The City of Roanoke is seeking a Senior Economic Development Specialist that will perform professional work in the handling of key activities and programs within the Department of Economic Development. Responsibilities may include: supervision of four Economic Development Specialists; business attraction, retention and expansion activities; formulation and management of the department’s annual budget; formulation and execution of marketing efforts to promote the city as a premier location for business development; and formulation and management of community development programs. Educational requirements are a Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with major course work in economics, business, urban planning or related field supplemented by a Master's degree in an appropriate field; or two or more years of related experience and/or training in economic development work, including experience in the preparation of state and federal grants for economic development purposes; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.
To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.
This is an exempt position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Supervises four (4) Economic Development Specialists
Works with director to prepares and manage the department’s annual budget
Provides information for city, state and federal officials and the public on economic development and/or business related matters
Develops and coordinates programs to encourage and assist businesses and industries to locate or expand in the City
Assists businesses and industries seeking to locate or expand in the City
May administer enterprise zone program and initiatives
Provides marketing, available land, economic, demographic and job market information to all interested businesses
Maintains awareness of national and regional economic trends and innovative practices
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESThis position will manage three (3) Economic Development Specialists.
LANGUAGE SKILLSAbility to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints from members of the business community, state and federal grant agencies, city officials and employees orally and in writing. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to city officials, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts.
REASONING ABILITYAbility to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to identify key stakeholders and think strategically.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONSMust possess a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree from four year college or university with major course work in economics, business, urban planning or related field supplemented by a Master's degree in an appropriate field; or three years related experience and/or training in economic development work, including experience with the preparation of state and federal grants and economic development; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
