Economic Development Specialist II

This is professional work in the field of economic development.

An employee in this class performs the full range of economic development activity in order to attract, retain and expand business development in the community and improve the City's tax base.

Works under the general direction of senior staff personnel with opportunity for the use of independent judgment; work is reviewed for conformance to policy and professional standards. Conducts research, compiles and evaluates data and organizes it into presentation form. Performs cost-benefit analysis of economic development projects and makes recommendations as to their feasibility and economic impact. Identifies and responds to the needs of local businesses through a variety of established programs.

Works individually or as a member of a team providing technical and support assistance to property and business owners who are considering development, relocation or expansion within the City; provides site information, evaluates business activity, performs financial analysis and discusses funding possibilities. Functions as liaison with other governmental agencies in order to meet requirements for special project activity. Provides support to other City personnel needing development assistance.

Drives to attend meetings and trainings. Performs related work as required.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree and a minimum of one year of professional or technical paid experience in economic development work. College coursework may be substituted by professional or technical paid experience in economic development work on a year-for-year basis. Possession of a valid State of Ohio driver’s license.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development, business finance, commercial and industrial real estate, urban planning and federal, state and local financial and governmental assistance programs related to economic development.

Ability to work independently and to effectively conduct research, compile and analyze findings and organize results into presentable form. Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet computer software. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with persons at all levels of the public and private sectors. Ability to effectively develop and convey ideas and information verbally and in written form.

Skill in problem solving and creative decision making. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. List of essential job functions available upon request.

This is a classified position.

The selection process will consist of a competitive examination with credit for education and experience. A passing score must be obtained on the competitive examination in order to receive credit for education and experience.

TEST WEIGHTS:
Competitive Examination 70%, Education 20%, Experience 10%.

Candidates must meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the announcement at the time of examination and at the time of appointment.

NOTE:

The competitive examination may be suspended if shown to be impractical because of an insufficient number of qualified candidates. The candidates will then be ranked in a standard manner based on 70% for qualifying, 20% for education, and 10% for experience.

RESIDENCY:
Candidates who have been resident citizens within the corporate limits of the City of Akron for at least one year immediately prior to the examination and who continue to reside within the corporate limits of the City of Akron throughout the remainder of the selection process will have 5 points added to their passing grades.

VETERANS: A veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, honorably discharged from active duty, desiring a bonus of 5 points added to their passing grade, must submit proof of discharge in the form of a DD-214 with application.

DRIVER S LICENSE:
An applicant having a valid driver's license from another state will be accepted conditionally provided that, if selected, an Ohio Driver's License must be obtained prior to appointment. Candidates having six or more points on their driving record at the time of appointment will be disqualified from further consideration.

The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together.

In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the City is committed to providing equal employment…