Economic Development Coordinator I - Project Intake

City of Grand Rapids, MI

$84K — $108K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban planning or related field
  • Three years of professional experience in economic development
  • Intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar software
  • Experience in commercial or industrial real estate development
  • Knowledge of financing related to economic development projects

Responsibilities

  • Support tax abatement and financing programs for the Economic Development Department
  • Assist in balancing project responsibilities with the Economic Development Coordinator II
  • Evaluate project financials to determine incentive levels
  • Collaborate with businesses and developers to align projects with City goals
  • Respond to inquiries from applicants and municipalities regarding projects
  • Administer grant funds and ensure compliance with reporting requirements
  • Promote business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts within the City

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting on Day 1
  • 6% employer-matched contribution to 401a retirement plan
  • Paid Time Off including twelve holidays, vacation and sick time
  • Employee Home Ownership Incentive
  • Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling
  • Comprehensive Wellness program with incentives
  • Employee Discounts and Perks
Full Job Description
Salary : $84,965.44 - $108,413.38 Annually
Location : City Hall 300 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number:
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/22/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Nature of Work
If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and enjoy bringing investment ideas to life that make a lasting impact on the community, this role offers an exciting opportunity to grow your economic development career. The purpose of this job is to support the application and approval process for 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're looking for a role where every project is different and your work has a visible impact on the community, consider joining our team.
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.
  • Supports the core programs of the Economic Development Department, including various tax abatement programs as authorized by State Legislation, with primary focus on application and approval of Brownfield redevelopment projects and various tax abatements
  • Supports Economic Development Coordinator II in balancing project responsibilities
  • Evaluates project proformas to determine appropriate level of incentive support
  • Collaborates with businesses and developers to ensure projects support City priorities
  • Responds to inquiries from potential applicants, other municipalities requesting information and citizen inquiries regarding specific projects
  • Supports utilization of grant funds; financial administration and reporting requirements of grants
  • Interacts with businesses and potential businesses to promote business retention, expansion and attraction in the City; serves as a liaison for businesses to other City departments to identify and achieve resolution to issues
  • Reports on progress and outcomes of departmental programs and initiatives
  • Performs program evaluation and identifies process improvement; participates in program modifications and/or policies to align with City priorities
  • Participates in the formation of budgets for the department, including related boards and authorities
  • Prepares a variety of correspondence and reports related to the work; assists with special projects; maintains records and statistics
  • Assists with City property acquisition and disposition
  • Attends and presents at a variety of internal and public meetings including monthly board meetings of the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
  • Travels for work-related conferences and trainings, including occasional overnight stays
  • Performs related work as required

Minimum Training and Experience

Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban planning or related field
--AND--
  • 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

Other Information
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

Do you possess a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban planning, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please identify the field of study of your bachelor's degree. If you answered "No", please write N/A.
Do you posess three years of professional experience realted to economic development?
  • Yes
  • No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience. If you answered "No", write "N/A".
Describe your experience in the following, including your roles & responsibilities. If none, write "N/A". - Commercial or industrial real estate development - Housing development - Real estate development finance
Do you possess an intermediate level of experience in Microsoft Excel (or similar)?
  • Yes
  • No

Do you possess or are you working towards any professional certifications related to finance, economic, or real estate development? If so, please describe. If not, please write "N/A".
Required Question

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at City of Grand Rapids, MI

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Economic Development Coordinator I - Project Intake jobs: