Job Information
City of Cincinnati SENIOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (WORKFORCE & SBE) (UNCLASSIFIED) in Cincinnati, Ohio
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (WORKFORCE & SBE) (UNCLASSIFIED)
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SENIOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (WORKFORCE & SBE) (UNCLASSIFIED)
Salary
$72,387.94 - $110,052.51 Annually
Location
Ohio 45202, OH
Job Type
Full-time Unclassified
Job Number
26-02801
Department
City Manager's Office
Opening Date
03/20/2026
Closing Date
4/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Benefits
Questions
General Statement of Duties
This Senior Development Officer- Workforce & SBE (Unclassified) position is housed within theDepartment of Opportunity and Resident Services (DORS).
Assignment is available within the Opportunity Division . Please be aware that available assignments may change depending on Departmental need.
The focus of DORS is " Creating economic opportunity and economic empowerment for City residents, particularly residents in need or that have been historically disadvantaged, by providing services to homeowners, tenants, small business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as residents experiencing homelessness."
Some areas of focus include:
Workforce and small business support
Homeownership and renter support
Homelessness
Human services
This employee performs a wide-range of advanced professional-level tasks to plan, organize, monitor, manage and evaluate community and economic development programs, projects, services and activities. Work requires managing and implementing programs and projects that support retail, commercial, office, housing, and industrial development; workforce development; the attraction of and assistance to domestic and international businesses; development of public facilities and infrastructure; small business development initiatives; human services programs and initiatives; neighborhood community councils; and neighborhood business districts and projects. Serves as a liaison between the City and the community concerning these projects. Represents the department and provides leadership to community councils, neighborhood business districts, human services agencies, and others. Performs related duties as required.
This role serves as a key liaison between the City of Cincinnati and the local small business community, with a particular focus on supporting businesses located within the City’s Neighborhood Business Districts (NBDs) and strengthening local entrepreneurship by supporting small businesses and Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) through procurement access, capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and ecosystem partnerships that increase equitable participation in the local economy. The position fosters strong relationships with small business owners, community organizations, and business support partners to ensure businesses have access to City programs, financial resources, and technical assistance.
The role works collaboratively with organizations such as local Chambers of Commerce, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and both large and community-based lending institutions to connect entrepreneurs with capital, resources, and opportunities for growth. The position also plays a critical role in the City’s small business retention efforts by participating in strategic business visits, identifying challenges facing local businesses, and coordinating internal City resources to help address those needs.
In addition, this role supports the administration of small business incentives and grant programs, including but not limited to serving as a program manager for small business initiatives such as the Commercial Tenant Improvement Program (CTIP). Associated responsibilities include creating and guiding applicants through program requirements, assisting with application review, supporting contract creation and administration. The position also requires strong contract management and attention to detail, including reviewing reimbursement requests and invoices, confirming that work performed aligns with approved project scopes, and ensuring compliance with contractual and program requirements before funds are released.
Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)
Knowledge of:
How local economies function and fit within the larger marketplace. Economic development theories and practices. Business planning and business expansion/marketing strategies.
Principles, practices, and terminology of urban design, management, and development.
Methods, phasing and implementation of large, master planned urban projects. Concepts, objectives and methods of urban land development, architectural design and construction documents.
Principles and practices of community development and revitalization programs.
Methods of market analysis, research and project economic feasibility analysis and development proformas.
Interpretation and preparation of financial documents.
Principles, transactions, and practices of real estate and real estate finance.
Terminology and procedures/processes relating to real estate transactions, loan agreements, mortgages and promissory notes. Finance and loan packaging, including loan structures, amortization and determination of rates and terms.
Pertinent Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, rules and regulations.
Methods for promoting the creating and retention of jobs. Standard contract forms and law regarding agreements with developers, consultants, financial institutions, and Federal, State and Local agencies.
Methods of program development, evaluation, and administration.
Principles and practices of municipal accounting and budget development.
Principles and practices of research and analysis.
Methods and techniques of report writing.
The business concepts involved with retail, manufacturing and service industries.
Job related computer software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.
City geography.
Skill to:
Negotiate and mediate effectively.
Read and understand maps, blueprints and specifications.
Operate a computer and other standard office equipment in performance of assigned duties.
Operate a motor vehicle in performance of job duties.
Read and interpret financial statements.
Ability to:
Implement and maintain positive employee relations.
Promote and maintain highest integrity throughout all personnel.
Develop programmatically valid and fiscally sound real estate and business development financing programs.
Develop and present cost-benefit analysis of a project or program.
Develop and implement plan; coordinate projects; establish goals and objectives; define and assign duties; monitor progress.
Research, evaluate and prepare market studies, financial statements, real estate proformas and business plans for development projects.
Identify, analyze, and solve complex problems and work processes. Analyze and discern the accuracy of information.
Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
Process complex information while maintaining attention to detail.
Conduct research and prepare clear and concise reports.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Prioritize work and manage time to meet deadlines.
Maintain confidentiality of developer and City information; maintain highest ethical standards of conduct. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted while work (i.e. stakeholder groups, business owners, executives and elected officials).
Comprehend architectural, engineering and planning documents associated with development projects. Read and understand maps, blueprints, and specifications.
