Position: Executive Director, Downtown Akron Development Corporation
Reports to: Board of Directors, Downtown Akron Development Corporation
The Challenge:
The Downtown Akron Development Corporation is seeking a visionary leader to spearhead
catalytic redevelopment efforts in Downtown Akron. While residential growth is taking root,
many traditional office buildings stand vacant or underutilized, reflecting shifts in work
culture and post-pandemic commercial office challenges. With a revised Downtown Akron
Vision and Redevelopment Plan in hand, and an Equity Framework in development, we
need savvy, resourceful leadership to drive a transformative strategy, growing the heart of
our City into a dynamic center for innovation, business, and culture.
The Role:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Executive Director to support the
coordination of all aspects of real estate development initiatives within our Downtown area.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of urban development principles,
experience in real estate finance and development, knowledge of the landscape of federal,
state and local assistance and incentive programs, and a proven track record of successful
downtown revitalization projects. The Executive Director will be responsible for a growing
scope of work including identifying strategic development opportunities, assembling
creative financing structures, negotiating property acquisitions, coordinating with
stakeholders, advising on policy decisions, and overseeing the execution of development
projects to enhance the economic vitality and livability of Downtown Akron.
The Executive Director reports to a multidisciplinary Board of Directors including
government, non-profit, philanthropic, and corporate voices. The Executive Director will
work collaboratively with local government and downtown initiatives.
Responsibilities:
Drive strategy –
Develop and implement a comprehensive downtown real estate development strategy
aligned with the overall vision for the area.
Identify and evaluate potential development opportunities, including vacant properties,
underutilized spaces, and redevelopment sites.
Monitor market trends, economic indicators, and policy changes impacting downtown real
estate development, and adjust strategies accordingly to maximize opportunities and
mitigate risks.
Cultivate interest and investment in Downtown–
Cultivate relationships with local businesses, property owners, investors, and developers to
foster collaboration and attract investment in downtown.
Familiarize developers with local economic development capacities and programs existing
within community and government agencies and introduce creative and innovative
approaches to acquire property and capitalize development projects.
Support and facilitate development deals–
Oversee the preparation of feasibility studies, financial analyses, and development plans for
proposed projects to ensure their viability and alignment with organizational goals.
Support and coordinate negotiations for property acquisitions with relevant community
partners, including purchase agreements, leases, and development agreements, while
ensuring community benefit.
Collaborate with city officials, community organizations, developers, investors, and other
stakeholders to garner support and facilitate the approval process for development
projects.
Build momentum through excellent communications–
Prepare and present regular reports, updates, and recommendations to the Board of
Directors, and external stakeholders on the progress and outcomes of downtown
development efforts.
Serve as a liaison between the DADC, city agencies, and community stakeholders to
facilitate communication, address concerns, and ensure alignment of interests.
In time, the role is expected to grow to include:
Management of the project lifecycle from conceptualization through design, entitlement,
financing, construction, and lease-up or sale, ensuring projects are delivered on time and
within budget.
Coordination with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to ensure design
excellence, adherence to regulatory requirements, and successful project execution.
Preferred Qualifications & Attributes:
Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, real estate development, business administration, or a
related field; master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in real estate development, with a focus on
urban or downtown revitalization projects.
Strong familiarity with real estate finance, market analyses, zoning regulations, land use
planning, development entitlement processes, federal, state and local tax credit, grant, loan
and other incentive programs used to develop real estate.
Proven ability to lead complex real estate transactions, negotiate agreements, and manage
multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build
consensus among diverse stakeholders and influence decision-making.
Demonstrated leadership experience, including team management, budget oversight, and
stakeholder engagement.
Proficiency in project management software, financial modeling, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Familiarity with sustainable development practices, historic preservation principles, and
urban design best practices is a plus.
Strategic thinker with a creative mindset, analytical problem-solving skills, and a results￾oriented approach to achieving organizational objectives.
Collaborative leadership style comfortable navigating multi-stakeholder environments,
with a relationship-driven approach.
Professional certifications such as CCM, LEED, or AICP are desirable but not required.
Compensation:
Salary: The salary for this position is negotiable within the range of $135,000 to $175,000 per
year depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits Package: A competitive benefits package that includes options for health
insurance, retirement planning, and paid time off will be negotiated with the candidate.
Specific benefit details will be discussed during the interview process.
This position offers an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of
Downtown Akron.
Interested applicants are encouraged to send their resume and cover letter by Friday,
January 24, 2025, to jdodson@ralaw.com. While submissions will be accepted after that
date, the selection committee will begin its process in late January and fill the role as soon thereafter as possible based on the submissions received.