Under the general supervision of the EDC Vice President, the Economic Development Specialist is responsible for providing support to the Business Expansion, Attraction & Retention Team (“BEAR”) through, but not limited to, completing comprehensive research work on various businesses, properties and markets, developing detailed response packages to requests for proposals or leads, coordinating and implementing projects and programs that support commercial, office, retail and light industrial development; business attraction; business retention; small\entrepreneurial business development initiatives; and other economic development, and redevelopment improvement programs or projects.   Coordinates participation and attendee lists for various internal and external events for the team and the FEDC in general which includes management of the use of various suites\venues to which the FEDC has use rights.  
  
 The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

Essential Job Functions & Other Important Duties

• Develops and maintains files, records, databases, listings, and other reference materials used to recruit and retain businesses, including specific business data and trends, demographic profiles and related materials.
• Generates queries in existing databases and research lists of existing and prospective businesses for the purposes of attraction, retention efforts and lead generation.
• Assists the BEAR Team in developing detailed response packages to requests for proposals or leads, coordinating and implementing projects and programs that support commercial, office, retail, and light industrial development; business attraction; business retention; small\entrepreneurial business development initiatives; and other economic development, and redevelopment improvement programs or projects.
• Assists the BEAR Team with influencing and building relationships with prospects, consultants, company decision makers; solicits development proposals from private development companies; establishes and strengthens relationships with local businesses.
• Assists the BEAR Team in evaluating projects utilizing cost/benefit analysis, fiscal and economic impact, and relevant multiplier factors.
• Responds to requests for FEDC information from business prospects and clients.
• Assists in maintaining detailed site location and building information.
• Coordinates participation and attendee lists for various internal and external (professional, lead generation, and other organizations) events for the BEAR Team and the FEDC in general; includes managing participation agreements\contracts and tracking return on investment data.
• Assists or Serves as FEDC Hospitality Suites Administrator of the use of various suites\venues to which the FEDC has use rights; to include but not limited to, use agreements\contracts, planning and tracking all expenses, coordinating invites with the BEAR Team, and City staff, scheduling ticket distribution, food and beverage arrangements, invoicing, utilization tracking and return on investment data. The EDC Administrative Assistant, will serve as the FEDC Hospitality Suites coordinator and provide support to the Hospitality Suites Administrator, as requested.
• Provides BEAR Team general administrative support as required.  Includes but not limited to assistance with document preparation, call management, meeting coordination, presentation development, travel arrangements, tracking\reporting expenses.
• Assists with other projects and activities as directed.

Other Important Duties:

• May be required to attend events, functions, meetings, and conferences.
• May be required to work extended hours, and attend City events, on evenings and weekends.
• Travels to attend meetings, conferences, and training.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Data research and reporting methods, principles, and procedures to include determining proper data sources. 
• Skill developing detailed response packages to requests for proposals or leads, coordinating and implementing projects and programs that support the BEAR Team functions.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Knowledge of computers and related equipment, hardware, and software applicable to include but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and Salesforce.
• Knowledge of research, analysis, interpretation and report development for property, business, and economic development.
• Skill in preparing, editing, and developing responses to politically sensitive or confidential correspondence.
• Skill in organizing, prioritizing, tracking, and managing multiple projects, assignments and duties.
• Skill in resolving customer complaints and concerns.
• Works effectively with others as a team.
• Knowledge of Open Meeting Act and Open Records Act.
• Knowledge of Records Retention Act.
• Knowledge of 4A Economic Development Sales Tax Legislation.

 
Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business administration, Economics, Public Administration, Public Relations, Political Science, or related experience and 1 year experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preference given to graduates of Basic Economic Development Course and Sales Tax Course. 
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background investigation and MVR check.
• Must possess valid State of Texas Driver’s License.

Environmental Factors & Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in an office environment. 
• May be exposed to hostile or angry clients.

Physical Demands:
This work typically requires the following physical activities to be performed. A complete description of the activities below is available upon request from Human Resources.