The City of Effingham is seeking candidates to serve as Economic Development Specialist. The Economic Development Specialist reports to the Economic Development Director. This position is full-time, with a minimum starting wage of $32.52 per hour. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a defined pension plan. A summary of the City’s benefits is located at Job Benefits. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Duties
- Develop good working relationships with key employers, both current and prospective;
- Provide advice and support to Effingham businesses;
- Actively engage local business leaders in social/networking settings, such as lunch meetings, dinners, and/or marketing events;
- Develop and implement an effective and proactive local business visitation/retention program;
- Visit and meet with existing local businesses to enhance relationships between the City and the local business community;
- Conduct outreach activities with perspective business/industry representatives;
- Assist in preparing the responses from development prospects and other interested parties;
- Foster collaborative relationships with local, regional, and state economic development organizations, business groups, educational institutions, utilities, and governmental agencies;
- Promote the sale of industrial lots and the orderly development of projects within the City, while staying in consistent contact with industrial prospects;
- Actively research industrial prospects in nearby communities for potential expansion/relocation opportunities;
- Attend trade shows and nurture business development for the community, and provide written report related activities upon return;
- Interact with the Economic Development Director and leadership team on a regular basis in a proactive effort to better serve the business community;
- Assist with or lead various short- and long-term projects related to economic development;
- Assist with the Enterprise Zone and ensure that the Enterprise Zone operates in accordance with state and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations, along with preparing and completing related reports;
- Assist in the maintenance and enhancement of the Economic Development web page and economic development related social media activity;
- Maintain and develop information related to available sites, buildings, infrastructure, demographics, workforce, incentives, and other economic development assets;
- Prepare marketing materials such as brochures, handouts, maps, graphics, charts, tables, promotional materials, and newsletters, etc. for economic development activities;
- Represent the City and participate in professional and public meetings and organizations, as relevant;
- Attend City Council meetings, as required;
- Other duties, as assigned.
- The complete job description is available at: Job Description
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent;
- And one (1) to three (3) years of related experience and/or training;
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or equivalent;
- And three (3) to six (6) years of related experience and/or training;
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
For additional information, contact Sasha Althoff, Economic Development Director at 217-342-5300 ext. 5340 or email Sasha Althoff.
The City of Effingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer
