Economic Development Specialist
- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Promotes economic development strategic goals to expand and retain business and industry in the County in accordance with guidelines set forth by the Director of Economic Development, County Administrator, and Board of Supervisors. Duties can involve research, writing, presenting staff reports, project management, data collection and analysis, visits to local businesses and assisting with business prospects. Performs other duties as assigned.
- ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Assists with the Department’s business attraction and retention efforts, which can include preparation of initial response to economic development project leads, visiting existing industry, and providing business assistance
- Develops and maintains departmental databases of prospects, existing industry, and real estate
- Manages the website; regularly monitors, evaluates, and recommends ways to update and amend the website to best market the community to each target audience
- Maintains an active social media presence for the economic development department
- Coordinates the creation and collection of media assets utilized in marketing and online content such as photography, videography, and storytelling
- Develops marketing material such as departmental newsletters and video segments
- Represents the County and Economic Development Department at networking and business and community events as requested
- Plans, organizes, and coordinates local and regional events and workshops with County administration, staff and the private sector as required
- Performs technical writing assignments including but not limited to grant proposals, letters of support, award submissions, speeches and board resolutions
- Manages and coordinates business award nominations, recognition resolutions, ribbon cutting ceremonies and certificate of appreciation presentations
- Maintains confidentiality when handling communications and documents
- Performs research, 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; construction development techniques and procedures; and the principles of community planning and development.
- Ability to serve as a project manager and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Skills in computer operations in a Windows environment to include Word and/or WordPerfect, Excel, newsletter software, social media and customer service management software.
- Skills in graphic design in a Windows environment to include Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign.
Additional Requirements
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
• Twelve 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