The Economic Development Coordinator is responsible for fostering a positive, supportive environment for businesses in the community to be successful. This position functions as an interdepartmental coordinator of business development projects and is responsible for ensuring that coordinated efforts between departments yields a smooth development process. Additionally, this position is responsible for coordinating the economic development efforts of the City of Shawnee, Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, and the Shawnee Economic Development Council. Interaction is direct with property and business owners, potential developers, residents, other departments of the City, and other governmental agencies, and could have a significant impact on the public or employee perception of the City. The hiring range for this exempt, full-time position is $75,000-$90,000 annually (DOQ).
Position Responsibilities
Business Liaison
- Business Development Liaison. Provides guidance and assistance to businesses and developers in navigating the City's development process. Acts as a central point of contact for incentive applications. Provides information on what other public agencies are involved in the development process and is the point of contact for those agencies.
- Chamber of Commerce Coordination. Works closely with representatives from the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce and the Shawnee Economic Development Council (SEDC) to support their ongoing business recruitment and retention functions, monitor national and regional business trends, and identify community type "gaps" and develop ideas on how to fill them.
- Business Development Strategy & Collaboration. Fosters relationships within the development and business community who are key decision makers and influencers of development regulations, economic development projects, industry trends and operations, and programming. Participates in support of regulations, policies, ideas, and projects which will enhance the City’s strategic vision and business climate.
- Business Support. Identifies new businesses and welcomes them on behalf of the City. Initiates and maintains relationships with businesses in the community and provides guidance and assistance as possible to support and grow their business. Provides support with "start up" issues that relate to the City or other public agencies. Provides information regarding City requirements and programs. Works with other departments on business support programs e.g. Police Department, Fire Inspections to ensure the City has a friendly and streamlined approach.
Economic Development Incentive Coordination
- Economic Development Incentives. Serves as a resource to potential businesses on various incentive options available. Generates ideas for new and enhanced incentives. Researches and drafts policies pertaining to incentives. Assists with the coordination of internal incentive review and developer communications.
- Incentive Tracking. Tracks and maintains records for all economic development incentive projects including SEED Grants, Downtown Grants, the KNRA Program, IRB, and TIF projects.
- Site and Area Development. Proactively explores viability of economic development project sites and areas, determining potential infrastructure and business needs. Assists with the development of studies, site profiles, and plans.
Internal Development Support
- Internal Development Project Coordination. Works to maximize ease of use and functionality of the business processes both internally and externally. Acts as liaison between various departments and staff in dealing with developers and businesses to aid in streamlining the process and ensuring compliance. Provides information regarding potential and new businesses to employees through internal methods in order to ensure widespread knowledge and awareness.
- Community Planning and Processes. Facilitates cross-departmental analysis of infrastructure development to ensure decisions are made with business community needs in mind. Promotes interdepartmental coordination and joint planning. Assists with the development of studies and plans.
- Project and Policy Management. Manages projects related to business development. Gathers and analyzes data on proposals for new programs, grants, services and equipment, and other issues, policies, or proposals. Prepares comparative analysis when appropriate. Prepares reports, research, analysis, responses, proposals and presentations.
- Professional Representations. Represents the City at local, regional and national meetings. Supports the City Manager’s Office at Council meetings, Planning Commission, Chamber, City and other business events which are often held on evenings and weekends. Coordinates with the City's Communication Team on business development information.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, Planning or related field from accredited college or university is required.
- Minimum five (5) years of local government experience or experience with an organization that worked with local government on business development initiatives is required.
- Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the responsibilities identified in this job posting may also be considered.
