POSITION TITLE:   Economic Development Officer
DEPARTMENT:     Administration	EFFECTIVE DATE: Adopted by CAO May 22, 2003
REPORTS TO:        Chief Administrative Officer	POLICY NUMBER:    14.116.60 2003

 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Engaged on a full-time basis, and under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Economic Development Officer will work closely with the Chair and members of the Economic Development Board to attract and facilitate development of new industries, business and services in the Town of Lacombe for the purpose of expanding the economy of the community, providing local employment opportunities and strengthening the property tax of the Town.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

1. Economic Development
   • Assist Board in preparing strategic plans and initiating economic development initiatives.
   • Identifying and promoting improvements to and expansion of existing businesses and industry.
   • Identifying and promoting new business and or industrial opportunities

   • Initiating and conducting discussions and negotiations with the private and public sectors regarding economic development initiatives, including land sales and the provision of municipal services.

2. Research
   • Compiling a factual and detailed “community” profile and other demographic information in order to promote the Town of Lacombe
   • Preparing and disseminating information regarding the availability of land, buildings and other facilities conducive to the promotion of business and industry
   • Identifying the needs of the business community and informing the appropriate public sector bodies of these needs.

   • Providing economic information to the private and public sectors.

3. Liaison
   • Maintaining active contacts with the relevant agencies at all levels of governments.
   • Participating in regional economic planning activities as required (CAEP)

   • Being familiar with and promoting available government programs which assist with economic development of the community and/or region.

   • Acting as a coordinator and facilitator of interactions between governments,  other communities, business, industry and community organizations.

   • Attend meetings with Board, Council and other community initiatives.

   • Work with Town Administration and departments to ensure win – win for all.

4. Promotion & Marketing

   • Publishing information and promotional literature.
   • Acting as a spokesman to the media for area economic development activity.
   • Preparing press releases and participating in media interviews regarding Town and area development.
   • Assisting the business community to approach other levels of government for assistance.

   • Preparation of marketing materials – i.e. Community Profiles, Doing Business in Lacombe, Tourism, Website, etc.  

   • Distribution of Tourism brochures, etc.

   • Answering inquiries about the community from outside of the area using marketing packages.

   • Promotion of local business via the Internet.
   • Attend trade shows as a participant and as an observer. As a participant, set up display, coordinate and share in the activities and work schedule of volunteers to promote the region. As an observer, compile information relevant to economic development.

   • Actively pursue leads and prospects, which are a benefit to Lacombe and area.

5. Business Development

   • Answering incoming calls for statistical information from within and outside the Town of Lacombe.
   • First contact with developers from outside the community for site visits and statistics,
   • Consultation with new or proposed businesses regarding business plans and marketing information.
   • Assisting potential entrepreneurs in the area to develop their projects and  provide  them with the necessary resources.
   • Referrals to funding agencies or specific associations.
   • Development of relationships with area businesses through various projects, i.e. business surveys. BAIS, Alberta First.com, City of Red Deer
   • Facilitation of tours to and for internal and external trade delegations
   • Assist in the preparation to have the Town “Export Ready”
   • Actively be involved with the “Community Economic Development Accreditation Program” (CEDAP)

   • Assist with the development and implementation of the Economic Development Board’s Business Plan, Marketing Plan and Communications Plan.

6. Forming Partnerships
   • Developing the necessary contacts and networks dependant on the economic opportunities
   • Facilitation of partnerships between the businesses, government, communities, educational and financial institutions.

   • Attend all meetings relevant to economic and tourism development. i.e. Economic Developers Association (EDA) Alberta Economic Development (AED) Central Alberta Economic Partnership, (CAEP), Tourism Together, Rural Tourism Conference.

7. Administration

   • Preparation of agendas, minutes and reports for the Board.

   • All typing and filing of relevant correspondence, reports, etc.

   • Organization of office and filing system.

   • Annual budget.
   • Bench marking and measuring of all incoming inquiries and consultations for the purpose of evaluation.
   • Compiling statistics into an easily accessible data base for use in business consultation.
   • Preparation of press releases.
   • Attending meetings of various government, community and business groups.
   • Preparation and submitting of reports as required.
   • Coordinating the activities of various economic development committees.
   • Advising committees and or Council on matters related to economic development.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

1. Communications Skills
   • Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.  

2. Interpersonal Skills
   • Ability to negotiate and close deals
   • Ability to deal with diverse groups of people
   • Ability to build and motivate a team
   • Ability to manage and mediate conflict  

3. Political Skills
   • Knowledge of formal and informal political process
   • Ability to develop, maintain and utilize a network of contacts for the economic development of the Town, County, and Central Alberta Economic Partnership
   • Ability to develop economic development strategies consistent with the policy goals of municipal, provincial and federal governments
   • Knowledge of existing government sponsored economic development initiatives and programs  

4. Research and Analytical Skills
   • Ability to conduct economic, demographic and market research
   • Ability to create a system to keep track of information relevant to economic development
   • Knowledge of the fundamentals of finance, accounting, project evaluation, marketing and legal process

   • Ability to accurately define and effectively address problems as they arise .

5. Organizational Skills
   • Ability to set realistic goals and develop plans to achieve them
   • Ability to manage time effectively
   • Ability to access essential information in a timely manner

   • Ability to manage stress

6. Manual Skills
   • Operating Knowledge of computers and the software

   • Operating knowledge of office equipment  (fax machines and photocopiers)

7. Other Skills
   • Ability to work with minimal supervision
   • Ability to retain confidential information
   • Ability to work on a number of projects and tasks simultaneously and prioritize accordingly.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Positioned is based in a modern non-smoking office. Travel is required to meet with prospective businesses wishing to expand or establish a facility in the community/region. Working hours will vary and the position requires the EDO to attend Council meetings, some weekend, evening and early morning meetings.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1. A degree or certificate in Commerce, Economic Development, Marketing or Business Administration. 

2. Five (5) years related experience preferably in municipal environment.

SALARY LEVEL:  

Supervisory/Technical 6