ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR (#SH7 )

$55.99-$74.84 hourly / $9,705.00-$12,972.00 monthly / $116,459.20-$155,667.20 yearly

Under general direction, to plan, organize, coordinate and implement economic development strategies, projects and related activities in cooperation with public agencies, educational institutions, businesses and community groups; to develop, prepare and review grant funding applications and proposals; to analyze and evaluate County sponsored economic vitality programs including contract administration and compliance monitoring; and to perform other work as required.

This single position class is responsible for the formulation, implementation and advancement of the County's overall economic development plan, strategies and projects. The incumbent serves as project manager for a wide variety of economic development activities, projects and programs, including: preliminary feasibility analysis, planning, financing and design phases of projects and programs prior to implementation or construction; development and implementation of business retention, expansion and recruitment strategies; and during construction or implementation phases, in order to provide administrative, fiscal and policy oversight and coordination of activities. Projects include commercial development of all types, mixed use developments, capital projects and infrastructure. The incumbent may provide direction or supervision to other staff and contract service providers as assigned.

Prepares needs assessments and recommends priorities for economic development plans, projects and programs; researches, analyzes, interprets, and prepares studies and reports on a variety of economic and demographic data, including labor market trends and other regional economic planning issues; assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of various economic development programs, including business outreach, recruitment, expansion and retention programs; develops and recommends short and long term economic plans and strategies to provide and maintain a strong and balanced business and tourism environment, including the creation and retention of employment opportunities in both urban and rural areas of the County; provides staff assistance to commissions, committees and other agencies and organizations; acts as liaison to cities, public agencies, businesses and community groups regarding issues of economic concern; collects and analyzes a variety of economic and demographic data and prepares reports and presents findings and recommendations; designs and develops measurement techniques to assess economic conditions, resources and employment opportunities; works with officials, businesses and community members to develop and promote economic vitality programs; performs various public relations activities including development of promotional materials, themes and press releases; researches and identifies funding sources and prepares applications and proposals; reviews and evaluates requests for proposals; negotiates and prepares contracts and contract modifications; monitors County sponsored economic vitality programs for performance and contract compliance; prepares reports and correspondence; directs or supervises assigned staff or contract service providers.

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of research methods, including data collection and analysis;
• Thorough knowledge of economic/business development strategies, programs, issues and resources;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of local economic development and revitalization;
• Working knowledge of the methods and principles of determining the economic feasibility of local community and business development projects;
• Working knowledge of housing and commercial development, financing and construction; 
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of grant and contract administration, including monitoring and supervising contract service providers.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of budgeting and finance;
• Working knowledge of public improvement project financing and construction;
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of community development;
• Working knowledge of the functions and relationships between private and public sector ; 
• Working knowledge of report writing and basic statistical applications;
• Working knowledge of real estate acquisition, real estate finance, and property management;
• Some knowledge of community development or related grant programs;
• Some knowledge of sustainable or green building methods, practices or programs;
• Some knowledge of occupational fields and occupational requirements including labor market opportunities and trends; and
• Some knowledge of the principles of supervision and training.

 Ability to:

• Develop proposals, economic development goals, policies and actions suitable for inclusion in the County General Plan.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, implement and promote economic development strategies, programs, major projects and related activities;
• Collect and analyze a variety of market, job and demographic data;
• Analyze and prepare funding proposals, contracts, financial reports and other highly technical economic data;
• Administer grant and contract activities to assure compliance;
•  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of individuals and groups, including: elected officials; the business community; environmental, neighborhood and other community groups; academic representatives; lenders and financial institutions; consultants; county departments; in-house and contracted architects and engineers; and contractors;
• Analyze complex administrative problems and arrive at solutions;
• Prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence;
• Develop and prepare outreach, promotional and informational materials;
• Gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of private and public groups coming together to assist and promote the County's economic vitality;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Make oral presentations before a wide variety of groups;
• Facilitate public meetings and workshops;
• Input, access and analyze data using a computer;
• Supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates or contract service providers.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Equivalent to graduation from a four year college in business or public administration, finance, economics, community development or a related field AND three years professional experience in economic/business development program administration, community development or a related area.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License or the ability to provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority. Incumbent must be physically and mentally capable of performing the classification’s essential functions as summarized in the typical tasks section of this specification.

Bargaining Unit: 11
EEOC Job Category: 02
Occupational Grouping: 85
Workers’ Comp. Code: 0053

Date Revised: 6/1/11