Storefront Renovation Program Specialist bei City of Cleveland, OH

About the Department

The City of Cleveland’s Department of Economic Development is committed to fostering vibrant neighborhoods and supporting local businesses through strategic investment and revitalization initiatives. As part of this mission, the department administers the Storefront Renovation Program (SRP), which provides technical assistance and financial support to enhance the appearance and functionality of traditional retail storefronts across Cleveland’s commercial corridors. The Storefront Renovation Program Specialist plays a key role in advancing these efforts by supporting project coordination, guiding business and property owners through the renovation process, and ensuring alignment with the City’s design standards and community development goals. This position reflects Cleveland’s guiding principles—placing residents at the center, empowering purposeful work, and striving for equity—while contributing to the city’s broader vision of economic resilience and neighborhood transformation.

Position Duties

Under general direction, performs major daily and project/program based administrative duties. Recommends and administers divisional/departmental policies and procedures. Prepare regular and special reports related to divisional/departmental operations. Serves as a representative of the division/department to the public and other City departments. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A High School Diploma or GED is required. A bachelor’s degree in business, public relations or closely related field from a four-year, accredited college or university is desirable. At least two years of full-time paid experience in government or private administration is required. (Substitution: Two years of full-time experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking.) Must be able to operate a personal computer with Microsoft Office Suites including Microsoft 365 applications.

Other Qualifications

Specific Departmental Duties

The Storefront Renovation Program (SRP) provides financial incentive and design assistance to Cleveland property owners and business owners who undertake the exterior renovation of their buildings in accordance with funding requirements and in adherence to SRP design standards.

The SRP Program Specialist in the Department of Economic Development is a support role for both the SRP Program Manager and the Design Specialist(s).  The SRP Program Specialist assists the Program Manager with day-to-day operations of the program and assists the Design Specialist with research and field work to inform SRP design processes.  

Examples of Duties

Under administrative direction of the Program Manager, the Assistant Administrator’s tasks include, but are not limited to: 

Administrative & Program Support

• Assist in managing day-to-day operations of the Storefront Renovation Program (SRP)
• Maintain organized records, files, and documentation for all program activities
• Prepare reports, meeting notes, and presentations related to program progress
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, site visits, and stakeholder engagements
• Track project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure compliance

Project Coordination

• Support the development of scopes of work for storefront improvement projects
• Help process SRP applications and ensure all required documentation is complete
• Monitor project progress during construction 
• Conduct photo documentation of existing conditions and completed renovations
• Assist Design Specialist with ensuring projects adhere to historic preservation standards and local design guidelines

Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate with property owners, contractors, and city departments
• Help facilitate public outreach and education about the SRP
• Respond to inquiries and provide guidance on program eligibility and process

Compliance & Reporting

• Support the Program Manager to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, including historic preservation laws
• Support the Program Manager in preparing grant documentation and compliance reports
• Participate in program evaluations and recommend improvements to enhance delivery

Preferred Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Project Management, or Construction Management, Architecture or related field (preferred).
• 1-3 years of full-time paid experience in government, non-profit, or private sector roles involving program implementation, project management or design-related roles.

Specialized Knowledge & Skills

• Familiarity with storefront renovation, historic preservation, or economic development programs is a plus
• Proven ability to guide property and business owners through application, contracting, and project approval processes
• Skilled in conveying design and construction concepts to applicants, ensuring alignment with Storefront Renovation Program (SRP) standards and contracts
• Experience in construction monitoring, photo documentation, and coordinating with SRP applicants, contractors, and City staff
• Familiarity with commercial building renovation, including exterior improvements and historic preservation considerations

Organizational & Communication Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting and collaborating with business owners, contractors, and city officials
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Comfortable preparing reports, tracking budgets, and maintaining project documentation

Alignment with City Values

All City of Cleveland employees are expected to embrace and embody the City's guiding principles in their daily work:

• Placing Clevelanders at the Center
• Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work
• Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives
• Leading with Trust and Transparency
• Striving for Equity in All We Do
• Embracing Change

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for site visits and meetings
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds (for site documentation and materials)
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn local zoning, building codes, and historic preservation standards
• Ability to use a work cell phone for communication 

CITY OF CLEVELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Mayor Bibb is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation, and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. The Team is committed to providing equal employment.