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 Analyst I is the entry-level classification in the series. Incumbents perform their work independent of close supervision; however, detailed instructions are given at the time of assignment and final work is closely reviewed.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in the Analyst classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed. The primary difference between Analyst I and II positions in this classification is the amount of lead responsibility for the completion of the tasks. 

1. Convenes task forces or focus groups and otherwise promotes regional leadership and collaborative solutions to East Bay infrastructure challenges including education, workforce, transportation, housing, infrastructure and green/clean technologies. 

2. Increase public awareness and understanding of complex regional issues and encourage participation in the development and implementation of solutions.

3. Coordinates business-to-business, business-to-government and government-to-government forums to improve communication and understanding and the business climate.

4. Develops and implements an outreach and marketing strategy that includes advertising, trade shows, and use of the Internet and international events; creates/coordinates the development, editing and production of the required marketing materials. 

5. Research, analyze and publish economic and demographic data in monthly newsletters and on the website in graphs and charts and an annual indicators report on the East Bay to assist the public and private sectors in evaluating, planning and implementation strategies.

6. Develop and maintain comprehensive and effective webpages or websites on the East Bay, task groups or marketing regions, as needed.

7. Provide staff support and assistance in processing for the Industrial Development Bond financing program to encourage manufacturing investment in the East Bay.

8. Research and prepare complex economic development proposals, conduct real estate property searches and coordinate or conduct site tours.

9. Provide technical assistance and information to cities to assist in the development and implementation of business retention, development and attraction programs.

10. Facilitate the exchange and discussion of research, basic science, and market intelligence between business, government universities and the national labs.

11. Develop, implement and coordinate meaningful East Bay EDA events that highlight member leadership, increase member participation and justify value in new and continued membership.

12. Manages contracts for research, graphic and website design and prepares studies that analyze occupational and industrial trends in the East Bay and/or promotes regional collaboration on specific issues.

13. Coordinate a regional employer services program to secure job commitments, obtain industry information and business climate information, and sponsor an employer-mentoring program.

14. Assist in expanding business participation in business efficiency programs.

15. Encourage, support and develop the local infrastructure necessary for research and technology commercialization.

16. Identifies new, potential and leading industries and develops recommendations for promoting their growth with the collaboration of industry, financing, educational institutions, business services and government.

17. Assist local government and business trade missions and related projects overseas and coordinate and support events and projects promoting trade and foreign investment.

18. Prepares an annual Strategic Plan with appropriate strategies, goals and objectives and participate in the development and implementation of short and long-term plans and initiatives.

19. Provide staff support to East Bay EDA’s Officers, Executives and Board of Directors including: scheduling meetings, preparing meeting materials, generating meeting notes/minutes, conducting research, and organizing follow-up tasks.

20. Provide information and support to the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator’s Office and manage preparation of items for review and approval..

21. Process, track and manage East Bay EDA’s website content and perform user analysis using Google analytic reports; and monitor data entry and maintenance of data in the Salesforce system.

22. Prepare, manage development of, and edit communication strategies including leadership responses for media opportunities, press kits and advisories, marketing collateral, and social media communications; and develop and maintain a list of reporters and media contacts.

23. Assist with administrative activities including the budget formation process and preparing budgets and quarterly adjustment reports; track incoming revenue, revenue and expenditure balances to date and analyze budget expenditures and income trends; make budget adjustments; prepare invoices, payments, purchase orders, requests for proposals, contracts and other budget related documents; and provide other reports as requested.

24. Coordinate task groups, committees and assist or take the lead in the development and implementation of short and long-term strategies/initiatives.

25. Prepare and make presentations on the region, and represent East Bay EDA, its initiatives and/or industries and economy on local, regional, and state committees and to members, business groups, local and state elected officials, economic development professionals, at the local, regional, state, national and international levels.

26. Establish working relationships with East Bay EDA members, local government officials, city economic development staff and state economic development program staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (a degree in related field of economics or city regional planning is preferred).

And

The equivalent of six months of full-time experience in the class of Economic Development Trainee in the Alameda County classified service.

Or

The equivalent of six months full-time experience in the class of Economic Development Trainee in the Alameda County with the total number of hours of work experience as an Economic Development Intern substituted as equivalent hours in the Trainee position.

Or II

The equivalent of two years full-time professional level experience in economic or community development, research or a closely related field.

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.