Economic Development Specialist

Economic Development Specialist works on strategic plans and initiatives to foster economic growth and development in specific areas or communities…

Job Summary

Responsibilities

The Economic Development Specialist is responsible for assisting North Idaho communities and people to improve livability and prosperity. This position works as part of the PAC team, developing, managing, and administering community and regional projects. The work of this position makes a visible difference across our region.

This position offers the opportunity to develop and implement skills in community and agency outreach, planning coordination, research and analysis, project development, project budgeting and finance, grant writing, grant administration, and project management in a dynamic team environment working with a variety of agencies and resources across the region.

Essential Job Functions

1. Relationship Building: Develop and sustain relationships with funding agencies, local government officials and staff, private sector businesses, and community groups or alliances to identify project needs or opportunities, develop solution options, organize, and manage planning groups, and identify and solicit the help of experts needed for project development and implementation.

2. Project Development: Collaborate closely with clients, community partners, and key stakeholders to transform project ideas into actionable plans. Facilitate brainstorming and planning sessions to clearly define the project's vision, goals, and desired outcomes. Identify and evaluate potential funding sources—such as federal, state, local, or private grants and financing programs—that align with the project’s objectives. Guide stakeholders through the development process by establishing timelines, defining roles, and coordinating necessary activities such as feasibility assessments, stakeholder engagement, environmental reviews, and pre-application meetings. Ensure that all elements of the project are strategically aligned to enhance competitiveness for funding and support successful implementation.

3. Grant Writing: Organize and develop projects for funding applications, including technical assistance to local governments and non-profits throughout the project development and funding process. This includes identifying financing options, explaining funding program requirements, and coordinating with funding agencies to assess eligibility and availability. Work with stakeholders to define project scope, analyze beneficiary data, and evaluate community impacts. Support procurement by guiding communities through RFP and bidding processes. Additionally, assess and support bond financing efforts in collaboration with Bond Counsel and engineers, including public education and presentations. Ensure project elements are completed and in place. Write and submit grant applications in accordance with agency deadlines.

This position is responsible for writing the Planning Partnership Grant with EDA every three years, which helps fund this position.

4. Conduct Income Surveys: Develop and coordinate survey methodology, including questionnaire design, sampling, and randomization, in consultation with funding agencies. Conduct surveys, analyze data, and prepare reports. Present and explain results to local government and funding officials.

5. Grant Administration: Ensure compliance with funding source requirements by successfully completing all related grant activities. Identify and resolve issues by using existing forms and tools for effective data management and project tracking. Communicate with grantors to clarify reporting requirements and submit accurate program reports. Monitor project budgets, review payment requests and fiscal reports, and prepare detailed program documentation. Provide technical assistance by interpreting and explaining relevant regulations, rules, and policies.

6. Strategic Planning: In accordance with Section 302 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and the regulations of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), lead and coordinate the development of a five-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This includes managing a collaborative, regionally driven planning process that engages public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders to identify regional priorities for economic growth. Ensure the CEDS aligns with EDA guidelines and addresses key elements such as economic resilience, workforce development, and infrastructure needs. In years two through five, this position oversees the preparation and submission of annual updates to reflect progress on implementation, shifts in regional conditions, and emerging opportunities or challenges.

Strategic Planning for Economic GrowthCEDS Planning

Order of Activities for CEDS Development and Implementation:

• Establish Broad-Based Participation. Identify and engage key regional stakeholders including government agencies, private sector representatives, education providers, non-profit organizations, community and labor groups, workforce boards, and utility and infrastructure partners.

• Convene Regular Stakeholder Meetings:
• During CEDS Development (Year 1):
• Survey stakeholders prior to the first strategic planning session to receive deliverables.
• Facilitate monthly meetings with stakeholders to gather input, identify regional needs, and set priorities.

• Develop the Five-Year CEDS Document:
• Coordinate stakeholder input for drafting of the strategy. Ensure the document is comprehensive and data-informed, reflects regional economic priorities, is readily accessible to stakeholders, and serves as a guide to understanding and improving the regional economy.

• Ongoing Engagement (Years 2–4):
• Lead bi-monthly or quarterly meetings with the Regional Economic Development (RED) Team to monitor progress on CEDS Action Items, share regional project updates, address challenges and highlight successes.
• Conduct semi-annual meetings with the CEDS Team to support the required annual updates on the Strategic Direction and Action Plan of the CEDS.

• Public Review and Comment Period:
• Once the five-year CEDS is complete, advertise it for a 30-day public review and comment period.
• Gather and incorporate public feedback as appropriate.

• Submit for EDA Review:
• After the comment period, submit the final CEDS to your Economic Development Representative (EDR) at the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for formal review and approval.

EDA PLANNING

1. Fulfill the Scope of Work as outlined in the EDA Planning Grant (reference EDGE).

2. Prepare and submit all progress reports by October 23 on an annual basis. Include the 5-year CEDS or CEDS Update report with the progress report.

Grant AdministrationOversee the grant administrators/grant department, meeting at a minimum once a month to obtain knowledge on projects status. Answer questions. Troubleshoot problems. Obtain and maintain certification from the Idaho Department of Commerce to administer Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects. Assign projects and supervise staff responsible for grant administration, ensuring full compliance with applicable state and federal regulations. Serve as a backup to the primary grant administrator and provide guidance on all aspects of grant administration—including setting priorities, maintaining administrative procedures, and ensuring accurate historical recordkeeping. Additionally, review and approve staff monthly timesheets to ensure proper time tracking and grant alignment.

Serve as backup to the grant administrator by assuming full responsibility for project administration tasks as needed, including the day-to-day management of grant activities. This encompasses coordinating with funding agencies, preparing and submitting required reports, monitoring project timelines and budgets, and ensuring compliance with all grant conditions. Maintain accurate documentation and facilitate communication with subrecipients, contractors, and stakeholders to support effective implementation. Address issues as they arise to ensure continuity and successful grant performance in the administrator’s absence.

Ensure overall grant compliance by reviewing budgets, payment requests, and fiscal reports, and preparing timely and accurate program documentation. Analyze problems and develop tools or forms to enhance data management and project monitoring. Coordinate with grantors to clarify reporting requirements and provide technical assistance by interpreting applicable regulations, rules, and policies for staff and stakeholders.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Economic Development: 10 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $70,000