Economic Development Officer - Westlock, Canada - Westlock County

Description

County of Westlock, AB

Economic Development Officer:


Job Status:
Permanent


Department Planning and Community Development

Reports To:
General Manager of Planning and Community Development


Position Summary
The Economic Development Officer (EDO) is a contract role that reports directly to the CAO. The EDO is responsible for the facilitation, development, and implementation of the County's Economic Development Strategy.

This role promotes economic growth in Westlock County through businesses attraction strategies, encouraging expansion or sustainability of existing businesses and create an attractive community atmosphere that stimulates residential growth, including leveraging destination tourism development opportunities.

Initiatives are aligned with Council's municipal strategies and priorities.


Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the CAO, the duties and responsibilities of the EDO include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Planning

• Facilitate the development of Economic Development strategies, ensuring alignment with Council's priorities
• Lead the implementation of the Economic Development strategies through the development of an annual work plan that identifies priorities, goals, timelines and measurable deliverables, mitigating unforeseen liability for the County and leadership team
• Identify, research and analyze data, local, regional and national, that would assist in identifying economic impacts on the community
• Implement and maintain systems required for effective collection & reporting of relevant economic data
• Develop and maintain an inventory of business community contacts for analysis, networking and partnership opportunities
• Initiate, facilitate, review and award request for proposal (RFP) initiatives related to BR&E strategies and business development
• Advocate, develop and implement policy that will foster and encourage growth and sustainability
• Maintain an awareness of regional, provincial and federal economic planning programs and activities

Administration
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, preparation of policy documents, Council reports, community reports, business development, brand marketing and promotional items & and development of tourism collateral material

• Forecast and develop (short and long term) annual budget for economic development & tourism department; monitor expenditures, analyze costs, payment reporting/sign off and ensure expenditures are within annual authorized limits
• Work collaboratively with other municipal departments as required to provide support, industry insight/expertise, gain input, undertake collaborative projects or provide feedback, instilling a team environment
• Maintain a deep understanding of concepts and process of municipal Bylaws (Land Use, Community Standards, etc.)
• Assist in the facilitation of decisions on business development inquiries
• Assist in the development of or modification of business or land related Bylaws

Business Retention and Attraction

• Coordinate, liaise, and support local and external organizations, institutions, potential investors, developers, local businesses, First Nations and other partners to advance the County's economic interests
• Support local businesses in developing capacity to respond to business growth and tourism opportunities in Westlock County
• Lead inter

- and intra-departmental approaches to promote and market Westlock County tourism

• Develop industry sector relationships that would support existing and attract new industry development
• Primary point of contact for business development inquiries and facilitate relationship between the County's planning and development departments
• Pursue highend leads, identifying opportunities and prospects, relating to various industrial and commercial lands and buildings for sale or lease. Assist in the negotiation of land sales or leases to increase assessment base and facilitate job growth
• Undertake lead role for special projects as assigned by the CAO

Branding and Marketing

• Ensure that economic development activities align with community branding efforts and marketing
• Develop promotional strategies for both business development and regional tourism, building on brand for both short

- and long-term growth

• Create and deliver information to local business including; services, initiatives, and programs that enhance or stimulate business growth and sustainability
• Collaborate with other interrelated departments through strategic marketing and branding initiatives

Community Engagement

• Establish and maintain relationships with Industrial/Commercial/Investment realtors, landlords, developers, consultants and contractors to secure business development
• Take a lead role in external groups/organizations with regard to investment meetings, seminars and trade shows to promote Westlock County's economic development
• Develop concepts for pre