Assistant Director, Development

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, Strategy and Programs, the Assistant Director, Development serves as a high-level coordinator for strategic projects and cross-functional initiatives. The incumbent is responsible for administering and coordinating financing for business and real estate development projects, preparing correspondence, reports, evaluations, documents, budgets, schedules, and monitoring program budgets and compliance.

The Assistant Director, Development embodies effective relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and polished communication skills while providing leadership and oversight of complex development efforts across multiple teams. The role requires building trust, navigating diverse interests, and maintaining productive working relationships with partners, authorities, developers, and community organizations.

The Assistant Director also assists the Deputy Director, Strategy and Programs with departmental policies, priorities, and strategies to ensure alignment with County economic development goals. 

Overview

Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) is a dynamic, multidisciplinary economic development agency serving the citizens of Allegheny County. Through investments in a variety of projects including affordable housing development, land development, infrastructure development, business attraction and expansion, land use and transportation planning, ACED maximizes regional economic growth, neighborhood vitality and quality of life in its 130 municipalities. ACED is looking for dedicated, creative professionals who are passionate about equitable and sustainable development.

Duties

• Coordinates and leads cross-functional teams of internal and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
• Serves as the primary liaison for strategic business and real estate development projects, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and timelines through clear, professional, and proactive communication.
• Facilitates collaboration among ACED, authorities, public/private financing sources, developers, and community organizations, emphasizing strong relationship-building and stakeholder trust.
• Administers and coordinates financing for development projects, including preparation of correspondence, reports, evaluations, documents, budgets, and schedules.
• Formulates recommendations on development finance policies, programs, and projects to support strategic goals.
• Underwrites business loans and evaluates real estate development pro-formas.
• Prepares and submits grant applications to secure funding from State, Federal, and other sources.
• Presents project recommendations to communities, taxing bodies, developers, boards, and other stakeholders with professionalism and clarity.
• Guides projects through contractual, legal, and payment processes.
• Troubleshoots project issues and provides proactive, creative solutions.
• Ensures alignment of projects with County economic development goals.
• Will manages and oversee subordinate staff as needed and/or requested.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge

• Real estate development, business financing, lending, and underwriting,
• Economic/community development programs, principles, and best practices.
• Project management, contractual processes, contract legalities, and budget and finance management.
• Stakeholder engagement strategies and cross-sector partnership dynamics.

Skills

• Microsoft Office Products: e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. 
• Professional communication, relationship-building, and presenting complex information to varied audiences.

Abilities

• Lead collaborative efforts across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a high degree of polish and clarity.
• Think critically and problem solve.
• Manage multiple time-sensitive assignments in a fast-moving environment.
• Travel to locations within Allegheny County as needed.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships across public, private, and community partners.
• Develop and manage a diverse team when the situation calls for it.

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field of study AND five (5) years of professional experience in partner/stakeholder relationship management and financial analysis.
• One (1) year of people management experience.
• Real estate development, grant administration, budget administration, project/program management, community outreach, or related field experience is beneficial.
• Candidates who meet required education and experience but also have demonstrated experience leading TIFs (Tax Increment Finance) or LERTAs (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance) and similar incentive financing and/or experience presenting to boards/communities and coordinating across public/private stakeholders are preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

 A valid Driver’s license is required prior to appointment.

 It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status.

Residency

Allegheny County within 1 year.

Veterans' Preference

Will be awarded to eligible candidates.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.