Economic Development Specialist

$34.14 – $45.71 Hourly Marion County is seeking a collaborative professional to join its three-person economic development team. This position requires a flexible, capable and accountable individual who can manage stakeholder relationships, oversee the strategic investment of economic development funds, and utilize program tools effectively and efficiently. Key responsibilities include monitoring budget expenditures, preparing clear and accurate reports, and managing economic development projects from initiation through completion. The ideal candidate is comfortable engaging with diverse partners, addressing complex challenges, offering well-informed recommendations, and contributing creative, practical solutions. Economic Development Projects Facilitate, coordinate, and implement assigned department economic development (ED) projects and programs focusing on business and workforce development, infrastructure investments and direct community support. Some planned upcoming projects and programs include supporting local workforce through grants and training, supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs, and managing infrastructure capital improvement projects that include multiple small awards to communities and tourism projects. Work with the Economic Development Program Manager and other team members to implement the strategic plan and assigned tasks. Dedicate time to research and analyze ED concepts, best practices, community development projects, and strategies that align with the county’s ED strategic plan; collaborate with partners in identifying existing strengths, gaps, needs, and opportunities to address issues; aid in the launching, implementation, and sustaining of department efforts; and assist with the ED program budget development and work with the manager on needed adjustments. Build and maintain relationships and programs communication with partners, including preparing professional level public information materials, media releases, articles, notices, county forms, and other related documents. Prepare and deliver presentations and communication materials to the Board of Commissioners, as well as other internal and external groups of various sizes. Project Management and Oversight Develop and manage ED programs and projects; oversee administrative process; prepare reports and correspondence related to projects; report to ED Manager on status of the projects; and present and coordinate reports / presentations to stakeholders and the Board of Commissioners. Seek out, write, and manage external ED grant opportunities to leverage funds that support the advancement of the department’s ED strategic plan in consultation with subject matter experts; comply with department and county policies and procedures; and workwith appropriate internal and external parties to ensure financial compliance procedures are in place, contract performance is achieved, and reporting requirements are met. Develops and manages internal ED grant programs; overseeing administrative processes; preparing reports and correspondence related to projects; negotiating and monitoring contracts and reporting to ED Manager on project status. Prepares and coordinates presentations to ED stakeholders and the Board of Commissioners. Utilizes various software systems to track grants and contracts; develops contract timelines, monitors progress to ensure compliance by all parties; reviews required documentation to ensure inclusion of current information and documentation; prepares paperwork in appropriate format for review. In collaboration with the Program Manager, monitor grant funding compliance and contract requirements; utilize various software to apply tracking systems; assist in developing contract timelines, monitor timelines to ensure compliance by all parties; review required paperwork to ensure inclusion of current information and required documentation; and prepare paperwork in appropriate format for review, as needed. Other Work collaboratively to support the department’s programs, adjust to changing priorities and perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor. Requirements for the Position EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, political science, communication, planning, liberal arts, economics, or related field; AND At least four (4) years of responsible experience which includes independent research, project / program design and methodology, management analysis, community engagement, and facilitating group process; OR Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience relevant to the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr