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Join Our Team as an Economic Development Specialist!

Are you passionate about fostering community growth and supporting local businesses? We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to perform a variety of analytical and project management duties in support of economic development initiatives. In this role, you will help implement and administer key programs, assist with public and private development projects, and provide valuable insights through trend analysis and policy recommendations. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact on the future of our local economy, we invite you to apply!

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Economic Development Specialist is an entry-level class. Employees may have only limited or no direct related work experience. Employees work under general supervision while learning job tasks.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Economic Development and Communications Specialist. May exercise technical and functional supervision over administrative support personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (include but are not limited to the following)

• Prepares responses, proposals and presentations for Requests for Information and provides responsible, professional analytical assistance in the development, administration and implementation of economic development programs.
• Develops short- and long-range economic development plans; gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations.
• Coordinates and participates in the review of City projects, project plans, and discussions.
• Helps maintain a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community for economic development purposes and distributes to perspective economic development clientele as requested.
• Assists with marketing plans for attraction, retention and expansion of businesses.
• Recommends and investigates ways to obtain grants, loans and other procurement of funds for the development of business; works on financial statements.
• Serves as a liaison between the local government and the chamber of commerce, merchants’ associations, economic development districts, redevelopment agencies and other public, private or nonprofit groups and associations interested in economic development.
• Monitors local, state and Federal legislations and regulations relating to economic development; reports findings, trends and recommendations to supervisor.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management and staff and the public.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. Additionally, the incumbent in this position may work in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of business and economic development; methods and programs for financing; grant administration and writing; principles and practices of planning programs and processes; marketing and public relation techniques; municipal zoning and infrastructure; advertising layout and design; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; basic principles of mathematics; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Skill to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.

Ability to: Participate in a variety of tasks relating to economic development; make public presentations; prepare and package applications and requests for economic development financial assistance; develop financing methods and programs; implement, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.