Job Opening: Director of Community & Economic Development for City of Amsterdam

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Salary: Starting at $79,000. Salary negotiable depending on qualifications and experience (DOQ&E).
Position: Full-Time 
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Help Lead the Next Chapter of Amsterdam

The City of Amsterdam is seeking an experienced, visionary, and results-oriented leader to serve as its next Director of Community & Economic Development.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of one of Upstate New York’s most promising communities. The successful candidate will lead transformative redevelopment initiatives, strengthen partnerships with the business community, secure public investment, and guide strategic planning efforts that will have a lasting impact on the City’s future.

Located in the scenic Mohawk Valley, just 25 miles west of Albany with immediate access to the New York State Thruway, Amsterdam is a community experiencing unprecedented momentum. Public and private investment is reshaping downtown, neighborhoods are seeing renewed interest, and major planning initiatives are positioning the City for long-term economic growth.

Recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives include:

• $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)
• Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) planning and redevelopment
• Comprehensive Plan update
• Downtown Complete Streets improvements
• Multimodal Transportation Center planning
• Housing redevelopment initiatives
• Commercial corridor revitalization
• Continued investment in infrastructure and public spaces

This is more than a planning position—it is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

About the Position

The Director of Community & Economic Development serves as the City’s chief professional responsible for planning, economic development, redevelopment, grant administration, and strategic community initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Director works closely with the Common Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, City departments, developers, business leaders, regional organizations, and state and federal agencies to advance projects that create jobs, expand the tax base, improve neighborhoods, and enhance quality of life.

The Director also supervises departmental staff and consultants while ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with funding requirements.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is an energetic and collaborative leader who combines strategic thinking with the ability to execute complex projects 

The successful candidate will possess:

  • Municipal planning experience

  • Grant administration expertise and grant writing experience

  • Real estate development knowledge

  • Experience conducting and presenting at public meetings

  • Familiarity with New York State funding programs

  • Strong communication and project management skills

  • Experience managing complex projects from planning through completion

  • Ability to build productive relationships with elected officials, developers, businesses, consultants, residents, and government agencies

Experience with downtown revitalization, housing development, Brownfield redevelopment, infrastructure improvements, public-private partnerships, and strategic planning is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

The Director will:

  • Lead the City’s community and economic development initiatives.

  • Pursue and administer federal, state, and private grant funding.

  • Manage redevelopment, planning, and capital improvement projects.

  • Oversee consultant selection, procurement, contracts, budgets, and project schedules.

  • Coordinate development projects with Engineering, Public Works, Building, and Code Enforcement.

  • Serve as staff liaison to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.

  • Represent the City before state agencies, regional organizations, developers, and community groups.

  • Supervise departmental staff while promoting collaboration, accountability, and excellent customer service.

Why Join the City of Amsterdam?

This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable difference in a community committed to growth and revitalization.

The successful candidate will work with engaged elected officials, dedicated municipal staff, regional partners, businesses, and residents to implement projects that will shape Amsterdam’s future for generations.

If you are passionate about community development, economic growth, strategic planning, and public service, we encourage you to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

Either:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, Economics, Political Science, or a related field and two (2) years of qualifying administrative experience; or

  • Associate degree and four (4) years of qualifying experience; or

  • High school diploma or equivalent and six (6) years of qualifying experience; or

  • An equivalent combination of education and experience.

A valid New York State Driver License is required.

Benefits

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development Opportunities
• NYS Retirement System

Apply Today

Interested candidates should submit:

  • Cover letter

  • Resume

  • Three professional references

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested candidates may submit their application materials through the City’s employment portal or directly to Kim Brumley, Director of Employee Relations, at kbrumley@amsterdamny.gov.

The City of Amsterdam is an Equal Opportunity Employer.