Economic And Community Development Agent; Hybrid - AR

Department of Economic and Community Development – the State of Connecticut’s lead agency responsible for strengthening Connecticut’s competitive position in the rapidly changing, knowledge‑based global economy.

Position:
Full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm.

Location:

Hartford, CT. Hybrid schedule – one day in office each week (currently Wednesday; days may increase).

The position will focus on industry‑specific programming, including innovation, and will evolve sector focus beyond the innovation economy to encompass all‑of‑the‑above innovation and technology strategy. The role will educate and assist companies through innovative operational efficiency initiatives, focusing on practical cost mitigation, strategic partnerships, and future‑facing market opportunities. It is critical to manage existing partnerships, federal grant programs, and other initiatives, while fostering new relationships.

The Department takes a comprehensive approach to economic development that incorporates community development, transportation, education, and arts and culture. It aims to strengthen Connecticut’s competitive position in an evolving, knowledge‑based economy.

• Promotes and coordinates economic, housing, and community development activities and programs; advises municipalities in developing comprehensive community development plans.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with and provides technical assistance to businesses and industries within and outside the state.
• Performs specialized analyses and evaluations for development of standardized data and specific forecasts, performance indicators and statistical information for funding agencies.
• Reviews plans and proposals for conformity with statutory, regulatory and department requirements.
• Assists businesses and industries locating or expanding operations in Connecticut; identifies and coordinates resources available to businesses and industries.
• Negotiates financial packages with customers and advocates on their behalf for financial assistance and related services.
• Coordinates and tracks proposals through departmental approval process; prepares commitment letters, financial, statistical and administrative reports as needed.
• Assesses, develops and promotes domestic and international markets for Connecticut products; coordinates marketing or promotion programs.
• Develops and conducts workshops, conferences and seminars to promote business development assistance.
• Provides technical assistance in grant application and may negotiate leasing or other contractual agreements for business opportunities of state‑owned facilities.
• Monitors and supports business activities to maximize benefits of negotiated agreements and monitors work performance of consultants and programs for compliance.

• Knowledge of local, state and federal economic, housing and community development programs, laws and regulations.
• Familiarity with budgetary and financial principles, planning principles and practices, and comprehensive community development principles.
• Understanding of industry practices, markets and location issues; knowledge of economic development assistance programs and financing.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills.
• Skilled in planning, organizing and negotiating urban or economic and community development activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and utilize computer software.
• Supervisory ability.

• Six (6) years of professional experience in corporate marketing and business development or business experience including residential and/or commercial financing, strategic planning, financial planning and analysis or project management with industrial, environmental, housing or community development projects.

• At least one (1) year of the general experience at the level of Assistant Economic and Community Development Agent.

• College training may substitute for the general experience: fifteen (15)…