Economic Development Specialist
- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Performs difficult technical and professional work assisting in the administration of economic development program activities in the County in accordance with guidelines set forth by the Director of Economic Development, County Administrator, and Board of Supervisors. Establishes and maintains contact with local private business firms and with economic development organizations, utility companies, transportation organizations, local, state, and federal officials. Performs other duties as assigned.
- ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Manages the Existing Business Program to identify the interests and priorities of County businesses and encourage business growth and expansion.
- Serves as an ombudsman and liaison to the business community, and provides assistance with navigating the regulatory environment on development related issues.
- Provides technical assistance and counsel to existing businesses to facilitate growth and expansion in the County.
- Plans, organizes, and coordinates local and regional special events with County administration, staff and the private sector as required.
- Implements and coordinates community development projects affecting business within the primary growth areas of Roanoke County.
- Assists with the monitoring and maintenance of the economic development website including detailed demographic data, business resource information, and marketable commercial and industrial property within the County.
- Manages the existing business database, tracks visit data, monitors growth trends and makes programmatic recommendations for implementation.
- Manages and coordinates business award nominations, ribbon cutting ceremonies, certificate of appreciation presentations.
- Serves as the producer of the Roanoke County Business Partners quarterly television program and editor of the department's electronic newsletter.
- Facilitates an annual program of workshops in partnership with state and regional organizations.
- Represents the Economic Development Department on organization boards, committees and commissions, as assigned.
- Performs special studies and other projects as required.
- REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES
Education
Required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, management, marketing, business administration, real estate or related field.
Preferred: Completion of the Basic Economic Development Course sponsored by the International Economic development Council Economic Development Institute, or similar accreditation organization.
Experience
Required: Experience in economic development, tourism, planning, marketing, real estate, business or public administration.
Preferred: Business development experience providing technical assistance to growing companies.
Certifications/ Licenses
Valid VA driver's license with good driving record required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Thorough knowledge of Roanoke County and state policies and government structure as they apply to commercial and industrial activity
- General knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development including tourism activities
- Knowledge of a broad span of business activity with knowledge of how to match needs and specifications prescribed by companies and individuals who are seeking County assistance
- Knowledge of construction development techniques and procedures; and the principles of community planning and development
- Ability to serve as a project manager
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Skills in computer operations in a Windows environment to include Word, Excel, publishing software, social media and customer service management software
Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. May be subject to DMV driving record review as required by amount of work related driving, specified by support responsibilities. Must also be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None- OTHER INFORMATION
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefit package that includes:
• Progressive Flexible Leave Plan with cash-in option
• Eleven paid holidays
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Medical and Dependent Care
• Virginia Retirement System - Membership in VRS is automatic upon hire into a covered position. County contributes and employees pay their membership contribution.
• Deferred Compensation Plan with County Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Credit Union Membership