JOB DESCRIPTION

**IN-PERSON POSITION. NO REMOTE APPLICANTS PLEASE**

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the economic development agency for the City of Baltimore. Our mission is to grow the city's economy in an inclusive manner by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and promoting investment, thereby increasing career opportunities for residents.

BDC is committed to a more equitable economy by supporting minority and women-owned businesses and promoting investment in neighborhoods that have been negatively impacted by institutional racism and/or generational poverty. We develop strategies and facilitate collaboration among our partners to intentionally create an inclusive and equitable economy.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The City of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is seeking a Senior Vice President & Chief Economic Development Officer to lead comprehensive economic, real estate, and community development. This person will ensure Baltimore's development efforts directly benefit historically underserved populations, prevent displacement, and build wealth through strategic development. The SVP/CEDO provides management and oversight of the Economic Development Team. The SVP/CEDO will report to and work with the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Commercial Real Estate Development and Management

• Lead commercial real estate development projects prioritizing historically underserved business ownership and access.
• Develop affordable commercial space programs helping entrepreneurs from historically underserved backgrounds secure business locations.
• Manage BDC real estate portfolio ensuring community benefit and historically underserved business access.
• Coordinate with developers on community benefit agreements and inclusive development requirements.

Commercial Corridors and MainStreets

• Develop commercial corridor strategies prioritizing business ownership from historically underserved communities.
• Partner with MainStreet program with enhanced focus on historically underserved business development.
• Create corridor-specific programming supporting existing businesses owned by historically underserved entrepreneurs.

Architecture and Design

• Oversee architectural and design services supporting historically underserved business development.
• Coordinate design services for commercial real estate projects benefiting historically underserved entrepreneurs.
• Develop design standards ensuring new development is culturally appropriate and community-serving.
• Provide architectural and design technical assistance to historically underserved business owners.

Small Business Technical Assistance and Resourcing

• Lead comprehensive small business technical assistance programs with culturally competent support.
• Develop resource networks connecting historically underserved entrepreneurs with mentors, advisors, and professional services.
• Create industry-specific technical assistance programming addressing unique needs of historically underserved businesses.
• Coordinate with community-based organizations providing culturally relevant business support.

Homeownership and Multifamily Development

• Develop homeownership programs increasing wealth building opportunities for historically underserved families.
• Lead multifamily development initiatives ensuring affordable housing preserves community character.
• Create homebuyer assistance programs specifically targeting historically underserved first-time buyers.
• Coordinate with housing developers on inclusive development and community ownership models.

Anti-Displacement Strategies

• Develop and implement comprehensive anti-displacement strategies protecting residents and businesses in historically underserved communities.
• Create community land trust models preserving community ownership and control.
• Establish early warning systems identifying displacement pressures and implementing protective measures.
• Coordinate with community organizations on anti-displacement advocacy and policy development.

Priority Area Coordination

• Coordinate development activities in priority investment areas ensuring historically underserved community benefit.
• Lead place-based investment strategies in historically underserved neighborhoods.
• Establish community engagement protocols for all priority area development initiatives.
• Manage relationships with community development corporations and resident organizations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Knowledge of Hubspot or similar CRM platforms
• An ability to listen to others and learn from their best ideas and possess a healthy sense of intellectual curiosity.
• Collaborative approach to cross-functional work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years experience in commercial real estate development, community development, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in development for historically underserved communities, antidisplacement work, or equitable development initiatives.
• Strong understanding of real estate finance, zoning, and community development policy.
• Experience with commercial corridor development, small business technical assistance, or housing development.
• Deep knowledge of historically underserved community dynamics, gentrification impacts, and wealth-building strategies.

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Workplace Setting: The position requires presence in an office setting, employees are scheduled to work a 7.5-hour workday Monday through Friday, providing a total of 37.5 hours per work week. The BDC 7.5-hour workday plus one hour for lunch, begins between 7:00 am – 9:00 am and ends between 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Flexibility for occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required.
• Equipment Use: Proficiency in using standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and telecommunication devices is essential.
• Rare evening and weekend work for special events and Board meetings.
• Some travel within Baltimore metropolitan area for community events and stakeholder meetings.
• BDC's offices are located at 36 S. Charles on the 21st & 20th floors and are accessed via elevators and emergency stairs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Mobility: The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, stand, and walk, including occasionally moving between different locations within the office and offsite.
• Manual Dexterity: Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate office equipment, handle documents, and perform data entry.
• Lifting: Occasionally required to lift and move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Vision and Hearing: Adequate vision and hearing are necessary for reading documents, using a computer, and communicating with others in person and via telecommunication devices.

DRESS CODE

• Professional Attire: The candidate is expected to adhere to a professional dress code that reflects the organization's standards and presents a neat, clean, and business-like appearance.
• Meetings and Events: For meetings with public officials, community leaders, or external partners, business formal attire may be required.
• Casual Days: On designated casual days, business casual attire is acceptable, provided it maintains a professional and respectful appearance.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

BDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a more equitable economy through employment, supporting minority and women-owned businesses and promoting investment in neighborhoods that have been negatively impacted by institutional racism and/or generational poverty. We develop strategies and facilitate collaboration among our partners to intentionally create an inclusive and equitable economy. BDC does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. BDC also offers a full package of benefits including paid sick, personal, and vacation leave; subsidized medical/dental with Health Savings Account; 403(b) retirement with employer matching; parking/transit subsidy; mobile phone reimbursement; and other benefits.