Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

Salary: $50,057.28 - $80,092.22 Annually

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Department of Economic Development

Job Number: 02002

Closing: 5/25/2022 11:59 PM Eastern

Description

The City of Roanoke is seeking an Economic Development Specialist to serve in the Department of Economic Development. This position performs professional work in the handling of key activities and programs within the Department of Economic Development. Responsibilities include: business retention and expansion activities within the general commercial, office, retail, dining and hospitality sectors; providing staff assistance and support on special projects. Educational requirements are a Bachelor's degree from a four year college or university with major course work in economics, business, urban planning or related field supplemented by a Master's degree in an appropriate field; or two or more years of related experience and/or training in economic development work, including experience in the preparation of state and federal grants for economic development purposes; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Examples of Duties

SUMMARY

Performs professional work in the handling of a major activity or program in the Department of Economic Development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Designs, directs and coordinates planning, economic, sociological or design studies for the economic development of the city, including the supervision of data collection, analysis, report organization, editing and preparation

Develops federal and state grant applications including coordination with Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority and other local agencies, contract preparation, budgeting and public information

Prepares technical reports and presentations for City Council, Planning Commission and City Manager

Coordinates preparation of graphics and presentation materials

Interprets and coordinates application of federal and state laws and regulations

Provides information for city, state and federal officials and the public on planning and related matters

Develops and coordinates programs to encourage and assist businesses and industries to locate or expand in the City

Administers enterprise zone program and initiatives

Provides marketing, available land, economic, demographic and job market information to all interested businesses

Maintains awareness of national and regional economic trends and innovative practices

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from four year college or university with major course work in economics, business, urban planning or related field supplemented by a Master's degree in an appropriate field; or one to two years related experience and/or training in economic development work, including experience with the preparation of state and federal grants and economic development; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental Information

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints from members of the business community, state and federal grant agencies, city officials and employees orally and in writing. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to city council, management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to identify key stakeholders and think strategically.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.