The City of South Portland is currently seeking a 37.5 hour a week full-time Economic Development Specialist to join our Economic Development Team. This is an opportunity to join a well-run city and play a part in serving our community with further opportunities for professional growth. We are seeking a steady individual with solid communication skills to collaborate with our Economic Development Director and to act as a resource for South Portland’s businesses and residents.

Position Summary: The Economic Development Specialist performs a wide variety of professional-level work and activities to promote South Portland’s value as a business location, generate qualified prospects to help them locate their business(es) in the community, and engages with local businesses as the day to day lead of our business retention and expansion program. The Specialist coordinates the Economic Development Team’s outreach to the business community through its various communication channels including email, social media portals, newsletter, and website. The Specialist is often the initial point of contact within the office and provides excellent customer service to businesses, developers, real estate brokers, and residents. The Specialist assists the Economic Development Director with a variety of complex work.

Work is performed under the direction of the Economic Development Director. This position has no full-time direct reports, however, this position may from time to time have day-to-day oversight of part-time seasonal or special project intern or temporary help.

Education: Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in economic and community development or in a closely related field, including, but not limited to: business administration or management, community planning, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, project management, historic preservation, or real estate development. Full-time previous employment in a municipal economic development or related field may be substituted for required education on a year-by-year equivalence.

Experience: Minimum three years of professional experience in economic and/or community development or other relevant field/work experience is required. Candidates possessing a graduate degree in community planning and development or related field and have less than three years work experience in field may be considered.

This is a salaried position with a 37.5 hour standard schedule over a four day week, with the option of remote or in-office flex time on Fridays. The person in this position is infrequently required to attend evening, weekend and Friday meetings on an as-needed basis.

Must possess and maintain a valid Class C license throughout employment, a clean criminal record, and have the physical ability to travel routinely and to make site visits, which require walking through underdeveloped or undeveloped areas. This position may be exposed to construction activities, which could include loud noises, dust, and dirt as well as all hazards associated with construction activities.

Benefits: The City of South Portland offers competitive pay and a robust selection of employee benefits, including an excellent health plan with affordable family coverage, matched retirement options, dental, vision, life, income protection, long term disability, flexible spending accounts and more. The City also offers health insurance “payment-in-lieu” and professional development opportunities. We offer thirteen (13) paid holidays, fifteen (15) sick days annually, two (2) personal days, and vacation commensurate with relevant experience.The City of South Portland is proud of its talented and dedicated workforce and provides employees job stability; a positive, family friendly workplace where work/life needs are valued and supported; and the support, encouragement and tools for successful careers. The City of South Portland values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and embraces sustainable operations. Come join our team dedicated to service excellence!

Salary Range beginning July 1, 2024: $31.45 – $38.27/hour ($61,339 - $74,635) depending on experience.

This position is eligible for annual step increases, and possible annual cost of living increases as approved by the City Council.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. First round interviews will be determined for all who apply on or before Friday, June 28, 2024.

Job description and fillable application are available on our website at www.southportland.gov.

To apply please send a cover letter, resume, application and three professional references to apply@southportland.org, or mail them to us at:

City of South Portland

Genny Dyer, Human Resources Generalist

25 Cottage Road

South Portland, Maine 04106

EOE

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $31.45 - $38.27 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Experience:

• Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Preferred)
• Research: 1 year (Preferred)
• Microsoft Word: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• South Portland, ME (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• South Portland, ME: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person