Economic Development Officer - Business

Reporting to the Director of Economic Development and Tourism, the Economic Development Officer is responsible for providing support for the development and implementation of initiatives that support the objectives of the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. This position will involve activities such as economic planning, prospecting, project management, research and investor engagement.

 PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Supporting the day-to-day implementation of the economic development strategic plan.
• Developing and delivering various programs to support economic development activities within established program delivery budgets.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with industry and regional economic development partners to develop, communicate and capitalize on economic development (investment) opportunities relevant to Middlesex County.
• Building relationships with current and potential investors to facilitate economic growth and diversification.
• Conducting research to identify opportunities, strengths and risk factors;
• Maintaining an awareness of current economic issues and opportunities important to the development of the local economy.
• Providing economic and business development information to business development proponents, government and other private and public sector partners, including relevant expertise and support for economic development initiatives.
• Preparing information and materials to share with prospective investors interested in locating, establishing or expanding business and industrial opportunities, with the goal to expand the commercial, service and industrial tax base in the County.
• Preparing and disseminating information regarding the availability of land, buildings and opportunities available for investment in the County.
• Reporting on the activities and KPIs of the economic development function and the various programs implemented.
• Providing recommendations to the Director on sound economic development strategies and programs.
• Working with partner groups to compile information about the County’s workforce; utility, and communications infrastructure; educational facilities, real estate opportunities, business support programs and other matters relevant to local investor needs.
• Providing referrals to appropriate government and community agencies, funding programs and workforce development programs.
• Conducting economic research and analysis to support the development of marketing and communication materials.
• Promoting availability of agency and/or government funding programs which can assist with the economic development in the County.
• Coordinating participation in trade shows to promote the County and representing when required.
• Preparing correspondence and other documents including follow up on all leads.
• Organizing investor programming and engagement sessions.
• Making presentations to investors, regional partners, municipal staff and elected officials as required; and
• Performs other related tasks and projects, as assigned, which are in accordance with job responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education and Experience

•  3-year college diploma or university degree in business, economics or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in economic and business development.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication including presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects and deadlines.
• Demonstrate continuous improvement efforts to enhance operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to deliver customer service excellence.
• Ensure the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity.
• Adhere to, support, and promote adherence to municipal policies and procedures, regulations, and other related guidelines.
• Proficiency with: MS Office and Hubspot.
• Considerable knowledge of business planning and investment decision-making.
• Ability to conduct and analyze economic and market research.
• Ability to effectively manage economic development and other related planning processes. Demonstrated success in executing the full business sales cycle from prospecting through to closing and follow-up.
• Ability to create implementation plans that support short and long-term goals, define work objectives, key performance indicators, and performance metrics; demonstrated project management experience.
• Ability to self-motivate and carry out required functions with limited supervision.
• Proven grant and report writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build and maintain cooperative working relationships with partner municipalities and agencies.
• Ability to deal courteously, tactfully and diplomatically with global audiences.
• Ability to work within, and contribute to, a proactive team environment.
• Ability to display independent initiative, judgment and innovation in developing future solutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to provide exceptional customer service to industry, sector. community and regional interest groups.
• Strong organizational, time management and project management skills.
• Ability to travel locally and internationally.

Other 

• A valid “G” driver’s license, and access to a vehicle to travel as required to fulfil job responsibilities.

• $34.89-$39.28/hour
• Flexible Work Opportunities
• Employee Recognition Events
• Professional Development Flex Time/Banked Time-Off
• OMERS Pension Plan Health and Dental Benefits
• Employee and Family Assistance Program