Tax Incentive Manager - Commercial

Tax Incentive Manager - Commercial

The Commercial Real Property Tax Incentive Manager plays a critical role in advancing Cleveland’s economic development goals by ensuring Tax Incentive resources are strategically and efficiently deployed to unlock private investment, produce real estate development, fund infrastructure, and generate long-term growth across the city. The Commercial Real Property Tax Incentive Manager will be responsible for the administration, and financial oversight of the City of Cleveland’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Commercial Enterprise Zone Tax Exemption and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) portfolios. This role supports the City’s broader economic development strategy by leveraging these incentives as financing tools to fund public infrastructure and catalyze private investment. The Manager will work with the Department of Development’s Major Projects Team on strategic implementation of these incentives as well as direct support to businesses and real estate developers seeking to leverage these incentives in order to get projects across the finish line in Cleveland.

The Commercial Real Property Tax Incentive Manager monitors compliance with Ohio Revised Code requirements, City policies, and negotiated development agreements, while advancing equitable and fiscally responsible investment across Cleveland neighborhoods.

Under administrative direction, this position is responsible for planning, managing, and coordinating assigned functions, which may include administration, citizen engagement, research, and financial operations. Responsibilities include developing work rules, implementing training programs, and may manage assigned staff members to ensure the effective performance of departmental objectives. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Bachelor's Degree required. Four years of full-time paid management or administrative experience required. (Substitution: Two years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking.) Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required.

Typical Tasks: • In coordination with the Department of Development’s Major Projects Team will support structuring of development deals utilizing these incentives as a gap financing tool, including analyzing development pro formas and assessing financial gaps, risks, and public benefit. • In coordination with the Department of Development’s Major Projects Team Develops financial models and projections to evaluate the feasibility, return on investment, and impact on partner agencies who receive tax revenue affected by these incentives. • Collaborate with project managers, real estate developers, and finance partners to structure compliant and effective incentive agreements. • Monitor TIF district revenue streams and expenditures to ensure alignment with approved uses such as infrastructure, parks, and public improvements. • Serve as liaison between internal departments (Finance, Law), external partners (real estate developers), and taxing authorities (including the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Cleveland Metroparks and Cleveland Public LIbrary). • Ensure compliance with enabling legislation, development agreements, and state statutes. • Track and report on district wide TIF performance, including revenue generation, expenditures, forgone taxes and project outcomes. • Prepare reports, memos, and presentations for City leadership, City Council, and external stakeholders. • Support implementation of Cleveland’s evolving TIF strategy, including district-scale approaches that fund transformative infrastructure investments. • Evaluate opportunities to expand or modify TIF districts to align with City priorities (e.g., waterfront, neighborhood investment, economic equity). Preferred Qualifications: • Knowledge of Ohio Real Property Incentive statutes and economic development programs preferred. • Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills. • Ability to evaluate complex development deals and balance financial risk with public benefit. • Strong attention to detail in managing multiple funding sources and compliance requirements. • Collaborative approach to working across departments and with external partners. • Commitment to equitable development and community impact.