Town of Essex Economic Development Officer The Town of Essex is currently seeking a qualified Economic Development Officer on a full-time basis (35 hrs per week) for a two (2) year period with a possible extension in term. The Town of Essex is located in southwestern Ontario, approximately 28 kilometres southeast of the City of Windsor. It is one of seven lower tier municipalities in the County of Essex with borders extending from the hub of the county to Lake Erie. Essex includes two urban centres (Essex Centre and Harrow) and two hamlets (McGregor and Colchester). These unique communities are surrounded by a thriving wine and agriculture industry and boast a wide range of recreational facilities, an excellent school system, and affordable living options. The current population of the Town of Essex is 19,600. Position Summary Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Economic Development Officer is responsible for the development and implementation of the Town s economic development programs and initiatives for business retention, promotion, marketing and expansion. QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate will possess: Bachelor s degree from an accredited university majoring in economic development, planning, business administration, marketing, or a related field Minimum of 4 to 5 years progressive experience in economic development, commercial real estate, tourism, marketing or a closely related field, focusing on the attraction of retail and sales tax generating businesses Strong working knowledge of: o the principles and practices of negotiation of sensitive issues related to economic development including business retention and expansion and Community Improvement Plans o office procedures, methods, and computer equipment (word processing, spreadsheets, data base management, etc.) o principles and practices of site selection criteria o general construction principles o pertinent Federal, provincial and local laws, codes and regulations o commercial real estate sales and marketing procedures o principles and practices of economic development policy, administration and implementation o operations, services and activities of a comprehensive municipal economic development program Ability to: o analyze and assess economic development programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments
o use good judgment in respecting confidentiality o identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs of prospects o communicate and prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports, both orally and in writing The Town offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. A detailed job description is attached below. To explore this challenging opportunity further, we invite qualified candidates to forward their resume and covering letter no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2016 to: Mail: Email: Fax: Manager, Human Resources 33 Talbot Street South Essex, ON N8M 1A8 hr@essex.ca clearly indicating Manager, Human Resources in the subject line (519) 776-8811 We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for consideration will be acknowledged. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. The Town of Essex is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. Accommodation may be provided in all parts of the hiring process.
Position Description Position Title: Department: Division: Reports To: Economic Development Officer Economic Development Chief Administrative Office Chief Administrative Officer Summary: The Economic Development Officer is responsible for the development and implementation of the Town s economic development programs and initiatives for business retention, promotion, marketing and expansion. Position Roles and Responsibilities: 1. Core Result Area: Budgets and Finances Participate in the preparation and administration of the economic development program budget Develop budgetary plans and controls in order to facilitate economic development programs and activities Advise the Chief Administrative Officer on issues related to the improvement and enhancement of the commercial tax base Assist in the determination of Community Improvement Plan funding and approvals 2. Core Result Area: Planning and Operations Develop and implement the economic development program Negotiate incentive agreements and contracts with prospects Develop and assist in the implementation of Town goals/objectives and policies/ procedures related to economic activities and programs including business retention and expansion initiatives and Community Improvement Plans (April 2016) Page 1 of 5
Establish and develop and Economic Development Committee to assist with Economic Development decision-making Develop and manage a marketing and strategic plan for a long-range community economic development program; prepare periodic reports indicating related activities and progress towards goals and objectives Identify and recruit office, retailers, restaurants, and sales tax generating businesses for Town sites Recruit, coordinate, and maintain contacts with commercial real estate brokers and developers; and coordinate with landowners to encourage retail and commercial sales tax generating development Administer Economic Development planning, marketing and commercial property sales Develop marketing and information materials appropriate for development meetings, existing and prospective businesses and the general public Assemble, develop, distribute and analyze demographic and economic information for internal and external use including available commercial sites, office and retail space, business database and population Interact with area Chambers of Commerce, BIA s, Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation and similar groups to promote business Provide source for media information promoting a positive image of the Town Review and provide input on current community-economic development projects Review policies and procedures of various departments and recommend improvements which may increase economic development opportunities Develop and implement plans to identify and market the Town and establish superior brand recognition in the marketplace Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of economic development and commercial real estate (April 2016) Page 2 of 5
3. Core Result Area: People and Performance Recruit, coordinate, and maintain contacts with commercial real estate brokers and developers Identify and coordinate relations with prospective tenants Work with outside agencies and professional consultants as necessary Provide customer service and serve as a trouble shooter to citizens, brokers, landowners, prospects, retailers, developers, and organizations acting as an advocate for business 4. Core Results Area: Communication and Reporting Prepare and present analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities as needed Set-up files, maintain files, prepare correspondence, and other clerical duties as required Provide quarterly reports to Council on key activities within the Town s Economic Development portfolio Other duties as assigned. Working Conditions: 35 hours per week; 2 year contract position with possible extension Manual dexterity required to operate computer Interacts with employees, management, developers, contractors and government agencies Evening and weekend meetings may be required Some travel may be required Skills and Qualifications: Bachelor s degree from an accredited university majoring in economic development, planning, business administration, marketing, or a related field (April 2016) Page 3 of 5
Minimum of 4 to 5 years progressive experience in economic development, commercial real estate, tourism, marketing or a closely related field, focusing on the attraction of retail and sales tax generating businesses Strong working knowledge of: o the principles and practices of negotiation of sensitive issues related to economic development including business retention and expansion and Community Improvement Plans o office procedures, methods, and computer equipment (word processing, spreadsheets, data base management, etc.) o principles and practices of site selection criteria o general construction principles o pertinent Federal, provincial and local laws, codes and regulations o commercial real estate sales and marketing procedures o principles and practices of economic development policy, administration and implementation o operations, services and activities of a comprehensive municipal economic development program Ability to: o analyze and assess economic development programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments o use good judgment in respecting confidentiality o identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs of prospects o communicate and prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports, both orally and in writing Core Competencies Accountability Impact and Influence Adaptability Listening, Understanding and Responding Attention to Detail Negotiation Building Relationships/Networking Planning and Organizing (April 2016) Page 4 of 5
Core Competencies Communication Ethics/Integrity Teamwork (April 2016) Page 5 of 5