The City of Spokane Valley is seeking an innovative, c reative, and well-rounded Economic Development professional. The ideal candidate thinks out of the box and offers demonstrated leadership capabilities and a proven track record of successful interaction with employees, managers, and the public. The position requires an individual with excellent oral and written communication skills who is accessible, adaptable, and an active listener. The City is seeking candidates who will take a proactive approach to addressing challenges and offer creative solutions to problem solving.
They will research, analyze and promote economic and market trends. The successful candidate is resourceful and solution oriented, while keeping a customer service mindset. They will have the ability to manage multiple projects, develop improvements in policies and procedures and recommend goals, objectives, and practices. The Economic Development Specialist is expected to bring knowledge of grant writing, along with knowledge of principals, procedures and strategies of economic development in a government environment.
The Economic Development Specialist is responsible for executing initiatives, projects, and other activities to facilitate local business attraction, expansion, and retention, including incentive awareness. Conducts business evaluations/surveys and provides general economic development assistance. This position is also responsible for assisting with planning, organizing, coordinating, and evaluating of major economic development activities within the City. This includes assisting with the development of strategies that maintain and enhance the long-term economic vitality of the City.
Specific examples of the type of work required are;
•Provides one-on-one engagement with businesses to identify barriers and provide solutions for expansion or retention
•Designs, implements, and monitors the success of economic development programs.
•Assisting with planning, organizing and coordinating major economic development activities,
•Recommends strategies that would encourage development and redevelopment of targeted geographic areas.
This position researches, prepares, submits and reports on grant applications for potential private and public funding sources for development projects.
The Economic Development Specialist requires graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in economics, business administration, urban planning, public administration, public relations or closely related field, and six (6) years of professional level work experience in economic development or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. A Master’s degree in business or public administration is preferred.
A valid Washington State driver's license is required. Qualified candidates will have considerable knowledge of Washington State statutes relating to municipal affairs; considerable knowledge of grant writing, city processes, procedures, codes and regulations. The ability to communicate effectively and establish effective working relationships is vital. This position also requires skills in financial feasibility, pro forma analysis, current economic trends, and forecasting.
