Economic Development Officer

**Job Brief**:
This position administers entrepreneurial support programs, including provincially funded initiatives, aimed at fostering growth and sustainability of small businesses in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
- Employment Status:
**Permanent Full time**
- Union:
**NON-UNION**
- Open To:
**Internal/External Applicant(s)**
- Closing Date:
**14/11/2024**
- Duration (if temporary):
**N/A**

Wage $78,975 - $92,410 (2024)

Reports To Manager, Economic Development

Department Development Services

Hours Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Other Availability for additional hours and travel throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes in accordance with job requirements

**A Community Pursuing Prosperity, Quality of Life and a Healthy Environment**

**The City of Kawartha Lakes**, located on the Trent-Severn Waterway in central Ontario, offers a unique mix of urban, rural, agricultural and water-front living to a growing population of 72,000, plus its annual seasonal residents and guests. Bordered to the south and west by the Oak Ridges Moraine and GTA and Haliburton and the Muskokas' to the north, our goal is excellence and responsible municipal management in the delivery of quality services to our residents and in planning for our communities.

**Essential Duties**

**Specific to this role**:

- Administer the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre’s (KLSBC) core program and reporting, as directed by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade to promote small business start-up and the expansion of existing small businesses
- Develop an annual business plan and budget to secure and maintain provincial funding for the KLSBC; source and secure funding and/grant monies through available resources
- Educate and mentor entrepreneurs and, emerging and early-stage small businesses through analysis of business plans and financial statements, offering advice on market research, competitive analysis, marketing strategies, funding options, and educational program delivery
- Promote the use of digital platforms and tools to assist businesses in adopting e-commerce, digital marketing, and online operations- Develop and deliver training opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses on relevant topics
- Foster innovation and mentorship by developing programs that connect seasoned entrepreneurs with start-ups, encouraging knowledge sharing to support sustainable business growth
- Support the delivery of the Summer Company program and other entrepreneurship programming to ensure provincial requirements are met in collaboration with team members
- Build connection with relevant organizations to enhance the resources and support available to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the community
- Establish and maintain community and industry partnerships with relevant business agencies, sponsors, and all levels of government
- Conduct community outreach through speaking engagements, special events, and partnerships

**As a member of the professional team**:

- Develop and administer procedures and recommend resources to achieve strategic objectives
- Complete continuous research and analysis of industry trends and issues to make recommendations to management and remain current in area of specialty
- Manage stakeholder interactions in the supply and receipt of information, analysis, and resolution of issues
- Partner with internal process or program owners to share program objectives, analyze gaps, provide advice on actions to be incorporated in other’s processes, act as a program/service champion
- Manage customer service concerns, investigating, problem solving and responding as appropriate
- Maintain documentation, databases and corporate records in accordance with policy and divisional practice; consider legislative municipal requirements such as the _Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)_
- Provide data to allow reporting and decision making
- Procure services and goods related to areas of responsibility
- Contribute to the development of annual program needs
- Perform other related duties as assigned

**Qualifications**
- Post-secondary Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or a related field
- Minimum three (3) years of related experience in business consulting or entrepreneurial experience, preferably in a municipal environment
- Experience in fostering innovation, mentorship, and managing change in business environments- Experience with digital marketing, e-commerce, or digital transformation initiatives
- Demonstrated time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines with mínimal supervision
- Possess and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and personal attributes as described in the key performance competencies outlined below
- Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s Licence or the ability to frequently attend work related activities at various sites within the municipality or at other sites w