Commercial Development Specialist (Bilingual English/Spanish)

Southeast CDC, a non-profit investing in the neighborhoods of Southeast Baltimore since 1975, is dedicated to growing and supporting a thriving, socioeconomically and racially diverse Southeast Baltimore where residents share in the success and improvement of their communities. We stimulate private and public investment in housing, infrastructure, parks, schools, and neighborhoods.

Southeast CDC’s Commercial District Team has operated the Highlandtown Arts District and Highlandtown Main Street since 2003 and 2004, respectively. The districts are economic development programs aimed at supporting small businesses (including artists) through technical support, promoting the districts with events and online marketing, and raising capital for placemaking installations and building renovations. Our work is done in partnership with area stakeholders including business owners, artists, property owners, residents, non-profits, local and state government agencies, and more. The work is highly collaborative and responsive to the needs of our stakeholders.

The Community Development Specialist works with the Senior Manager of Commercial Revitalization to implement the Highlandtown Main Street and Arts District strategic plans by providing technical assistance to support business owners and artists, recruiting new businesses, and managing capital projects to improve buildings and spaces in the districts.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Support

• Consistently engage with local businesses and artists to solicit marketing content, share pertinent information, understand fluctuations in the local economy, and connect business owners to resources from the Commercial District Team and other Southeast CDC departments.
• Provide one-on-one technical assistance to business owners and artists to identify barriers and potential solutions, with a focus on business retention. Host office hours and provide referrals to resource providers or technical experts as needed.
• Update business resource webpage content for www.ihearthighlandtown.com.
• Manage districts newsletters: draft, edit, distribute electronic and physical newsletters in English and Spanish for both the Highlandtown Arts District and Highlandtown Main Street.
• Support maintenance of internal databases cataloging district businesses, properties, and artists.

Business Development

• Work with property owners and new business owners to fill vacant properties.
• Provide tours of the district with new and potential businesses to introduce them to area stakeholders.
• Provide information about live-work spaces and income tax deductions for artists.

Capital Project Management

• Manage property renovations funded by grants provided to Southeast CDC.

Outreach & Events

• Support execution of district events including but not limited to First Friday Art Walks (monthly), holiday shopping events, and open studio tours by coordinating with businesses, venues, and artists.
• Engage with business owners on customer engagement strategies during district-wide events.
• Support outreach efforts at area community associations, schools, and partner groups by presenting at meetings, workshops, and events.

Program Development

• Participate with Southeast CDC’s Commercial Committee of the board.
• Support the development of grant applications and reporting related to commercial district activities

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• Three or more years of project management experience
• Proficient in Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), Google Docs, Airtable, Canva
• A proactive, solutions-oriented, independent working style, and comfortable with creative problem solving
• Proficient in English and Spanish (writing, reading, speaking)
• Adaptable communication style with attention to cultural differences and respect for others’ lived experiences
• Ability to work some nights and weekends, to attend and support events hosted by Southeast CDC and community partners

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of Baltimore economic development ecosystem, including Baltimore City zoning, Baltimore City zoning, Baltimore City 311 system, business incentives, Baltimore City’s Retail Business District License program, and the Highlandtown Urban Renewal Plan
• Experience reading and reviewing business plans
• Understanding of basic business finances
• Property management or real estate experience desired
• Professional or volunteer experience in community organizing or community projects
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills
• Highly organized, ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and data
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion
• Driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• High degree of commitment to equity, comfortable working among diverse communities

Read the full description at www.southeastcdc.org/who-we-are/job-openings/

Southeast CDC has a comprehensive benefits package for full-time staff which includes medical, vision,

dental, 401k administration, and short-term disability, as well as a generous PTO policy.

Proficient in English and Spanish (writing, reading, speaking)