Salary Range: $91,500 - $137,300
This role is exclusively on-site, requiring daily commutes to the office. Therefore, candidates must reside in the Detroit/Metro-Detroit area before employment

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Join our team and be a catalyst for positive change! We are seeking a dynamic individual passionate about community building, enrichment, and development to contribute to our mission of enhancing the quality of life in our vibrant and diverse community.
The Assistant Director of Planning & Strategic Initiatives oversees the organization?s vacant land strategy, intergovernmental coordination, strategic initiatives and vacant land pre-development processes. In this capacity, the Assistant Director will supervise interagency planning relationships, land assembly and predevelopment strategy, policy development, vacant land programming, and the preparation of property for the organization?s marketing pipeline. To this end, the Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the successful implementation of research and strategies that identify best practices, develop programmatic changes, initiate pilot programs, and process improvements designed to spur the successful rehabilitation and redevelopment of DLBA owned properties.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor?s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, urban design, business, public administration, public policy, construction management, community development, real estate or related field, required. Graduate degree strongly preferred.
• Five (5) years? experience in urban planning, real estate, or public administration, required.
• Experience with program or project management.
• Familiarity with construction methods and building codes, a plus.
• Ability to make decisions, use strong judgement and problem solve.
• Strong ability to multi-task, prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and work under tight deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills, with a sound grasp of English grammar and composition
• Ability to understand and carry out the terms and conditions of contractual agreements.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with outside organizations and stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence related to the work.
• A self-starter with the ability to handle multiple projects at any given time
• Proficient in MS Office Suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook)
• Possession of valid Michigan driver?s license
• Ability to travel to multiple sites throughout Detroit using personal vehicle

• Maintain and update departmental budget planning documents, monitor progress, and develop strategies for efficient property management and pipeline movement.
• Lead multiple teams that are, collectively, responsible for managing the DLBA marketing pipeline, vacant land strategy, and interagency planning actions. In this capacity, the Assistant Director will oversee the preparation of land from site selection to sale preparation, ensuring timely and effective site preparation for disposition and development.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for site preparation and predevelopment for DLBA properties. This includes market analysis, site selection, parcel combinations, acquisitions, land swaps and establishing marketable title to ensure property readiness for sale and development.
• Design and implement strategies to leverage available tax incentives and abatements to support the successful redevelopment of DLBA inventory.
• Supervise the evaluation and completion of due diligence processes for selected sites, including but not limited to environmental reports, utility availability, site surveys, and any other necessary assessments to support development feasibility.
• Develop organizational and interagency vacant land strategies
• Leverage current and potential partnerships to help identify and improve programs and pilots
• Manage vacant land pipeline review and disposition among staff members
• Work with intergovernmental partners to resolve planning and title encumbrances impeding the sale of vacant properties.
• Identify and secure philanthropic and corporate funding to support redevelopment activities on DLBA inventory.
• Support the implementation of the organization?s strategic plan.
• Monitor the status of properties in preparation for sale, identifying and addressing issues as they arise. Work collaboratively with staff, other departments, and leadership to resolve challenges efficiently and ensure projects remain on track.
• Act as a liaison between internal teams and key city partners on matters related to housing strategy and infill development opportunities. Ensure smooth and timely communication and alignment of goals for effective project execution.
• Oversee direct responses to inquiries from constituents, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional communication. Address concerns and provides necessary information to maintain positive relations.
• Develop, support, and coordinate new strategic initiatives to spur the rehabilitation and redevelopment of DLBA owned properties.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, state, and federal agencies for access to resources and funding to assist DLBA organizational initiatives for housing development, rehabilitation, and infill.
• Develop program evaluation frameworks to assess the strengths of programs, identify areas of improvement, and make recommendations for permanent programming.
• Oversee and conduct market assessments, community engagement, funding research, and feasibility analysis as necessary.
• Prepare and interpret goals and objectives for the work area to resolve problems, make recommendations for changes in instructions and/or guidelines, and ensure the adequacy of work.
• Oversee contracts with surveyors, environmental consultants, architects, and other vendors to ensure timely and cost-effective deliverables.
• Lead land assembly efforts, including negotiation and purchase, to increase the marketability of DLBA property.
• Supervise and lead personnel, including management staff. Oversee and mentor staff, ensuring a high performing team. Provide training, motivation, and ongoing development opportunities to improve skills, processes, and team collaboration.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor and organizational leadership.