The Town of East Hartford is seeking an experienced, innovative, and strategic leader to serve as its Director of Economic & Community Development. As a senior member of the Town’s executive leadership team, the Director reports directly to the Mayor and plays a critical role in shaping East Hartford’s long-term economic vitality and quality of life.
The Director of Economic and Community Development serves as a senior member of the Town’s executive leadership team and reports directly to the Mayor. This position provides strategic vision, leadership, and implementation of initiatives that support sustainable economic growth, business attraction and retention, downtown and neighborhood revitalization, housing development, and equitable community investment.
The Director oversees a multidisciplinary department responsible for planning, zoning coordination, redevelopment, grants management, and economic development programming. The role requires a dynamic, forward-thinking leader who can build strong partnerships, secure funding, and position the Town competitively at the regional, state, and national levels.
The Town of East Hartford offers a meaningful opportunity to lead transformative community and economic development efforts that will shape the future of the community.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
The Town of East Hartford proudly stands as an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a work environment free from discrimination. We firmly uphold the principles of equality, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity is unwavering, and we enthusiastically encourage applicants from all walks of life to join our team.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS• Plans and organizes departmental activities in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures.
• Oversees operations through the Town Planner, Land Use Applications Coordinator, and administrative staff in the areas of planning, economic revitalization, and state and federal development grant programs.
• Assesses the community’s short- and long-term municipal development needs and identifies opportunities for growth.
• Evaluates available resources and determines strategies to address identified needs.
• Collaborates with the Town Planner to review proposed residential, commercial, and industrial site plans and prepares recommendations for the appropriate land use commissions.
• Identifies and advances catalytic development and redevelopment projects, including mixed-use, transit-oriented, and downtown revitalization initiatives.
• Prepares grant applications for intergovernmental funding and private proposals for submission to the Redevelopment Agency and Economic Development Commission.
• Negotiates final terms and conditions of approved projects with state, federal, and private funding partners.
• Serves as a liaison to state, federal, regional, and community representatives to promote awareness of development opportunities.
• Interprets economic and community data for use in promotional materials and public presentations aimed at attracting new businesses and industries.
• Provides leadership to encourage participation by local businesses and residents in showcasing the Town to visitors, and coordinates initiatives with local and regional chambers of commerce.
• Maintains an inventory of potential business locations and develops a pipeline of prospective clients.
• Advises current and prospective commercial entities on creative financial tools and incentive programs.
• Administers collective bargaining agreements and personnel policies for departmental staff.
• Prepares and recommends the department’s annual budget and administers expenditures within the approved budget.
• Produces narrative and statistical reports for the Mayor, Town Council, and relevant commissions as requested.
• Directs, mentors, and evaluates department staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Manages the Building and Inspection Department, ensuring efficient operations, quality service delivery, and compliance with applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
• Provides technical support to the Planning and Zoning Commission and to other departments, boards, and commissions as needed.
• Participates in professional planning and development organizations to stay informed of best practices and emerging trends.
• Represents the Town at civic and professional meetings, trade shows, and related events to promote East Hartford’s interests.
The above tasks and responsibilities are illustrative only. The description does not include every task or responsibility.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES- Ability to apply principles of urban planning to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- A working knowledge of urban development
- A working knowledge of urban renewal and housing problems.
- Knowledge of research methods applied to community affairs.
- Knowledge of sources of funds and assistance available.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with those contacted.
- Supervisory ability.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups.
- Ability to apply State, and Federal laws, Town Ordinances, Departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations to determine necessary action.
- Ability to digest, review and disseminate large quantities of information to the proper authorities.
- Ability to understand municipal operations and their budgetary impact.
- Must be able to access and process information contained in file records and computer databases.
- Ability to give clear, concise written and oral instructions and work effectively with staff, superiors, and the general public.
- Strong political acumen and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
- Proven negotiation skills and experience in structuring development deals.
- Ability to translate data and market trends into actionable strategy.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND LICENSING
The Director of Development shall have a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Business Administration, or a closely related field, and four years of increasingly responsible experience in community affairs, urban planning, or municipal development or an equivalent combination of education and practical work experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex development projects and public-private partnerships.
- Experience securing and administering government funding and grants.
- Strong understanding of land use regulations, zoning, and municipal operations.
- Experience working in diverse communities and advancing equitable development outcomes.
- Valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
