Economic Development Officer, Trade - Niagara, Canada - Niagara Region

Niagara Region

Verified Company

Niagara, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Division:

Economic Development

Job Summary:

Salary Under Review

Reporting to the Manager, Trade & Investment the Economic Development Officer (EDO), Trade & Investment is responsible for implementing, monitoring and reporting on economic initiatives in support of Niagara Region's Foreign Direct Investment activities, and Business Development and Expedited Services.

In addition, this role serves as the Foreign Trade Zone Coordinator; and supports the Foreign Direct Investment program through follow-up research and client maintenance; and undertakes activities and supports partnerships that enhance the development of Niagara as location of choice for investment/trade, enterprise and growth.

Education:

Postsecondary degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Economics, Economic Development, and Marketing, Public Administration or equivalent related field of study. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge:

Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience implementing economic/business development activities; and supporting partnerships among business, academic and government/agency stakeholders.
Municipal sector experience is considered an asset.
Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of branding, marketing and sales, community planning, land use/growth management concepts, infrastructure improvement planning and capital facilities budgeting.
Experience working with Federal/Provincial legislation, policy and programs related to business development, investment/trade, enterprise, innovation and growth.
Understanding of Municipal government organization and functions.
One of the following qualifications (or equivalent) is preferred: Certified Economic Developer (Ec.

D.) from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC), or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council.

Responsibilities:

_ Provides support and implementation of a range of services, initiatives, programs and activities related to Foreign Direct Investment.

(45% of time)_:

Coordinates business outreach, foreign direct investment activities, local economic development, project facilitation, community economic development social enterprise development, workforce development and special projects.
Acts as the main point of contact for the Niagara Foreign Trade Zone and supports the Foreign Direct Investment Program through client contact and customized research.
Researches and identifies recruitment prospects and generates direct corporate business leads and prospects for the Manager, Trade & Investment
Develops customer reports for potential new or expanding businesses that show what Niagara has to offer.
Collects and provides information necessary to satisfy each prospect's request for facts and information in the form of standard marketing materials and/or custom reports.
Evaluates programs which would couple the immediately available resources of the area with potential business and industrial development.
Researches and prepares Provincial and Federal funding submissions.
Coordinates and/or attends recruitment events, trade shows and familiarization tours as Regional representative, marketing and prospecting business opportunities.
Develops and creates reports and presentations and speaks before citizens' and advisory groups/committees.

**_
Manages the Niagara Foreign Trade Zone (NFTZ) program, engaging with key stakeholders to facilitate program planning, execution, monitoring and reporting of the Foreign Trade Zone's goals and objectives: _(25% of time)**:

Develops the NFTZ annual plan and budget in consultation with the Manager, Trade & Investment.
Ensures program strategy is aligned with the Economic Development Strategy as well as the Trade and Investment work plan and consults with the Manager Trade and Investment regularly on program updates as well as potential investment opportunities.
Communicates project expectations and strategies to team members and stakeholders, liaising with them on an ongoing basis to manage expectations.
Manages daytoday activities, resources, equipment and information related to managing of projects.
Stays current on trends and changes to the Federal Programs and trade agreements, to ensure the strategies executed continue to be aligned and provide the best outcomes.
Reviews processes to identify bottlenecks, risks and opportunities and look for strategic insights.
Maintains and creates relationships with those companies within the Niagara Region who meet certain criteria, as exporters or potential exporters, to participate in the NFTZ Program.
Plans, coordinates and facilitates a program of seminars for interested employers to further promote the NFTZ Program in an attempt to increase participation with the Programs.
Collaborates with the Manager, Strategic Marketing to position branding and marketing of the NFTZ, design