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Development Specialist

City of Holyoke
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City of Holyoke 

Personnel Department

JOB POSTING - January 14, 2026

DEADLINE- January 28, 2026 

Job Title: Development Specialist

Department: Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED) 

Reports to: Director of OPED                                                    

Job Summary:

The City of Holyoke seeks an individual for the position of Development Specialist in the Office of Planning &  Economic Development (OPED). The position provides professional and administrative assistance to the Director of OPED and Assistant Director of Economic Development on projects related to economic development, real estate, financing, development of new programs, business retention and recruitment, economic studies, and planning projects.  

The responsibilities include assisting in the day-to-day departmental activities following office policies and procedures in compliance with applicable laws, contracts, and established City policies; assisting with short and long-term objectives including related work as required, directed or as the situation dictates, maintaining and improving office efficiency to functions under his/her direction and control. Performs all other related work as required. 

Supervision:  

This position works under the direction of the Director and Assistant Director of the Office of Planning & Economic Development and receives regular and as needed daily / weekly direction as required in accordance with department policies and procedures and municipal regulations.  Employees perform various duties which require initiative in the planning, administration, and execution of the department’s  services.  


 

Supervision Given:

 This position may have formal supervisory responsibilities over temporary and part-time employees, interns and contractors when applicable under the direction of the Director.   

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provides assistance to the Director and Assistant Director in administering the work of OPED, the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and the Holyoke Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (HEDIC), with a focus on business development, neighborhood revitalization, and real estate development.
  • Assists in the day-to-day activities of the office and programs including the HRA Urban Renewal Plan, HEDIC Economic Development Plans, HEDIC Loan Program, HEDIC Foreign Trade Zone, the Economic Development Incentive Program, and the Housing Development Incentive Program.
  • Supports in the preparation of office meetings primarily for the HEDIC and HRA.  This may include preparation of meeting agendas and materials as well as written and graphic presentation documents.
  • Acts as a liaison with the business community and entrepreneurs (including existing businesses and new business start-ups) to support their establishment in the City.
  • Performs administrative duties related to office functions, including incoming and outgoing  correspondence, mailings, phone calls, forms, request and payments; ensures all correspondence is sent or received through follow-up procedures.   
  • Prepares correspondence, newsletter, and research economic data to support the mission of the office.
  • Supports the research, writing, and management of grants and grant related projects within the department and in collaboration with other departments.
  • May attend board and commission meetings as a representative of the department, including evening meetings. Attends regional planning and other relevant meetings as a representative of the City. Serves on project related committees and boards as necessary.
  • Supports and supervises administrative staff or consultants on specific projects or tasks, when required.
  • Performs similar or related work as required and assists Director and Executive Director with additional administrative duties and functions as directed or as situation dictates.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Knowledge of economic development principles, business development programs, urban planning, and ability to understand relevant regulations and legal documents.
  • Ability to establish and maintain an excellent and effective professional working relationship with Director, staff, municipal and government agencies, and members of the public.  
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively and productively in a team atmosphere, demonstrating initiative and drive.
  • Excellent customer service skills including written and verbal communication skills.
  • Sound computer skills and competency with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel, Google Workspace, and the ability to utilize or learn relevant GIS software.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
  • Ability to embrace the City’s mission and organizational values.


 

Job Environment:

Work and physical demands are typical of a general office setting and of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Workload and stress levels vary. The Development Specialist makes regular contact with other staff, members of the public and City Departments.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to be in a stationary position and is occasionally required to attend and participate in visiting out of office locations. The employee must operate office equipment and be able to reach with hands or arms and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but can be moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Other Duties:  The Development Specialist makes frequent contact with the public, municipal  representatives, elected officials, businesses, property owners, consultants, various professionals, agencies and regulatory bodies as well as contractors and subcontractors. Contacts are in person, by phone, online, email and in writing and via various stakeholder meetings, hearings, and other events.  Employees have access to department-related confidential and/or sensitive information. Errors in judgment could result in delays or loss of  service, injuries to others, monetary loss, and have legal or financial repercussions. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or  responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any  time with or without notice as needed by the City of Holyoke within the scope of departmental needs. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical  assignment of the position. 


Education, Certification, Licensure  and Experience:

  • Prior experience in the fields of business, economic development, urban planning, banking or real estate. 
  • A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
  • Three years of administrative, professional or relevant experience. 
  • Any equivalent combination of education and experience.  
  • Familiarity with the City of Holyoke and municipal government preferred.
  • Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred 


Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) status: Exempt (Salary) 


Employment status & Hours: Regular Full-time employment, 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 


Salary/Pay rate: $50, 614.56 (minimum) up to $66,937.75 (maximum) per hour (Grade 8,  AFSCME)

Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Optional Vision and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (SOME Unions Short-term Disability)

How to Apply: Please apply on Indeed.com