The City of Roanoke is seeking an Economic Development Specialist to perform professional work in the handling of key activities and programs within the Department of Economic Development. Responsibilities include: business retention and expansion activities within the general commercial, office and manufacturing sectors; providing staff assistance and support to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) including the coordination of EDA's monthly meetings, the administration of the State and Local Enterprise Zone Programs, serving as departmental liaison to the commercial real estate community and stakeholders in this sector, and the management of City-owned property leases and license agreements, encroachments and easements.

Educational requirements are a Bachelor's degree from a four year college or university with major course work in economics, business, real estate, urban planning or related field supplemented by a Master's degree in an appropriate field; or two or more years of related experience and/or training in economic development or real estate work, including experience in the preparation of state and federal grants for economic development purposes; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

This is an exempt position.

Performs professional work in the handling of a major activity or program in the Office of Economic Development. Responsible for lease administration, rent calculations, collection of aged delinquencies, working closely with the commercial real estate community, coordination of real estate related workshops/programs as needed, attendance to seminars/professional training events, coordination of property management activities and the facilitation/negotiation of the leasing and sale of city owned properties. Additional duties include working closely with the Economic Development Authority “EDA” which encompasses the creation of the monthly EDA agenda, review and administration of façade grant applications with applicants, tracking grant applications, working closely with EDA bookkeeper on financial transactions, organization of EDA annual tour and audit, communication with EDA legal counsel and board members as required or needed.

Typical Qualifications

SUMMARY

Performs professional work in the handling of a major activities or programs in the Department of Economic Development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Interprets and coordinates application of federal and state laws and regulations.

Provides information for city, state and federal officials and the public on planning and related matters.

Develops and coordinates programs to encourage and assist businesses and industries to locate or expand in the City.

Provides marketing, available land, economic, demographic and job market information to all interested businesses.

Maintains awareness of national and regional economic trends and innovative practices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Requirements

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints from members of the business community, state and federal grant agencies, city officials and employees orally and in writing. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to city council, management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to identify key stakeholders and think strategically.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.

City of Roanoke, Virginia

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Economic Development Specialist