Economic Development Specialist

Economic Development Specialist

FLSA Status : Exempt

Status : Full-time, Onsite

JOB PURPOSE :

The Economic Development Specialist assists in the creation and administration of economic development programs as funded by the Economic Development Retail Sales Tax Fund (EDRST). This position will assist in the creation and implementation of Business Retention and Expansion Program, promoting and marketing the city as a place to do business, and assist in implementing strategies to attract and recruit businesses to the city. A significant amount of time is spent outside the office carrying out principal responsibilities.

The Economic Development Specialist works under the supervision of the Economic Development Manager and will assist with the Loop Special Business District and Economic Development Retail Sales Tax Board as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Assist with the creation and administration of economic development programs and serves as primary contact regarding economic development programs
• Process and review all economic development program applications
• Assists with the attraction and retention of businesses to the city
• Assists with the implementation of the city's Economic Development Strategy, including the administration of a Business Retention and Expansion Program
• Develops and maintains a cooperative working relationship with existing businesses, develop and maintain contacts with landowners, developers, site consultants, realtors, entrepreneurs, private industry representatives, and economic development related organizations and agencies
• Coordinates a wide range of projects, from supervising promotional activities to assembling market information.
• Examples of projects may include : developing a shop local plan, managing grant programs, managing the façade replacement program, developing a jobs training program
• Serves as an authority on information, resources and programs related to operating a business in the city and acts as a data and information source for current and prospective businesses
• Prepares updates to community demographic information and maintains current data regarding the community on the economic development page of the city's website

Research, identify, and secure other sources of funding, including federal and state funds and grants, for economic and community development programs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

PHYSICAL / VISUAL ACTIVITIES OR DEMANDS

EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM JOB

Telephone, computers, copy machine, fax, printers, scanner, digital camera, personal vehicle

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning or related field. Master's Degree preferred. Minimum 3 years related experience and / or training in economic development, downtown development, or industrial and commercial real estate development.

OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS :

This position is split with about 50% office and 50% out in the field. Travel between locations may be required.

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