Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

The Economic Development and Tourism Specialist works under the direction of the Director of Economic Development and Tourism supporting a wide range of duties to support economic development projects, programs and activities requiring moderate supervision.

The work of this position is as varied as the field of economic development. It may include development of marketing materials, research and presentation of data or summary of reports, assisting and reviewing the preparation of Department reports, tracking and preparing organizational and financial data, and critical support for development and implementation of projects.

Duties involving considerable public contact, office research, assist with planning and implementing business events for the existing business community and prospective businesses, and related work as required. The incumbent is expected to perform other job-related tasks as assigned or required.

To apply online, please go to:

https://newkentva.munisselfservice.com//EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=20190195&sreq=1&form=C001&desc=ECONOMIC%20DEVELOPMENT%20&%20TOURISM%20SPECIALIST

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Greets visitors and provides information, directions and referrals about travel/tourism opportunities and services;

Maintains supply of maps, brochures and other promotional materials and stocks display racks;

May take lead role in ongoing small business and entrepreneurial development services and programs;

May be assigned a project development and management role to assure a coordinated team effort is designed and implemented to meet project deadlines and goals;

Maintains records concerning visitors to the Center, oversees the Visitors’ Log, records types of information requested, logs requests for services or assistance;

Assists with keeping the department Instagram and Facebook pages up to date with posts, photos and other events.

Performs various general and specialized duties as requested by the supervisor.

Assists in the facilitating of business events relating to the community, existing businesses and prospective business clients for the Director of Economic Development, Economic Development and Tourism Manager and/or the EDA.

On site staff support between the Director of Economic Development, Economic Development and Tourism Manager, the EDA, county staff, public contractors for service, existing and prospective businesses.

Conducts various research and data collection for reporting.

Assists with the creation and/updates to economic development marketing materials and brochures.

Assists with the creation and updating of the databases used by the Economic Development Department.

Represents the Economic Development Department and the EDA at appropriate functions within and outside the County that Economic Development and/or the EDA sponsor, which may include evening and weekend events.

Maintains the calendar for the board room for the Visitors and Commerce Center.

Oversees preparation, publication and mailing of legal notices for meetings and events.

Assists with the maintenance and updates to the Economic Development Department website and the County’s tourism website.

Assists the Economic Development and Tourism Manager with any updating to the social media accounts associated with the Economic Development Department and the EDA.

Works closely with the Economic Development Tourism Manager to maintain department budgets, processes all invoices and expense vouchers for payment for the Economic Development Department and the EDA.

Maintains confidential information and files, performs work as necessary to ensure that essential functions of the Economic Development Department and the EDA continue unabated.

Performs research and provides recommendations to the Director of Economic Development and Economic Development and Tourism Manager for business development outreach in business attraction and business retention efforts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

The Economic Development and Tourism Specialist should be proficient in the use of social media platforms, current personal computer technologies, standard software packages. The incumbent should be one who will initiate conversations and is comfortable leading and directing; should possess the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers and clients, and other employees of the organization; the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form; the ability to work courteously and tactfully with the public and co-workers; demonstrate positive support/service attitude to meet, communicate with, and serve the public effectively; ability to use independent judgment to resolve concerns; ability to understand, follow and issue oral and written instructions; ability to clearly and politely relay instructions and other information to others; ability to function independently of constant, direct supervision. Ability to set priorities and meet multiple deadlines; ability to pay close attention to detail, the ability to remain calm in stressful situations; the ability to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns. Includes the ability to build a constructive team spirit where members are committed to the goals and objectives of the organization. Individual must have the ability to work a flexible schedule including, days, evenings, and weekends.

The Economic Development and Tourism Specialist should possess a thorough knowledge of the functions and organization of the County Government, the principles utilized by the Economic Development Department and the Economic Development Authority, a thorough knowledge of the system of property identification within the County, a thorough knowledge of office practices and equipment to include word processing skills, ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to conduct research, data collection and prepare reports, ability to meet and converse with top level officials and citizens with tact and diplomacy; ability to handle a variety of situations and conflicts involving the clerical and administrative functions of the office both internally and externally, able to rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with employees and the general public, ability to work under pressure and make decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established procedures, while organizing and performing work independently.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The Economic Development and Tourism Specialist should possess any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and 3 to 5 years of experience in a professional office environment, or related field, or an associate degree with 2 to 4 years of experience in organizational development, finance, business or economics is preferred. The applicant must possess a valid Virginia operator's license.

 PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:

Duties are normally performed in an office setting in a seated position where no hazardous conditions are prevalent; however, the job may require frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping and the occasional light lifting of office items up to 30 pounds in weight. Frequent sustained operation of office equipment is required.

 EVALUATION:

 Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness with which the incumbent accomplishes the above responsibilities.