Examples of Work Performed:
(Illustrative only. Any one position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all the tasks which may be performed.)
Develops, administers, and coordinates various community and economic development programs and projects; monitors project development, reports progress, and recommends changes to improve project development.
Researches and analyzes commercial and industrial problems and recommends solutions which are workable and consistent with Federal, State and City regulations.
Develops plans for vitalizing commercial and industrial areas or districts and makes initial contact with public and private developers to determine interest and potential for development.
Prepares presentations of development plans and implementation strategies for the City Manager, City Council, community stakeholders and the general public to determine potential level or type of City involvement.
Interviews prospective developers and businesses and evaluates the feasibility of their proposals or business plans; makes recommendations to the Supervisor and/or Director concerning development or business feasibility.
Negotiates with developers and businesses regarding site acquisition, public improvements and financing alternatives for economic development.
Assists supervisor with providing small business assistance, business expansion & retention, affordable & market rate housing development, acquiring real property, managing property, monitoring incentive compliance and activities in support thereof. Coordinates actions fulfilling the City's obligations in contracts with developers and businesses including contract performance, budgets and reimbursement vouchers; oversees the implementation of commercial and industrial development plans.
Develops lending initiatives to serve small business, affordable housing and other constituencies.
Serves as a liaison to other city departments and for various community and business agencies.
Negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Prepares or directs the preparation of correspondence, reports, ordinances, contracts, agenda items, brochures, and other documents for various projects and programs.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen or business inquiries and complaints.
Assists in the implementation of goals and objectives for assigned programs; implements approved policies and procedures.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields related to assigned area of work.
May be required to facilitate project contracts through a multi-level city contracting process; negotiates project terms; recommends changes to attain objectives.
May be required to conduct inspections for city funded programs and projects; ensures contract compliance post contract execution.
May be required to identify and assist in development of grants applications and administers grant-funded programs.
Develops strategies for the development of new projects, the expansion of existing programs, and the vitalization of commercial and industrial areas including building development small business expansion and management and diversification.
Required Education and Experience
Each applicant must have at leasttwo yearsexperience as a Development Officer with the City of Cincinnatior comparable experience with another municipality or entity. Additionally, graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Economics, Geography, Real Estate, Urban Design/Planning, Finance, or related field, is required.
A Master's Degree in one of the above stated fields and/or professional certification from an accredited professional organization in the development field (such as International Economic Development Council - CEcD; National Development Council - EDFP; HDFP and RHDFP; Community Development Financial Institution certification) is preferred.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
A valid Driver's License is required.
Must be an excellent communicator.
MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case by case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations. Candidates must attach their Joint Services Transcripts evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) if they would like military course work to be considered as part of the application review. Please follow the link below for additional information.
https://www.dantes.doded.mil/EducationPrograms/get-credit/creditmilitary.html
Working and Physical Conditions
Environmental Conditions:Indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to office computer screens; travel to various locations throughout the City, including active construction sites, unimproved land, office, retail, commercial and industrial facilities and street vendor locations, may be required; exposure to extremes in weather conditions; some ground conditions may be slippery or uneven; and work around moving vehicles/machinery may occur.
Physical Conditions: Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged periods of time; light lifting and carrying; must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
Probationary Period: N/A
Supervision Exercised: None
HR Contact: gustavo.rodriguez@cincinnati-oh.gov
The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.
The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees' to add additional value to the City of Cincinnati's workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units.
The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.
Holidays
The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas
Health Insurance
The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan.
Eligible dependents include:
Legal Spouse or Equal Partner
Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order")
Step-child
Child for whom the employee or employee's spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian
Basic Life Insurance
A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group.
Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors.
Flexible Benefits Plans
Healthcare Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members.
Dependent Care Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses.
Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account
City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount.
Healthy Lifestyles Program
City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan.
Retirement Plan
The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-timeemployees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnati's Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees.
Deferred Compensation
As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts.
01
Which best describes your highest level of education completed?
High School Diploma or GED
Some College
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctoral Degree
None of the above
02
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Public or Business Administration, Economics, Geography, Real Estate, Urban Design/Planning, Finance, or related field?
Yes
No
03
Please list your degree (including field). If none, type "n/a."
04
How many years of experience do you have as a Development Officer with the City of Cincinnati or in a comparable role with another municipality or entity?
None
Some, less than 1
At least 1, less than 2
At least 2, less than 3
At least 3, less than 4
At least 4, less than 5
At least 5
05
Have you previously worked in the City of Cincinnati's Department of Community and Economic Development?
Yes
No
06
Do you possess a certification from an accredited professional organization in the development field (such as International Economic Development Council - CEcD; National Development Council - EDFP, HDFP and RHDFP; Community Development Financial Institution certification) etc.? Please describe below.
07
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
08
Do you understand and acknowledge this is an unclassified position with the City of Cincinnati? Unclassified positions are exempt from examination and do not have appeal rights to the Civil Service Commission.
Yes, I acknowledge and understand.
Required Question
Employer
City of Cincinnati
Address
805 Central Avenue Suite 200
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202
Phone
513-352-2400
Website
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/cincinnati/default.cfm