CITY OF ELYRIA Position Description ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST (Updated May 14, 2013) TITLE: Economic Development Specialist DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Community Development Department REPORTS TO: Director of Community Development and Planning; with dotted line to Mayor SUPERVISES: N/A at this time CIVIL SERVICE STATUS: Unclassified FSLA STATUS: Exempt POSITION PURPOSE: Under the general supervision of the Director of Community Development and Planning, and with close interaction with the Mayor, this position plans, organizes and implements an economic development program to promote the growth and development of the City s economic base, assists in the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and vigorously seeks out new businesses for the City. The position has considerable interface with all facets of the City, and the development and business communities. The successful Economic Development Specialist is a self-motivated, innovative individual with excellent technical, analytical, finance, communication and presentation skills who works closely with the Director of Community Development and Planning and the Mayor to nurture economic development programs, practices and activities that lead to measurable, cost-effective results for the growth of Elyria s tax base through business expansion and retention programs, entrepreneurial development, labor force development, creative and niche development, recreational and entertainment venues, an arts culture, and other quality of life developments. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. With the Director of Community Development and Planning and the Mayor plans, organizes and guides the City s economic development programs and practices that facilitate private sector projects resulting in capital investment, job creation, expanded tax base, and ancillary improvement in overall quality of life.
2. With the Mayor and other supports, completes a Market Analysis and Economic Development Plan to address mixed use growth strategies for the Downtown, Cleveland Street, Midway Mall and Industrial base business districts. 3. Establishes economic development programs which create a framework for encouraging and facilitating entrepreneurial based business development by coordinating access to local, regional, state and federal resources. 4. Develops relationships with other departments, agencies and organizations to strengthen the linkage between economic development strategies and quality of life initiatives such as the City of Elyria-Lorain County Metroparks Cascade Park re-development initiative, the new bike pathways, other parks and recreation improvements, the new Elyria High School, and more. 5. Monitors and communicates local, state and federal legislation relating to economic development. 6. Coordinates and supports planned re-development of historic properties. 7. Facilitates the retention of young adults, young families and job-seekers with specific skills in order to provide a sufficient employment base for existing and emerging business sectors in the City. 8. Build a network of local business partners to bring resources and ideas and create a shared vision with mutual economic development advantages through public-private partnerships i.e. downtown area residential housing incentive programs, an Elyria Enterprise Fund to jump-start new businesses and more. 9. Develops a listing of prospect businesses (both local and national) in targeted industries. 10. Maintains a detailed and accurate community profile and real estate inventory, including raw land, and actively promotes and markets to a list of business prospects. 11. Produces a guide for prospective businesses, which includes the permit application process; basic zoning overview; available federal, state and local economic incentives; other important information and facts. 12. Secures and administers federal, state and foundation grants and private and corporate contributions that advance economic development activities. 13. Works with the Mayor to develop a public-private partnership through the creation of a 501-C3 or 501-c4 capable of working with the City to advance economic development through resource development, property acquisition and more. 14. Serves as a liaison to organizations that support economic development. 15. Prepares and maintains an electronic database of financing tools; responds to requests for information regarding economic development issues; prepares and analyzes demographic information. 16. Provides assistance to businesses to meet expansion, relocation, employee training and other stated needs in order to retain/create jobs within the City. 17. Assists businesses and private developers in obtaining funds for development, including the remediation of brownfields. 18. Serve as staff to Elyria s Economic Development Committee (EEDC) preparing reports and documentation for EEDC s review.
19. Serve as staff to Tax Incentive Review Council and prepare all reports required by the State of Ohio. 20. Responsible for establishing, maintaining and coordinating working relationships with federal, state, county and regional agencies involved in economic development and workforce education and training. 21. Develops and conducts an ongoing public awareness and marketing program designed to support economic development efforts; works with local and regional organizations in marketing the City to visitors. 22. Establishes measureable outcomes and prepares quarterly reports as requested by the Mayor. 23. Assists with property acquisition and disposition. 24. Performs other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS: Theory, principals and practices of economic and community development Knowledge of general Community Development Block Grant regulations as they relate to the use of funds for the purpose of economic development. Market analysis techniques, economic development strategic planning Economic development marketing and attraction Business retention and expansion strategies Business plan development, evaluation and business administration Business finance and budgeting Local and regional business clusters and supply chains Economic development credit analysis Real estate development and reuse Economic development finance programs Economic and small business development strategies Creating a 501C-3 or 501C-4 organization; managing economic development organizations Neighborhood development strategies Technology-led economic development Workforce development Resource development including proven acquisition and management of federal, state and regional grant programs, private and corporate contributions, and foundation grants ABILITY REQUIREMENTS: Communicate effectively in oral and written form; provide complex reports, position papers, grants, proposals, public presentations
Research, collect and analyze data and prepare complex market analyses, budgets, economic development and business plans Make important judgments with regard to varied business matters of significance to the City Think analytically and creatively Work independently Engages key stakeholders in dialogue/planning sessions to determine direction/build consensus on key economic development issues Work across disciplines to effectively link economic development strategies to other quality of life issues Establish and maintain effective working relationships with local business leaders; business associations public officials; federal, state, local and regional economic development officials; City staff; City Council; Boards and Commissions; and the general public QUALIFICATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Education: A Master s Degree in Public Administration with a focus on Economic Development is preferred, with Certified Economic Developer Certification (CEcD) ideal. Individuals with other Bachelor or post-graduate degrees in the following areas will be considered: Urban Planning, Resource Development, Business Administration, Finance, Economics or related field. Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience actively working in the economic development field in a public-serving organization is required. Must have a proven track record of success in the implementation of strategic economic development initiatives and federal - and state funded project management. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: A valid Ohio Driver s License is required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work involves walking, talking, writing, typing, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to focus. The employee may be required to push, pull or lift 30 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is moderate Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
TO APPLY: Complete and return a City of Elyria Employment Application Form available at www.cityofelyria.org (under employment) along with your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position, why you think you are a good match, and how you think you can contribute to the City of Elyria as an Economic Development Specialist. All application materials must be received by Friday, June 14, 2013. Mail or deliver to: Richard Jackson, Assistant Safety Service Director in charge of Human Resources, Elyria City Hall, Suite 301-131 Court Street Elyria, Ohio 44035 The City of Elyria is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We accept applications from all qualified applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age. Marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.