Economic Development Specialist

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the economic development specialist will function as a project manager. The project manager is responsible for selling the state as an attractive place to do business. This position is responsible for developing customer relationships in all types of business and industry, with a focus on assigned industries; communicating arkansas tax laws, incentive programs, and general business‑climate information to new and existing businesses and industry;

communicating with multiple internal and external customer groups to promote economic development and responding to external requests; effectively leading customer teams in responding to requests for information, at industry‑specific trade shows, and on recruiting trips inside and outside the state, including making appointments with potential customers prior to a show or trip; organizing and staffing the trade‑show booth during the show;

serving as a salesperson for doing business in arkansas; preparing and maintaining records including proactive activity reports and project activity reports; and conducting existing‑industry visits to identify expansion opportunities.

this position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

job responsibilities and expected results

• providing corporate clients and business consultants with site selection services includes understanding clients’ key selection criteria; providing information and data to promote arkansas; negotiating and preparing incentive packages; engaging value‑adding partners in the site selection process; and hosting key decision makers during arkansas community visits.
• developing and maintaining relationships with existing and/or expanding companies includes visiting businesses across the state; contacting businesses by phone or mail; working within existing established industry programs and industry‑specific organizations; and immediately responding to business inquiries and requests for assistance, including foreign and domestic issues.
• developing and maintaining contacts and relations with communities includes visiting and responding to local economic development needs and requests; visiting with local elected officials, community leaders, and organizations; attending local meetings, activities, and trade shows; and public speaking at community and civic organizations.
• conducting training at the local level to prepare communities for economic development activities includes preparing community leaders for prospect visits and/or existing industry visits; conducting follow‑up meetings to monitor progress; and offering guidance and assistance in local economic development planning efforts.
• partnering with committees and organizations outside of aedc includes participating in local and area economic and community development organizations and getting involved with regional economic development organizations outside of aedc.
• managing the incentive process includes explaining incentive information in detail; processing internal incentive approvals, including cost‑benefit analysis; offering formal proposals to companies; facilitating the application and agreement process; and finalizing the incentive application process for df&a.
• conducting research, identifying trends, and establishing/coordinating leads within the assigned targeted industries includes reviewing industry trade publications; using the internet to track industry trends; developing contact lists and proactively reaching out; identifying marketing strategies; establishing direct contact with company leaders; identifying companies with expansion plans and potential expansion opportunities; and coordinating expansion projects in the state.
• maintaining accurate…