The city of Altoona is actively seeking applicants for the Redevelopment Authority and Land Bank Executive Director. The Executive Director leads, manages, and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Altoona (RA), functioning as a full-time, independent officer who reports directly to the RA Board. This position is responsible for guiding the acquisition, rehabilitation, and disposition of real property under the Pennsylvania Urban Redevelopment Law (URL) and the Pennsylvania Land Bank Law (Land Bank Law) while coordinating redevelopment projects and facilitating the implementation of the RA's strategic goals.
The Executive Director provides organizational leadership and program oversight to mitigate blight, manage redevelopment projects, and ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and RA By-Laws. By collaborating with public and private partners, the Director advances the Authority's mission to foster neighborhood revitalization, improve housing stock, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
In collaboration with local, regional, and state stakeholders, the Executive Director ensures RA initiatives align with the City's overall economic and community development objectives within the City's Comprehensive Plan while maintaining compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and best practices.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the policy guidance and direction of the Redevelopment Authority (RA) / Land Bank (LB) Board, exercising considerable independent judgment in planning and executing the RA/LB's programs and strategies.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Provides oversight of RA staff, contractors, and consultants. May delegate specific decisions and duties to employees, subject to the supervision and vote of the RA/LB Board.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Strategic Leadership and Program Development
- Develops and executes strategies, policies, and programs for property acquisition, rehabilitation, demolition, and disposition in accordance with the RA By-Laws, the Urban Redevelopment Law (53 P.S
- 1701 et seq.), and the Land Bank Law (68Pa.C.S
- 2101-2121)
- Establishes short- and long-term goals, ensuring alignment with the RA Board's vision, the City of Altoona's planning commission designations, and community redevelopment objectives
- Monitors evolving economic, social, and regulatory trends to recommend policy or strategic adjustments to the RA Board
- Project Management and Oversight
- Coordinated with the City of Altoona Planning Commission and Blighted Property Review Committee to identify blighted or underutilized properties for potential redevelopment
- Oversees negotiations, inspections, and due diligence for property acquisition using eminent domain, priority bid under the Land Bank Law, and other processes authorized by law
- Manages redevelopment proposals, including preparing or reviewing contracts and coordinating projects with private developers, contractors, and external partners
- Ensures adherence to all regulations, applicable laws, RFP requirements and project schedule including overseeing funding, construction updates, and final disposition to approved end-users or redevelopers
- Board Relations and Governance
- Serves as the primary liaison to the RA Board, advising on strategic, operational, and financial matters
- Prepares and presents regular reports, including project updates, financial statements, and policy recommendations, to the Board
- Implements Board directives, resolutions, and approved redevelopment contracts, maintaining transparent communication on progress, questions and/or challenges
- Financial Management and Funding Acquisition
- Develops and administers the RA's annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities
- Pursues and manages grant opportunities, loans, and other funding sources, including state and federal programs, to support redevelopment initiatives
- Oversees financial transactions, such as property purchase agreements, bond issuances, and mortgage instruments, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements
- Maintains accurate records of all financial activities, including operating budgets, revenues, and expenditures, consistent with best practices and auditing standards
- Public Engagement and Interagency Collaboration
- Coordinates with the City of Altoona's administration, Planning Commission, and other government units to integrate RA projects with municipal services and citywide strategies
- Engages community stakeholders, neighborhood groups, and potential redevelopers through public meetings, forums, and outreach initiatives to gather feedback and encourage project support
- Works with local, regional, and state agencies to leverage resources for property improvement, blight remediation, and neighborhood revitalization
- Legal Compliance and Property Management
- Ensures RA adherence to the Urban Redevelopment Law, the Land Bank Law, RA By-Laws, and all relevant local, state, and federal regulations
- Directs the acquisition, ownership, maintenance, and eventual disposition of real property in accordance with statutory guidelines and Board policies
- Collaborates with legal counsel regarding eminent domain proceedings, contractual agreements, and any litigation related to redevelopment projects and land bank activities
- Operational Administration
- Establishes internal policies, standard operating procedures, and project workflows to maintain organizational efficiency and accountability
- Hires, supervises, and evaluates RA staff, consultants, and contractors, delegating tasks and responsibilities as necessary
- Maintains an effective records management system for property files, surveys, plans, and other documents, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with public records statutes
- Other Duties as Assigned
- Performs additional tasks or special projects assigned by the RA Board to support the Authority's strategic goals and statutory responsibilities
Requirements
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business, Real Estate, or a related field. Master's degree preferred
- Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in real estate development, urban planning, or a related field, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management capacity
- Familiarity with Pennsylvania's Urban Redevelopment Law, Land Bank Law, local government operations, and relevant federal or state regulations
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Redevelopment Expertise: Knowledge of property acquisition, blight remediation, eminent domain, public-private redevelopment partnerships and the process for rehabilitating or disposing of real estate under statutory authority
- Financial Acumen: Ability to develop and manage budgets, including grants, loans, and bond funds. Skill in evaluating project economics and structuring financial instruments (e.g., mortgages, notes)
- Strategic Leadership: Skill in setting goals, formulating strategies, and directing programs that align with RA Board directives
- Negotiation and Communication: Ability to engage and negotiate with property owners, developers, community groups, and other stakeholders. Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Regulatory and Legal Compliance: Working knowledge of relevant codes, regulations, and statutes, including the Urban Redevelopment Law, municipal zoning, and property maintenance codes
- Project Management: Ability to oversee complex redevelopment projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards
- Collaboration: Experience collaborating with municipal agencies, elected officials, and community organizations in a transparent and inclusive manner
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid Pennsylvania driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to employment
- Ability to attend evening or weekend meetings or events as needed to engage with community stakeholders and the RA Board
Benefits
The City of Altoona offers a comprehensive compensation package including a competitive salary; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; and retirement options.
The City of Altoona is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
