Economic Development Coordinator

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen in partnership with the City of Penticton is currently recruiting for a temporary, (three-year term) full-time Economic Development Coordinator to join the Community and Environmental Services team. The incumbent will coordinate the implementation of regional economic development programs and initiatives across the Regional District by supporting business attraction, retention, development, expansion, diversification, and tourism-related opportunities. The position supports collaboration with businesses, Indigenous communities and governments, external agencies, and advisory bodies to advance economic development priorities, foster strategic partnerships, and support sustainable regional growth.

• Coordinates and implements work programs for business retention, expansion, and economic diversification, including a proactive business visitation program, including issue follow‑up and reporting.
• Provides advice and input on economic development opportunities and initiatives, including assisting the business community with development approvals and processes.
• Produces complex correspondence including reports, contracts, and marketing materials including brochures, media briefings, websites, and newsletters.
• Creates written and presents oral reports to a variety of stakeholders, including briefing materials for senior leadership and advisory committees.
• Facilitates and maintains relationships with businesses, community organizations, Indigenous communities and governments, private/public agencies, and regional partners to coordinate economic development initiatives, identify shared opportunities, and support collaborative decision‑making and partnership development.
• Provides work direction to contracted resources, monitors delivery of services in relation to contract terms, resolves routine problems and escalates non‑compliance issues.
• Organizes business forums and special events as required.
• Identifies, applies for, and coordinates grant funding opportunities, including supporting the development of funding applications and tracking reporting requirements.
• Supports tourism and destination development initiatives aligned with broader economic development priorities.
• Coordinates activities that advance regional economic development priorities through the promotion of economic opportunities, strategic initiatives, and regional assets.
• Provides coordination and administrative support to internal or external advisory groups related to economic development, including preparing materials and tracking follow‑up actions.
• Performs other duties as required.

• Post‑secondary degree in commerce, business administration, public administration, economics or a related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in economic development, business support, or a related role, preferably in a local government or regional setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong knowledge and familiarity of the Regional District structure and area as a whole.
• Knowledge of regional economic development principles, grant funding processes, and stakeholder engagement practices.
• Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations and communicate effectively with various partners.
• Ability to work on a number of concurrent tasks with deadline pressures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board, Committees, advisory groups, and a variety of internal and external partners.
• Ability to be courteous and diplomatic in dealing with the public and co‑workers.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and integrity.
• Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, and Excel).
• Ability to work flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Valid B.C. Driver’s Licence.

This temporary, full‑time position is included in the BCGEU bargaining unit. The hourly rate for this position is $43.78 per hour. In addition, the RDOS offers an attractive benefits package, pension and flexible schedule.

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