in public administration and economic development.
Full Job Description
Salary: $76,817.83 - $110,762.08 Annually
Location : 260 Constitution Plaza Hartford, CT 06103, CT
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01965
Department: Development Services
Division: Economic Development
Opening Date: 09/16/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

Description
Vacancy is within the Economic Development Division of the Department of Development Services. This position assists the Division Director of Economic Development in the overall management and administration of the Division of Economic Development within the Department of Development Services. Work involves responsibility for overseeing the administration of all day-to-day activities of the Economic Development Division. Under administrative direction, plans, directs, monitors, and participates in the implementation of programs and projects and supervises subordinate staff involved in such activities; reviews the operations of the Division for efficiency; works with other City departments where work and activities overlap or require the expertise of the Economic Development Division. This position works directly with Department Leaders and City Staff as needed; May attend and represent the Economic Development Division at council, commission and/or NRZ meetings as assigned. Acts for the Division Director at his/her direction, when needed. Assists and advises the Division Director in developing direction, priorities, goals and objectives of the Division that align with City, departmental and community needs and objectives. Assists in establishing and implementing the Division's internal organization and management systems to effectively meet operating goals and objectives. Assists in developing and evaluating internal policies and operating procedures and develops staff organization to effectively carry out departmental operations. Assists the Division Director in carrying out programs and initiatives related to economic development. Advances discussions and negotiations with public and private sector entities with regard to development projects including City facilitated or City owned properties; and coordinates closely with other City departments and serves as liaison at the direction of the Director for a variety of economic development partners, related committees, community & neighborhood associations, and special interest groups. Prepares a variety of complex correspondence, memoranda and administrative staff reports; coordinate and participate in the preparation of agendas. Attends meetings before Boards, Commissions, City Council and its committees.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may perform additional related duties as required.

This is a non-union classified position. The hours of this position are 40 per week. The above salary includes 5% in lieu of overtime.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The examination will consist of rating your training and experience as contained on your application. It may also include a written test, an oral test, or a combined thereof. All parts of the examination will be designed to measure the following:

Knowledge of:
  • General understanding of federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning redevelopment, economic development, real estate, and real property.
  • Principles, practices, and methods of economic development and property management.
  • Principles, practices, and methods of public administration including budgeting and purchasing.
  • Financial procedures and regulations pertaining to real estate, loan management, and property improvements.
  • Title report preparation and real estate acquisition and relocation procedures.
  • Municipal zoning regulations and development review procedures.
  • Principles and practices of employee supervision and leadership, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
  • Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs of the assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Principles and techniques of working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to:
  • Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
  • Develop and implement goals and objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
  • Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with other governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
  • Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
  • Ensure the confidentiality of sensitive employee information for past, current, and future employees.
  • Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of tasks.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Interpret policy contracts, insurance provision and laws as they relate to real property conveyances, management, leasing and licenses, contracts and agreements.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationship with government officials, business representatives, public and City employees.
  • Express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with some travel to different sites. Incumbent may be required to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications
Open to all qualified applicants that meet the following qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, public administration, business administration, economics, economic development or a closely related field preferred AND four (4) years of progressively responsible work in: housing, economic development, planning, commercial real estate or industrial real estate, one (1) year of which must be in a lead or supervisory capacity.
A COPY OF YOUR DIPLOMA OR TRANSCRIPT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. A DIPLOMA OR TRANSCRIPT SUBMITTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

Other Information

  • Application must be completed in its entirety, including required documentation. Applications without proper documentation shall result in your disqualification.
  • All correspondence and information concerning the application and testing process will occur via email, unless otherwise requested at the time of application.
  • Please be sure to check your junk and spam email for all recruitment communication.
  • Applications via facsimile or email are not accepted.

01

I have attached a copy of my degree/transcript. (I understand this is required to be considered for this position and not attaching my degree/transcript will deem me not qualified).
  • Yes
  • No

02

Describe your experience in a lead or supervisory role. What type of organization? How many years? How many staff members did you lead/supervise? What were the job titles of those you lead/supervised?
03

What experience do you have in projects relating to economic development? Please provide an example of a project you have worked on.
Required Question

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