Principal Program Manager - Economic Incentives

Economic Incentives Division Leader

This listing closes on 9 / 30 / 2025 at 11 : 59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada).

Employer : City of Indianapolis and Marion County

Salary : $71,922.40 Annually

Location : City County Building, IN

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 09336

Department : Department of Metropolitan Development

Opening Date : 09 / 25 / 2025

Closing Date : 9 / 30 / 2025 at 11 : 59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Position Summary

This is an internal position only

Position is responsible for providing leadership to the economic incentives division which includes three members, a Compliance Manager, an Economic Analyst and a Project Manager. Incumbent will oversee and implement the team's work related to analysis, implementation, tracking and reporting for City-supported economic development projects, under the supervision of the Administrator of Community & Economic Development. The primary responsibilities of the position will relate to tax abatement, tax increment financing and payment-in-lieu of taxes; however, incumbent may be required to assist with other economic development incentives and contracts including, but not limited to Certified Technology Parks, New Market Tax Credits, and other initiatives as they arise. Incumbent requires the knowledge of established policies and procedures, and the ability to challenge those procedures where appropriate. Incumbent will also rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish assignments in a timely manner with a high emphasis on implementing procedures to ensure the delivery of transactions on a schedule. Must be able to take limited direction and be creative in implementation of vision. Position reports to the Administrator of Community & Economic Development.

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of the Department of Metropolitan Development works to shape the city's identity by strengthening people and places, building upon our history, and fostering visionary development. The DMD agency envisions the city as a growing, vibrant, and beautiful city where people and businesses thrive in an inclusive, world-class community. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Administrator, implements City role in economic development transactions, specifically, tax abatement, tax increment financing and payment-in-lieu of taxes.

Leads legislative approval process related to above incentives including Metropolitan Development Commission, City Council, Metropolitan Economic Development Commission, and Indianapolis Economic Development Commission as necessary and applicable for each project.

Attends Metropolitan Development Commission and City-County County meetings as necessary, and acts as a representative of DMD at such meetings

Identifies, evaluates, processes, and monitors economic development projects requesting or previously approved for incentives

Performs incentives application review including insuring adherence to City policies as well performing basic financial analysis to understand if the project is a fit for City incentives which may include a review of proformas and real estate project investment documentation

Answers, informs, advises and follows-up on all customer inquiries and complaints related to economic incentives from internal and external customers

Support team in drafting of public notices, resolutions, contracts, slideshow presentations, reports, maps, surveys, and other correspondence related to the approval and monitoring of economic development incentives

Manages contracts and project agreements related to economic development projects

Works closely with Develop Indy and Employ Indy to support business attraction, expansion and retention projects in Marion County

Monitors compliance of recipients of economic incentives by performing annual surveys and evaluating compliance forms

Leads regular updates and revisions to incentives, agreements, policies and contracts to reflect policy initiations of the City including affordable housing, public art, XBE inclusion, etc.

Identifies opportunities to strengthen deployment of economic incentives through creative partnerships and enhanced standards to ensure high quality community and economic development outcomes for Indianapolis communities

Investigates issues of non-compliance and works with the City's Compliance Manager and tax abatement recipients to resolve those issues, including engagement with City leadership to determine appropriate remedies

Supports incentives staff as related to analysis and project compliance and performance data related to contractual commitments

Manages and facilitates the progress and results of multiple projects of average to high complexity by assuring compliance with the city's policy goals, scope of work, budget, schedule, and quality expectations as outlined in project agreements

Works with community groups, stakeholders, economic development professionals, and developers to provide communication to those groups to ensure that the public is heard in regard to certain projects

Coordinates and attends periodic engagement meetings with neighborhood and business stakeholders.

Coordinates with other city departments, with an emphasis on DPW, BNS and Planning to ensure all plans for economic development are implemented appropriately

Assists other DMD staff in preparing applications for competitive economic development-related grants local, state, and federal

Must maintain confidentiality at all times. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Real Estate, Economics, Finance, Non-Profit Management, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Accounting Principles, Business Management, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted in lieu of degree. Five (5) years of work-related experience in a similar role. Good organizational and communication skills as well as knowledge of city and state government a plus. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Must be able to build positive relationships within city departments and with external clients. Attention to detail is a requirement of the position, including the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and in a timely manner and the ability to work within deadlines. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Master's degree in Public Administration, Economics, Finance, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Accounting Principles, Business Management, Non-Profit Management, Public Policy or related field. Two (2) years of work-related experience in a similar role with experience in negotiation, contract management, business retention and expansion, or real estate finance is preferred. Excellent organizational and communication skills as well as knowledge of city and state government a plus. Excellent written and oral communication skills required as occasional presentations will be a regular job function. Ability to review project proformas and budgets for real estate projects and familiarity with Excel is preferred. Must be able to build positive relationships within city departments and with external customers. Attention to detail is a requirement of the position, including the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and in a timely manner and the ability to work within deadlines. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office.