Economic Development Officer

**Town of Blackfalds**:
**Economic Development Officer**:
**Job Type**
Other

**Organization**
Town of Blackfalds

**Competition Number T0B106**

**Closing date**
**Jun 24, 2023**

The Town of Blackfalds is looking for an experienced and highly motivated Economic Development Officer to join our team.

**P**o**sition Summary**:
The Economic Development Officer (EDO) promotes economic growth and sustainability within the community. The EDO supports and encourages existing businesses while working to attract new business to the community. The position is responsible for the planning and handling the activities and operations of the Town of Blackfalds Economic Development programs and initiatives for business promotion, expansion, and retention. The EDO provides leadership and active participation on the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee (EDTAC) and provides accurate development and economic growth-related information to the public and developers. Coordination of assigned activities with other Municipal departments and outside agencies, maintaining regular contact with the community / public in situations that require tact and judgment and representing the Municipality in negotiations and mediations.

The EDO provides guidance to Council, Committees, Senior Leadership, and Public.
- Entrepreneurial focused.
- Interpersonal and public relations skills focusing on community networking, business collaboration and fostering partnerships.
- Exceptional communication skills.
- Innovative with strong decision-making skills.
- Accountable & dependable.
- Proven leadership skills.
- Strong mediation & negotiation skills.

**Economic Development - Strategy & Planning**
**The EDO will participate** in business planning, strategic planning, research initiatives and performance management for specific initiatives in support of economic development, often through the activity of EDTAC.
- Develop strategic plans and implement the economic development initiatives and programs as identified in the Municipal Sustainability Plan and the Economic Strategic Plan.
- Participate in the development of economic development strategies, objectives and long-range plans for a unified economic development attraction program.
- Assist in the development of strategic plans by researching facilitating, coordinating, implement and evaluating major policy and program initiatives which align with long term economic development strategies.
- Monitors and examines market conditions and emerging trends which may impact existing and potential economic development and recommend appropriate action.
- Evaluate and report on the impact of government legislative policy and program changes. Revises strategies, programs and initiatives accordingly.

**Economic Development & Tourism**
**The EDO will lead** a range of programs, services, initiatives, and activities including (_but not limited to) _business outreach, local economic development, business improvement area management project facilitation, community economic development workforce development and special projects either through own initiative or with the EDTAC.
- Oversee and coordinate the Town’s economic development effort.
- Acts as key liaison and facilitator for the Blackfalds Economic Development and Tourism Committee providing direction and leadership.
- Source and champion special events in collaboration with the community and Town departments.
- Participate and represent the Town of Blackfalds in regional economic planning activities where required including working with CAEP.
- Provide customer service and serve as a resource to citizens, entrepreneurs, brokers, landowners, prospects, retailers, developers, and organizations acting as an advocate for business.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of economic development and commercial real estate.
- Assist in the negotiation of agreements and contracts with the recruitment process of prospective business within the Municipality.
- Develop and assist in the development and implementation of Town goals, objectives and policies / procedures related to economic activities & programs.
- Work collaboratively with the Planning & Development Manager, Marketing Manager / Coordinator, other Municipal staff members in economic development initiatives.
- Prepare periodic analytical and statistical reports indicating related activities and progress towards goals and objectives for Council, and CAO. Advise on issues related to the improvement and enhancement of the commercial tax base.
- Participate in the preparation and administration of the economic development program budget and develop budgetary plans and controls to facilitate economic development programs and activities.

**Economic Development - Internal / External Relations**
- Develops and manages relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring divisional strategies are managed and e