Economic Development Officer

Position Summary

Support the work of the Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Office. Serve as an account manager assisting prospective, new, and existing businesses on areas defined in the Economic Development Strategy. Conduct studies to develop business information and research issues that could impact economic development priorities. Assist in managing the conceptualization, adoption, and implementation of tools and policies to assist the City in its business development efforts.

Manage consultant contracts and activities; develop work plans, timelines, and resource allocations for assigned projects. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

Full-time 40 hours per week, AFSCME-represented position, 12-month probationary period.

The Economic Development Office (EDO) is helping businesses innovate, grow, and thrive in the Mid-Willamette Valley, serving a diverse business population ranging from high tech, food and beverage, and advanced engineering.

• Develop and implement a business retention and expansion program.
• Serve as liaison between property owners, businesses, City officials, and others regarding economic development projects and programs.
• Visit local businesses and business prospects; research, write, and present staff reports; manage projects; collect and analyze data; and make business presentations.
• Assist with the development of policies that affect a healthy business climate and participate in City processes to secure policy adoption.
• Manage the development of marketing tools, including website and other social media marketing, to assist with business development, expansion, and retention efforts.
• Create workforce policies and tools to support businesses’ hiring needs and manage programs to assist small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs in the Corvallis and Benton County area.
• Serve as an account manager assisting businesses with an emphasis on areas defined in the Economic Development Strategy.
• Manage consultant contracts and activities; develop work plans, timelines, and resource allocations for assigned projects.
• Assist in the development and implementation of an Urban Renewal Plan.
• Act ethically and honestly; apply ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions.
• Conform with all safety rules and perform work in a safe manner.
• Operate and drive a motor vehicle safely and legally.
• Adhere to all City and Department policies.
• Deliver excellent customer service to diverse audiences.
• Maintain effective work relationships.
• Arrive at work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintain regular job attendance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics or a related field which provides the knowledge to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Three years of experience in business and economic development or planning; two of the three years experience in government, administration, project management or policy development.

• Demonstrable knowledge of marketing methods for attracting and retaining businesses.
• Strong interpersonal and dispute resolution skills, including the ability to confront challenging issues to help others work through complex issues. Ability to work independently, research and design new programs.
• Ability to design, coordinate and implement program requirements.
• Ability to learn and interpret City, county, state and federal policies and procedures, organize and present ideas and recommendations both orally and in writing.
• Strong analytical, financial analysis and organizational skills. Ability to analyze and evaluate complex economic development data.
• Ability to develop innovative and creative solutions within broad principles and policies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills using both technical and non-technical language, and the ability to gain trust, cooperation, and understanding.
• Ability to develop and manage building and land inventories and manage grant processes.
• Ability to get along well and maintain and promote effective working relationships with coworkers, other government agencies, business owners and stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and judgment in dealing with sensitive or confidential information.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods of time to perform the essential functions of the position. Ability to use spreadsheets and work processing applications, perform database management, use desktop publishing, GIS mapping tools and applications to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.
• Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion.
• The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.
• Possession or ability to obtain a valid Oregon Drivers…