Economic Development Specialist Community Services

Marion County is looking for a collaborative team member to add to our economic development team of three. We are seeking a smart, responsible, innovative team member to help us manage stakeholder relationships, invest economic development dollars, efficiently and effectively use tools, provide oversight of budget expenses, prepare reports, and have the ability to manage economic development projects. If you genuinely like people, enjoy taking on challenges, feel comfortable making suggestions, and thinking creatively about solutions, please consider joining us. Why Economic Development?Economic development work is a primary building block of healthy communities. Marion County brings together resources from public and private parties to coordinate land, infrastructure, education, workforce and technology needs to diverse local economies and efforts that help communities be resilient. If you are a person who has diverse interests and the drive to contribute to the economic stability of a community, region, or county, then economic development is a good career that can take you anywhere. Why Marion County? With the support of the Marion County Board of Commissioners, our economic development team does meaningful work supporting local, rural, and urban communities on projects that have long-lasting impacts on communities, businesses, and families. Best of all, on this economic development team, you will have plenty of opportunities to contribute, learn, and make a positive impact on our county. Economic Development Projects Facilitate, coordinate, and implement assigned department economic development (ED) projects. Work with the Economic Development Program Manager and other ED team members to develop and implement assigned projects and programs. Dedicate time to research and analyze ED concepts, best practices, and strategies that align with the countys ED strategic plan; collaborate with partners in identifying existing strengths, gaps, needs, and opportunities to address issues. Provide leadership and coordination for launching, implementing, and sustaining of the ED program, assigned projects, and related activities. Assists with the ED program budget development as relating to assigned projects and work with the manager on needed adjustments. Build and maintain relationships and program communication with partners, including preparing professional-level public information materials, media releases, articles, notices, county forms, and other related documents. Prepare and deliver presentations and communication materials to the Board of Commissioners, as well as other internal and external groups of various size. Grants Management Seek, write, and manage external ED grant opportunities to leverage funds that support the advancement of the departments ED strategic plan in consultation with subject matter experts; comply with department and county policies and procedures; and work with appropriate internal and external parties to ensure financial compliance procedures are in place, compliance with grant performance is achieved, and reporting requirements are met. Develop and manage internal ED grant programs; oversee administrative process; prepare reports and correspondence related to projects; negotiate and monitor contracts; report to ED Manager on status of the projects; and present and coordinate presentations to ED stakeholders and the Board of Commissioners. Utilize various software to apply tracking systems; develop contract timelines, monitor timeline to ensure compliance by all parties: review required paperwork to ensure inclusion of current information and required documentation; prepare paperwork in appropriate format for review. Contracts Management Generate scopes of work for assigned ED contracts and requests for proposals/information (RFP/RFI), research and resolve problems; assure compliance with county policies; collaborate with department Contract Specialist in the development of contracts, RFPs, and RFIs; maintain contract performance tracking systems. Monitor outcomes and reports of the department programs; conducts on-site provider technical visits, as needed. troubleshoot potential problems; communicate with contractors and Director regarding deficiencies and improvements needed; maintain effective working relationships with staff from a variety of agencies, and the public. Experience and Training 1. Bachelors degree in public or business administration, political science, communication, planning, liberal arts, economics, or related field; AND 2. At least four (4) years responsible experience which includes independent research, project / program design and methodology, management analysis, community engagement, and facilitating group process; OR 3. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience relevant to the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr