County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision at the Trainee level and under general direction at the higher levels, Economic Development Analysts perform professional work in economic development and are expected to complete assignments in the areas of research and analysis, program and policy development, and advocacy for the East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA). Incumbents act as a resource to businesses and local governments to attract and retain quality jobs; serve as focal point for public and private sector partnerships; identify and research economic issues and coordinate relevant economic development activities that are critical for the economic vitality of the community; and perform other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Economic Development Analyst classes are found only in the County Administrator’s Office.  Economic Development Trainee is the trainee-level classification in the series. Incumbents are given a variety of assignments with their work subject to detailed and frequent review. Economic Development Trainees who successfully complete training at this level will advance to the next level of Economic Development Analyst I, upon successful completion of training. It is expected that incumbents will be an Economic Development Trainee for at least six months. The number of hours worked as an Intern for the East Bay EDA may be applied towards that minimum; however, all Trainees must be able to complete all of their required tasks without supervision before advancing to the Economic Development Analyst I classification.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Learns how (East Bay EDA) operates including the organizations’ goals, strategies and objectives.
2. Learns and becomes proficient with software (including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, FrontPage, Adobe Acrobat, WinFax and any other software) that is utilized in East Bay EDA’s office. 3. Accomplish specific assigned tasks for the economic development staff..
4. Assists with the maintenance and development of data for East Bay EDA’s databases, spreadsheets, charts, graphs, reports, profiles, newsletters and websites.
5. Learns how to obtain information from multiple websites and purchased data sources, transfer it into Excel spreadsheets and/or Access databases and analyze it.
6. Learn how to publish data and information to the website, to modify or add website pages, to modify or create Dundas graphs and charts as needed and link the charts to the database.
7. Assist in obtaining data for monthly newsletters and the website, quarterly and annual data for the indicators report and keep the data and information current on the website.
8. Under supervision, inputs client data and prepares response packages for clients.
9. Under supervision, input membership information into the database, prepare invoices and membership certificates and communications and work with/provide support to assigned task groups.
10. Assists as needed with preparation for and implementation of East Bay EDA’s events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a degree in a related field of planning, economics or economic development preferred within the last three years.

Or II

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited college or university and at least 400 hours work experience as an Economic Development Intern.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Considerable Knowledge of:

• The principles, practices and issues of economic and community development including industrial retention, development and recruitment, strategic planning, resource development and marketing.
• Federal, state and local economic development/business resource programs.
• Resources and practices utilized in urban, regional economic development programs.
• The preparation, review and dissemination of technical reports (technical writing skills).
• Statistical and analytical techniques applicable to economic and demographic data.

Working Knowledge of:

• Fiscal and budgetary practices and funding sources.
• Principles of public administration, organization and management.
• Techniques used in group dynamics, negotiation and consensus building.
• Computers and software (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel & Outlook and Adobe Acrobat).
• Use of the internet to conduct research, access data, reports and related news.
• The principles and techniques of report writing and organizational and operational analysis.

Desired Knowledge of:

• Federal, state and local environmental agencies and their role with other agencies and the business community.
• How to utilize website editing and publication software like Microsoft FrontPage, Expression Web or Dreamweaver to maintain and create webpages or websites on the internet.
• How to utilize a database program like Microsoft Access to import, format, analyze, create queries, link to, manage and update information.
• How to design, use an RFP and manage a contract with consultants and service providers.
• How to develop and implement a regional economic development program, including proactive outreach and communications, marketing strategies and collateral materials.
• Research and prepare complex economic development proposals.

Ability to:

• Analyze technical, legal and financial documents and interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, laws and ordinances.
• Organize work, set priorities and exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines and use creative ways to resolve issues.
• Work effectively with public officials, business leaders, financial institutions, citizen groups and department managers in interdepartmental and diverse team environments.
• Effectively communicate technical information, verbally and in writing, to the business community, social and news media, and through public presentations.
• Establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude and work effectively with internal and external customers, in a highly visible position.
• Take initiative in recommending continuous process improvements and new ideas and strategies.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and professional discretion when interacting in the performance of duties.
• Maintain assignment flexibility and be able to manage multiple projects and coordinate multiple special events concurrently.
• Learn new software programs and communications systems.
• Utilize letters, newsletters and the internet to communicate effectively with staff, members, business clients and prospects.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

SA:jc/ 0270h 3/20/98
4/14/98
co:updated 5/4/00
New doc: 0270H.doc
Csc date: 10/28/98
DR:pf Revised/Retitled/New Series 5/27/03
[old title: Economic Development Analyst]
New Doc #: 0250-0251-0270.doc
CSC Date: 9/3/03
MH:po revised 11/14/08-4/15/09
CSC Date: 5/20/2009
RE:cs Revised 6/2/14
CSC Date: 6/11/14

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.