ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Economic Development Coordinator

Reports to: Director of Planning and Community Development

Position Type: Full Time

 Closing Date: November 29, 2024

DEFINITION

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 City sponsored economic vitality programs including contract administration and compliance monitoring; and to perform other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS                        

This single position class is responsible for assisting with the formulation, implementation and advancement of the City’s overall economic development plan, strategies and projects. The candidate will serve as project lead under the direction of the economic development director for a wide variety of economic development projects, 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.

TYPICAL TASKS

·       Assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of various economic development programs, including business outreach, recruitment, expansion and retention programs;

·       Assists with development and recommendation of 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 the city and 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;

·       Works with officials, businesses and community members to develop and promote economic vitality programs;

·       Performs various public relations activities including development of promotional materials, website/social media outreach, special events, marketing themes, and press releases/newsletters;

·       Provides staff support for economic development marketing programs such as recruitment trips, tradeshows and conferences, site selector/broker events, etc.;

·       Prepares reports and correspondence;

·       (with supervision) manage the City’s ‘Dollar Home’ program and other housing activities.

 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

  •  Thorough knowledge of economic/business development strategies, programs, issues and resources;
  • Working knowledge of research methods, including data collection and analysis;
  • Working 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 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 report writing and basic statistical applications;
  • Working knowledge of basic principles of planning and zoning;
  • Some knowledge of the functions and relationships between private and public sector ;
  • Some knowledge of real estate acquisition, real estate finance, and property management;
  • Some knowledge of community development or related grant programs;
  • Some knowledge of occupational fields and occupational requirements including labor market opportunities and trends; and

 

ABILITY TO:

  • Develop proposals, economic development goals, policies and actions suitable for inclusion in the City Comprehensive Plan.
  • With assistance, 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;
  • With assistance, Analyze and prepare funding proposals, RFI responses, contracts, financial reports and other highly technical economic data;
  • 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; City departments; in-house and contracted architects and engineers; and contractors;
  • Conduct a successful business retention program.
  • With assistance; 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 City’s economic vitality;
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
  • Be part of oral presentations before a wide variety of groups;
  • Assist with public meetings and workshops;
  • Input, access and analyze data using a computer;

 

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:  

Four year degree from an accredited college or university; or 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.  Experience with website design and graphics software (including Adobe and/or Canva), and social media outreach.  EDFP, CeCD, or similar certification preferred; partial completion of certification requirements will be considered. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid 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.

The City of Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.