REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MANAGER

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MANAGER

POSITION SUMMARY: The Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) is in search of a highly skilled professional to help launch and manage the organization’s real estate economic development program. We are in search of a self-starter with real estate, planning, community development, or project management experience or any combination thereof. This team member will report to the President-CEO and will support the implementation of a redevelopment strategy designed to enhance and revitalize key areas within Lafayette Parish. The Real Estate Development Project Manager will also serve as LEDA’s lead point-of-contact over two economic development districts for which LEDA administers.  

ABOUT LEDA: LEDA is the economic development and redevelopment authority of Lafayette Parish (County) in south central Louisiana. Located at the intersection of I-10 and I-49, Lafayette is the hub of the seven parish Acadiana Region. Leveraging the community’s favorable business climate, “joie de vivre”, and its culture of ingenuity and creativity, Lafayette, LA, is the location of choice for top talent, existing and new businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators. LEDA’s mission is to catalyze job growth and capital investments that will lead to a strong and diversified economy, equitable access to economic opportunity, and an excellent quality of life in Lafayette Parish.

ABOUT Lafayette, Louisiana:  Look to Lafayette!

Key Responsibilities:

Manages and promotes the organization’s real estate economic development program, within broad parameters and in consultation with LEDA’s President-CEO.  Implements strategic initiatives to support LEDA’s goals, driving high quality growth and revitalization to broaden the tax base for specific areas of focus within the City limits.

• Oversee implementation of a comprehensive real estate and redevelopment strategy for publicly owned and privately owned real estate in the target areas of the community.
• Serve as the direct liaison on behalf of LEDA with public and private partner organizations including private developers, real estate brokers, government agencies, and non-profit entities.
• Proactively identify strategic opportunities to achieve redevelopment within the context of the community’s economic development priorities, such as small business and entrepreneurship property developments, affordable housing, and other avenues, including through publicly owned real estate and through public-private partnerships.
• Recruit, promote, coordinate, facilitate, and manage public-private development and redevelopment projects.
• Works with various Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) departments and other local regulatory bodies as needed.
• Serve as point-of-contact for Economic Development Districts within the city limits of Lafayette for which LEDA has been designated the Administrator by the City Council.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and effectively reports and presents facts, analysis, and recommendations in both oral and written form. Supervises assigned personnel.
• In partnership with LEDA’s Business Intelligence team, manage the development and maintenance of databases for the current and constantly evolving inventory of retail, office, distribution and

advanced manufacturing and industrial space and sites within the targeted areas, with emphasis on prospective strategic sites for redevelopment – that can be professionally packaged and routinely presented to potential developers and investors.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in real estate, planning, business administration, economics, public administration, or related field is required with a minimum of five (5) years of direct professional experience in real estate development (with a heavy preference towards commercial real estate experience), economic development, community development, planning, or project management. An advanced degree in a related field is considered a plus. Other combinations of education and professional experience may be considered.

Preferred Training and Professional Development:

• Licensed real estate professional or real estate industry experience
• Project Management certifications
• Basic Economic Development training
• Status as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or the possession of other industry recognized economic development credentials
• AICP certification

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong communication, listening and research skills
• Proven relationship-building and management skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in the consultative selling process
• Excellent presentation skills
• Strong project management abilities
• Functional knowledge of common economic development programs
• Familiarity with economic base, infrastructure and utility providers, and real estate contacts 
• Equal ability to work independently and within a cross-trained team environment
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Grant writing and administration considered a plus
• Ability to work irregular hours and travel occasionally
• Computer proficiency using Windows operating system, Microsoft Office Suite, CRM, and Internet navigation 

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with experience.

LEDA offers a highly competitive benefits package including health coverage and retirement benefits.

To apply:

Email a cover letter and resume to HR@lafayette.org. All applications, resumes, and/or cover letters are subject to the Louisiana Public Records Law, R.S. 44:1 et seq.