Economic Development Officer

About Us The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for Lambton County. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia‑Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community‑based economic development initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses and industry to the Sarnia‑Lambton area. The Sarnia‑Lambton Economic Partnership office is located in the City of Sarnia at the Western Sarnia‑Lambton Research Park, but Lambton County is comprised of eleven municipalities and three First Nations for whom we seek to advance economic growth and opportunity through leadership, partnership, collaboration, and strategic direction. Our office is recognized by the International Economic Development Council as an Accredited Economic Development Organization. One of only six in Canada to attain this top distinction. About this Role Reporting to the CEO, the Economic Development Officer will support the promotion, growth and development of the municipality’s economic base through business attraction activities to support business investment, as well as support retention and expansion of existing businesses. This position will often be the first point of contact for new investment. The focus will include manufacturing and supply chain development, value‑added agriculture and food processing, while also supporting all of Sarnia‑Lambton’s core industrial sectors. You will also benefit from many advantages, such as: Full‑time hours, with an optional regular day off compressed work week Vacation time and an excellent benefits package OMERS (Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) Pension Plan Working with an established, knowledgeable team What Will You Be Doing? Market Development: Plan and propose an annual business program specific to assigned sectors. Act as a liaison for industrial development and site selection efforts, and during the site selection process in the targeted industrial sectors. Research and provide site selection packages, data, and information to industrial and commercial clients and site selectors and liaise with local industries to arrange site visits. Identify and analyze geographic markets, sectors and individual companies for business attraction to Sarnia‑Lambton. Conduct business outreach and prepare studies/reports for prospective business clients regarding new or expanded businesses to facilitate their decisions on locating new investment in Sarnia‑Lambton. Prepare and deliver presentations to investment leads, site selection clients, municipalities, and stakeholders. Arrange sector‑specific tours of Sarnia‑Lambton for clients/prospective clients and, to a lesser extent, to appropriate stakeholders. Work with existing and identify new business sub‑sectors promoting growth opportunities. Provide continued engagement and relationship management with investors and associated project stakeholders, ensuring their needs are being met during the development and site selection process. Conduct targeted business analysis and outreach as part of investment lead generation campaigns. Support the growth of current businesses through specialized and ongoing initiatives and maintain a proactive outreach program to targeted sectors. Develop and maintain a contact program with identified prospect firms, industry associations, economic development organizations, government agencies and representatives, and other intermediaries to promote Sarnia‑Lambton. Lead and assist projects and initiatives to support local municipal efforts to attract and retain investment. Identify, attend and represent the organization at domestic and international tradeshows/conferences. Coordinate after‑care for businesses locating and expanding in Sarnia‑Lambton. Land Management: Establish and maintain relationships with public and private landowners. Develop and maintain an inventory of industrial and commercial land and buildings, and associated assets and infrastructure. Assist with research and provide site selection data and information to industrial and commercial clients and site selectors, and liaise with local industries to arrange site visits. Liaise between potential investors, business and property owners and the appropriate Building and Planning departments, and provide input into Building and Planning processes that relate to economic development activities. Economic Development Tools Management: Lead the procurement, utilization, and management of economic development tools – including inventories, databases, mapping, and other electronic or non‑electronic – that assist internal and external economic development processes. Maintain investment leads, inquiries, opportunities and client files in the database or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool. Participate in the development and maintenance of content and relevant reference materials for use by collaborating EDOs and the SLEP marketing team. Project Management: Keep abreast of government legislations and funding programs, and prepare SLEP‑focused grant and project applications if required. Initiate and champion special projects in partnership with external organizations as required. Manage project life cycle activities, including defining project scope, monitoring project financials, working with team members, conducting project reporting, meeting all funding agreements and project requirements. Other Duties: Complete administrative tasks, including but not limited to maintaining internal documentation. Assist with the coordination of meetings with appropriate stakeholders/municipalities to identify operational projects. Maintain effective communications and networks with agencies, organizations, government bodies and individuals capable of identifying, influencing or directing new economic development, business growth and investment opportunities to Sarnia‑Lambton, and that support operational objectives. Maintain relationships and work collaboratively with local municipal economic development officers and partner organizations in the economic development ecosystem. Assist with the preparation of documents, reports, spreadsheets and databases. Maintain knowledge of government programs and incentives, and help communicate these opportunities to SLEP clients. Assist in identifying and preparing SLEP‑focused grant and project applications. Provide advice and support to the team of Economic Development officers, the CEO and other staff when requested with respect to their areas of activity. Collaborate with relevant industry associations. Participate in multiple committees and stakeholder groups. Conduct evaluations of programs, surveys of client satisfaction and report KPI outcomes. These describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents in this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties in the classification. Other duties may be assigned. What Skills are We Looking For? Degree from a recognized university in business administration/commerce, economics, diploma/degree in economic development or a combination of education and experience in a relevant discipline; Five years of experience in positions providing exposure to marketing, community development and/or business development; A valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s Licence and access to a vehicle; Knowledge of the Lambton County economy is a significant asset; Possess excellent oral and written communications, strong presentation skills and successful client relationship management skills; Demonstrated professionalism and ability to handle confidential and sensitive material; Although not required, a Certified Economic Developer (Ec.D.) designation from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) would be considered an asset. Overnight travel, including international travel, is an expectation of this position. As a condition of employment, employees must maintain (at their own expense) a current passport to facilitate international travel. Application Instructions: Submit a resume AND cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest to Application Deadline: January 25, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST We thank all applicants for their interest and wish to advise that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr