Sr. Project Manager, WNY

* Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.

* This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.

* Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the ESD WNY Regional Director & Deputy Director, originate and manage projects to assist with economic growth including but not limited to community development, business retention, expansion and start up in the Western New York region. Assist the ESD Regional Director and Deputy Director with the work and activities of the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council ("WNY REDC"). Perform project review, analysis and evaluation of community development and business expansion projects.

WORK PERFORMED:

• Source and originate grant and loan deals in alignment with the WNY REDC strategic plan and ESD program guidelines.
• Structure and negotiate state discretionary incentives to induce job creation and retention projects involving businesses, developers, non-profits and local governments.
• Build and maintain relationships with governmental and quasi-governmental entities, real estate and business groups, civic and community organizations, cultural and professional organizations, and advocacy groups in the region.
• Perform project review, analysis, and evaluation. Together with ESD Regional Director and Deputy Director, make incentive and funding recommendations to senior management.
• Prepare various administrative documents, including the following: project origination documents; reports; presentations; budget materials; memoranda; and other documents as needed.
• Provide staff support for the WNY REDC, including the following: assist with WNY REDC meeting set-up; communicate with members' staff; draft memorandum and other documents for WNY REDC members; assist with the WNY REDC consolidated funding, application scoring; assist WNY REDC in developing, drafting, and implementing its strategic plan and the progress reports.
• Maintain close contact with the IDA's, Chambers, municipalities, local development corporations and other key economic development agents to coordinate with and assist them with client servicing and business outreach efforts. Attend necessary events.
• Establish and maintain contact with senior managers and executives of target industry companies operating in WNY Region to promote ESD economic development agenda.
• Respond to inquiries from small businesses, start-ups and ongoing concerns that come to the regional office for guidance.
• Other projects as assigned by Regional Director and Deputy Director.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education Level Required: bachelor's degree with strong financial and economic development background.

Relevant Experience required: A minimum of five (5) years of experience required.

Knowledge Required: Experience with economic development and government relations, familiarity of real estate finance, financial statement analysis, public policy, urban planning, community development.

ALTERNATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES: A minimum of 5 years of satisfactory service in another (relevant) position with Empire State Development. Up to 2 years of accredited post-secondary education, or service in the U.S. military may be substituted for service at ESD.