Economic Development Specialist

JOB TITLE: Economic Development Specialist
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Economic Development
REPORTS TO: Director of Economic Development
SUMMARY: The Economic Development Specialist provides critical support to the Director of Economic Development and department staff through a combination of administrative, technical and research functions. This position plays a key role in maintaining efficient operations, managing data systems and ensuring accurate, high-quality information to guide strategic initiatives and business attraction, retention and redevelopment efforts. The Specialist will assist with departmental purchasing, invoicing, vendor procurement while also serving as the primary administrator of the department’s new customer relationship management (CRM) system and economic development database. This position will oversee the ongoing maintenance, data integrity and reporting functions of the CRM, ensuring the system supports department efforts

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist the Director of Economic Development and department Managers with day-to-day operations and project coordination;
• Serve as the primary administrator for the department’s CRM system ensuring data accuracy, organization and usability;
• Generate reports and data summaries from CRM and other platforms to support strategic planning, business outreach and marketing initiatives;
• Conduct research and data analysis using tools such as CoStar, ImpactData and other regional or national data sources to identify trends, support business recruitment and track market conditions;
• Gather, verify and maintain demographics and site selection data for use in reports, presentations and department website;
• Regularly update the economic development website with community data and other relevant information for site selectors and business prospects;
• Manage departmental administrative functions, including purchasing, invoicing, vendor procurement and records management;
• Coordinate meeting logistics including scheduling, preparing conference rooms and ensuring materials and technology are ready for use;
• Support departmental participation in conferences and events through logistics coordination and material preparation;
• Provide exceptional customer service to internal departments, external partners and the business community through timely and professional communication;
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the goals and priorities of the economic development department;
• Collect data and information to respond to Requests For Information (RFI) and Requests for Proposals (RFP) from local and state organizations;
• Provides administrative support as needed;
• Represents the department at various internal and external events;
• Any other duties that may be assigned by the Director.

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES:

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of website content management systems and basic understanding of digital publishing or data uploads;
• Skilled in research and analysis with the ability to collect, interpret and present complex data clearly and accurately;
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and familiar with data tools and platforms;
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines with attention to detail;
• Skilled in written and verbal communication with the ability to engage professionally and effectively with internal staff, business representatives and community stakeholders;
• Skilled in professional judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information;
• Skilled in providing high-quality service to business community, partners and internal stakeholders;
• Ability to maintain and manage database systems, ensuring data integrity and consistency over time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• At least 2-4 years of work experience in economic development, data analysis, research or related administrative work.

PRERERENCES:

• Economic Development Experience and/or Certification or Master’s Degree.
• Experience with CRM systems, data management or GIS tools.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequent sitting, talking, seeing, hearing, and manual dexterity.
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds.
• Work is typically performed in a standard office environment.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must pass pre-employment drug test.
• Must pass criminal history check.
• Must pass motor vehicle records check.