The Economic Development Officer supports business growth, retention, and attraction in the City of Oberlin by coordinating efforts among local and regional partners, assisting businesses with available programs and services, and improving access to development information. The Economic Development Officer will provide support in identifying grant and other funding sources for projects and assist in grant writing. This position serves as a key connector between the City, businesses, educational institutions, and economic development organizations to advance job creation and strengthen the local economy. This position works with and advises City staff on ways to improve Oberlin's business climate and utility customer base.
The Economic Development Officer shall function with a high degree of independence. They shall utilize sound professional judgment, demonstrate planning and organizational skills to establish and manage priorities and programs for their functional area. The Economic Development Officer shall be committed to the mission, vision and values of the City and demonstrate ethical conduct, community stewardship, individual initiative and responsive service. The Economic Development Officer shall demonstrate effective performance through clear, concise communication; collaboration; proper allocation and utilization of resources; sound decision-making; personal accountability; and responsibility.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for established businesses and businesses seeking to start, expand, or locate in Oberlin
- Coordinate with local, regional, and state economic development organizations
- Assist existing businesses with job creation programs, workforce initiatives, and available resources
- Maintain regular communication with the business community to understand needs and opportunities
- Guide new and expanding businesses through City processes, including permitting and regulatory requirements
- Coordinate with City departments to streamline development and problem-solving
- Provide clear, customer-focused support to reduce barriers to investment
- Develop and maintain a database of available commercial, office, and industrial properties
- Track development activity, business trends, and key economic indicators
- Prepare reports and updates for the City Manager and City Council
- Work closely with the City staff and external consultants on economic development plans and strategies
- Support implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and other adopted plans
- Identify opportunities for redevelopment, business growth, and partnerships
- Serve as a liaison to business groups, chambers of commerce, and regional development partners
- Represent the City at meetings, events, and collaborative initiatives
- Help develop and promote Oberlin as a business-friendly community
Must possess Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Public Administration, Planning, Business, Economics, or related field with a minimum of five (5) years of diverse and progressively responsible experience in community and/or economic development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the skills and abilities necessary to perform the job. Must have working knowledge and familiarity with small business support programs, workforce development programs, and real estate. Must demonstrate experience in partnership building, grant writing, and business development. Must have strong research and analytical skills. Valid State of Ohio driver’s license required.
- Knowledge of economics, planning, recruitment, real estate, municipal operations, finance and services, including public sector procurement procedures as they relate to development
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal grant procurement and administration processes
- Knowledge of contemporary principles and practices for economic development administration, including leadership ability and strategic planning experience
- Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards governing the delivery of relevant planning, development and building services.
- Knowledge of budget planning, development, and monitoring practices
- Strong administrative skills to plan, analyze, develop, direct, and evaluate programs, administrative policies and organizational structures
- Leadership skills necessary to accomplish organizational change in a highly traditional work environment
- Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly in reports and public presentations, to facilitate meetings, and to organize people
- Ability to strategically coordinate development activities, and to manage multiple projects concurrently
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the business and industrial community, developers, elected officials, educational institutions, local, regional and state economic development officials, advisory boards, City employees, professional peers and the public
- Ability to perform duties and responsibilities in a manner which reflects professional judgment, appearance, and in conformance with high ethical standards and integrity
- Ability to anticipate problems and to investigate, analyze and effectively resolve problems and conflicts
- Ability to multi-task and perform with evolving priorities
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues with discretion and sound judgment
