Economic Development Officer

at  County of Simcoe

Requisition Title
Economic Development Officer
Close Date
28 June 2024
Contract Type
Permanent - Full Time
Location
Midhurst, ON L9X 1N6 CA (Primary)
Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Manager of Economic Development, this position is responsible for facilitating, promoting and ensuring community and economic development in order to secure opportunities and facilitate processes for economic and business development and sustainability, and to increase business growth.

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION

• Requires a university degree in Planning, Business Administration, Urban Development, Political Science, Economics, or a related discipline.
• An Economic Development certification through a 2 year post graduate course and attainment of Economic Development designation is an asset.
• Proven ability to foster a cooperative work environment with multiple, cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, time management, presentation, multi-tasking, and communications skills (both written and oral).
• Computer proficiency in MS Office software applications.
• Class G Driver’s License in good standing and reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.
• Graphic design, Word processing, spreadsheet and database computer skills required as well as map reading software is an asset.

EXPERIENCE

• Requires at least three (3) years’ experience in a related environment.
• Previous experience in a municipal environment will be considered an asset.
• Requires knowledge of community economic development theories and practices as well as knowledge of local and regional economic development potential and opportunities.
• Requires an understanding of municipal planning processes, working knowledge of the Ontario Municipal Act, Planning Act and Regulations.
• Requires an understanding of municipal affairs, business principles and market analysis and a good knowledge of marketing and business promotion. Knowledge of real estate as well as geographic and socio-economic characteristics of Simcoe County is a benefit.
• Must have an excellent understanding of municipal government process as well as the ability to interpret policies, regulations and legislation.
• Demonstrated “Customer First” service treatment of customers, partners and colleagues.
• Demonstrated flexible and positive approach and initiative in completing assignments.

1. This position is responsible for building and developing relationships with various public and private sector representatives throughout the County of Simcoe and the province of Ontario. They will also be expected to represent the County of Simcoe Economic Development Office on various regional committees, and to write reports and make recommendations to the Manager of Economic Development or Director, Economic Development and Airport Services on policies, programs to assist in the development of the Economy of Simcoe County, or status updates on various projects or committees.
2. Work with regional stakeholders to assist in the implementation of the County of Simcoe Economic Development Strategic Plan.
3. Assist with the updating of Economic Development content on the County of Simcoe Web Site and social media and provide administrative support such as organizing meetings and minute taking.
4. Assist the Manager of Economic Development and/or the Senior Economic Development Officer with the development of advertising, promotional and marketing materials, to be utilized in print advertising, at trade shows, and requests for information on the Simcoe County area.
5. Assist in the organization, implementation and representation of the County of Simcoe at special events, trade shows, and training seminars within Simcoe County, Ontario or internationally as required.
6. Respond to requests for information on the County of Simcoe from various stakeholders which could be potential investors, real estate agents, municipal partners, provincial agencies or general public that could come into the office in the form of email requests, telephone inquiries or in person.
7. Compile and update relevant economic data as required from various sources such as Statistics Canada, Province of Ontario, municipal partners, etc. Work with the GIS Planning technician to ensure local data is collected and recorded on our GIS system.
8. Provide project management expertise for projects in the Economic Development Office including developing project charters, project objectives / parameters, detailed schedule of deliverables, project plans / timelines, determining project resource requirements, process mapping, and project execution and management. Project management activities will include ensuring timely and quality deliverables; preparing regular project status reports; conducting project status meetings with project teams; proposing solutions for and resolving project issues; and developing, monitoring, analyzing and reporting on key performance indicators.
9. Provide input into the development of budgets and selection of projects for the Economic Development Office and ensure expenditures are within assigned authority and limitations.
10. Analyze and identify trends in the economy and propose responses for consideration by the Economic Development Office to address the potential opportunity or challenge.
11. Conduct the preparation of proposals, business cases, research / analysis / position papers, briefing documents, project status updates, presentations, correspondence, and Committee and Council reports for internal and external purposes.
12. Represent the Economic Development Office at various events and public meetings, occasionally outside ordinary work hours, as required.
13. Seek out, research, and oversee funding and grant opportunities to assist in financing Economic Development projects.
14. In consultation with the Economic Development Manager and/or Senior Economic Development Officer, assists with hiring and monitoring of project specific contracts.
15. Use CRM System to track contacts and enquiries
16. Responsible for ongoing outreach with business community.
17. Responsible for staying current on business trends and look for innovative ways to support and create business in an ever-changing economy.
18. Assist with leading and coordinating community consultations and focus groups.
19. Comply with provincial and County occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
20. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.