Economic Development Specialist

Performs difficult technical and professional work to provide operational support for the City's Economic Development Department and serve as a liaison on the Downtown Salem VA Inc 501C3. Performs complex, innovative, professional work to support business retention, downtown revitalization, strategic marketing, communications, small business development, and Main Street programming. Work performed under the regular supervision of the Economic Development Director.

• Facilitate community and economic development planning to identify, redevelopment opportunities, develop marketing initiatives, coordinate promotional campaigns, support placemaking efforts, and conduct research that advances business growth and investment.
• Develop and manage businesses outreach and retention program(s) focused on small business, unique retailers, restaurants, and entrepreneurs through technical assistance, networking, educational programming, and resource development.
• Participation with local chambers and business organizations.
• Intelligence gathering and reporting identifying local trends necessitating action to improve the local business climate.
• Work with Virginia's Main Street to implement best practices in the City of Salem's downtown.
• Acts as the primary contact for Downtown Salem, VA INC 501C3; supports downtown businesses, property owners, board initiatives, strategic planning, vacancy reduction, events, and revitalization efforts.
• Serves as the department's primary marketing and communications coordinator. Develops and implements marketing strategies; manages the department website, social media, newsletters, branding, photography, video, and promotional campaigns
• Works with the Economic Development Director and staff to initiate, develop, implement, and maintain programs that encourage business and industry to expand and/or retain their location within the city.
• Research grant funding opportunities and prepare grant funding submissions for economic development programs
• Coordinates projects and marketing strategies by working with city staff and community leaders, determining needs, analyzing trends, scheduling, and coordinating meetings, preparing and submitting reports, and developing solutions and strategies analysis; develops and maintains accurate and up-to-date databases, files, and records; assists in the development of information materials on available training services/career fairs.
• Performs various administrative support functions including answering phones, scheduling appointments, maintaining calendar, and responds to invitations; provides administrative backup to support the City Manager's office including phone and lunch coverage; and other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A combination of education to a bachelor's degree and/or supplemented three years equivalent experience in Communications / Marketing / Business Administration / Urban Planning / Economics / Public Administration or related fields and professional experience in Community Economic Development. Comprehensive knowledge of community and economic development programs and practices. Grant writing experience preferred. Basic knowledge of grants, membership, and participation in related professional organizations.

Thorough knowledge of and ability to use economic development techniques and methodologies; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public and business administration; thorough knowledge of and ability to use desk top publishing and other computer programs such as Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. General knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and guidelines pertinent to the economic development industry;

ability to solve problems within the scope of responsibility; ability to prepare clear and comprehensive administrative reports; ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the tourism industry representatives, the general public, City employees and other agencies. General knowledge of social media marketing such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Ability to work with minimal supervision.