Salary : $98,328.99 - $125,503.54 Annually
Location : City Hall 300 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number:
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Nature of Work
Nature of Work

If you're a strategic thinker who enjoys navigating complex development projects, mentoring teammates, 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 oversee 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 can navigate complicated legislative policy, 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.

• Leads administration of Brownfield redevelopment, tax increment financing, grant-funded redevelopment, and related economic development incentive programs.
• Provides senior-level review of Brownfield reimbursement requests to determine compliance with approved Brownfield Plans, Development Reimbursement Agreements, eligible activity requirements, grant agreements, and applicable State law.
• Reviews and provides initial approval final reimbursement packets prepared by the Economic Development Coordinator 1, including tax payment confirmation, eligible cost documentation, payment calculations, accounting codes, supporting backup, and developer correspondence.
• Leads Tax Increment Revenue (TIR) calculation, forecasting, reconciliation, and fiscal monitoring for active Brownfield projects, including review of taxable values, millage rates, captured revenue, project ledgers, Oracle activity, warrants, accruals, withholdings, and reimbursement schedules.
• Prepares and reviews annual TIF forecasting documents, BRA Priority Plan materials, project status guidance, project information sheets, fiscal analyses, and revenue/expenditure projections for the upcoming fiscal year.
• Leads year-end reconciliation and accrual processes for Brownfield projects, including review of positive revenue accruals, delinquent tax activity, project adjustments, LBRF withholdings, SET withholdings, and amounts carried forward into the next fiscal year.
• Oversees administration of Local Brownfield Revolving Fund (LBRF) activities, including committed/unspent balances, grant and loan reimbursements, Emerging Developer payments, LBRF loan repayment tracking, and long-term recapitalization needs.
• Leads complex financial and intergovernmental analyses involving DDA/CIA passthrough, LBRF loan repayment, 50% SET invoices, debt-service-related payments, first-year capture setup, project interest calculations, and projects involving multiple taxing jurisdictions or authorities.
• Prepares and reviews reimbursement recommendations, board memoranda, financial summaries, approval materials, and other documents requiring BRA, City Commission, or administrative action.
• Coordinates with Legal, Finance, Assessor, Treasurer, Planning, developers, consultants, BRA counsel, MEDC, EGLE, Treasury, EPA, and other partner agencies on complex project questions, approvals, reporting, amendments, agreements, and payment issues.
• Facilitates project modifications requiring higher-level review, including assignments, assumptions, collateral assignments, amendments, transfers, revocations, changes in ownership, signature routing, and related agreement or approval processes.
• Provides final review of EGLE, EPA, MEDC, Treasury, Act 381, and other regulatory reports before submission, and coordinates responses to agency questions, audit requests, and compliance issues.
• Leads development, refinement, and implementation of internal program policies, project guidelines, reimbursement procedures, compliance standards, workflow improvements, templates, checklists, and cross-departmental processes.
• Reviews Inclusion Plan compliance trends and survey data to identify program gaps, recommend improvements, support equitable development goals, and prepare updates for leadership, boards, or partner agencies.
• Provides guidance, training, and quality control for the Economic Development Coordinator 1, including review of routine work products, escalation of complex issues, and development of consistent administrative procedures.
• Uses project data, reimbursement history, financial records, and compliance reporting to generate reports, dashboards, analyses, and recommendations for City leadership, the BRA, and external agencies.
• Serves as the primary program lead for complex, or precedent-setting Brownfield, TIF, grant, and incentive administration issues requiring independent judgment, policy interpretation, and/or legal/leadership coordination.
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Training and Experience

Required Education and Experience

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban planning, or related field (a master's degree is desirable).

--AND--

• Five (5) years of professional experience related to economic development.

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Additional education or skill preferences :

• Applicants with a Bachelors in Finance or Accounting may be considered.

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

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

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.
01

Do you possess a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban planning, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please identify the field of study of your degree. If you answered "No", please write N/A.
03

Do you possess at least five (5) years of professional work experience related to economic development ?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience directly related to Economic Development activities . If you answered "No", please write N/A.
05

Please describe your experience in the following, including your roles & responsibilities. If none, please write N/A : - Tax increment financing- Housing development - Real estate development finance
06

Do you possess an intermediate level of experience in Microsoft Excel (or similar software)?

• Yes
• No

07

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