ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Position Summary

The Economic Development Specialist position will function as the Buildings and Sites Coordinator. The Sites and Buildings Coordinator will manage and maintain the state’s database of available industrial and commercial sites and buildings, ensuring that site selection consultants, businesses, and community partners have access to accurate and up-to-date information. This position plays a key role in supporting business recruitment, expansion, and community development efforts through effective data management, GIS mapping, and providing technical assistance to community and real estate partners

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Preferred Qualification

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Google Earth Pro, or similar platforms).
• Experience working with CAD drawings, KMZ/KML files, and spatial data formats.
• Familiarity with database management systems and spatial data analysis.
• Understanding of construction, site development, and real estate marketing principles.
• Working knowledge of zoning, utilities, industrial development regulations, and transportation infrastructure data.
• Drone operation and aerial mapping experience preferred but not required.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and collaboration skills across internal and external cross-functional teams.
• Ability to build relationships and provide technical support to partners across the state.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Proactive, problem-solving approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

1. Arkansas Site Selection Center Database Management
2. GIS, Mapping, and Technical Support
3. Community Site Development Support
4. Partner Engagement
5. Business Development Support

Key Business Processes/Duties

Arkansas Site Selection Center Database Management

• Maintain and regularly update the state’s sites and buildings database (Arkansas Site Selection Center), ensuring all listings include accurate data, photographs, site plans, and GIS information.
• Monitor data quality and implement improvements for data accuracy and usability.
• Coordinate with local economic development partners to ensure statewide coverage and consistent data standards.
• Provide training and technical assistance on the Arkansas Site Selection Center.

GIS, Mapping, and Technical Support

• Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create, update, and analyze maps and spatial data related to industrial and commercial properties.
• Integrate GIS layers (utilities, zoning, transportation, floodplains, demographics, etc.) to create reports and maps that support business attraction projects.
• Work with CAD drawings, KMZ/KML files, and other spatial data formats to accurately represent property layouts, infrastructure, and site boundaries.
• Support site data visualization and mapping needs for internal and external users.
• Use drone imagery (if applicable) to enhance site visuals and data accuracy; drone operation experience preferred but not required.

Community Site Development Support

• Assist communities in identifying, evaluating, and developing potential industrial and commercial sites for future business investment.
• Conduct site visits and coordinate with local partners to assess infrastructure, access, utilities, and development readiness.
• Provide guidance on site development, site readiness standards, and best practices for marketing available sites.
• Collaborate with local economic developers, utilities, and other partners to help advance site development projects across the state, including support on the Arkansas Site Development Grant program.

Partner Engagement

• Serve as a primary contact and resource for community partners regarding property listings, GIS tools, and site data management.
• Provide training, technical assistance, and guidance on how to input and maintain site information in the Arkansas Site Selection Center Database.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local economic developers, real estate professionals, and construction and engineering firms, and other stakeholders.

Business Development Support

• Assist in responding to Requests for Information (RFIs) and proposals by providing accurate property data, site maps, and visual materials.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives teams to ensure site information supports lead generation and promotional materials.
• Track and report on site inventory trends and development opportunities statewide as compared to national trends.

Position Information

Job Series: Program Operations – Economic Development

Classification: Economic Development Specialist

Class Code: PED03P

Pay Grade: SPC02

Salary Range: $64,570 – $95,564

Job Summary

The Economic Development Specialist supports the planning, research, administration, and coordination of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and community revitalization. This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals looking to gain practical experience in economic policy, community planning, and project management. The specialist works closely with experienced economic development teams in an attempt to collect data, manage projects, and facilitate communications with a variety of assorted personnel.

Primary Responsibilities

Maintain calendars, schedule appointments, and organize meeting logistics for the economic development team. Prepare and manage documentation including meeting minutes, reports, and databases. Assist in gathering economic data, conducting market analyses, and compiling research for feasibility studies and development projects. Support the creation of data-driven reports to inform program recommendations and strategies. Provide support in coordinating events such as community forums and local economic development workshops. Help monitor project timelines, deliverables, and budget tracking to ensure smooth implementation of initiatives. Serve as a contact point for local business groups, community organizations, and government agencies, facilitating communications and outreach efforts. Assist in drafting presentations and promotional materials for public events and funding proposals. Support the preparation of grant applications, funding proposals, and related project documentation. Assist in tracking funding opportunities and maintaining records of submissions and outcomes.

Knowledge and Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively support team interactions. Basic proficiency in data management and the ability to assist in interpreting economic data for research and reporting purposes. Comfortable using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace) and willing to learn new digital tools for data analysis and project management.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Community Development, Economics, or a related field.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.