Economic Development Specialist

Economic Development Specialist role at Sumter County Economic Development

Advanced specialized work providing support to the Economic Development Director. Provides administrative and technical support in the administration of all activities of Economic Development, including business retention and expansion, business recruitment, property development/redevelopment, and affordable housing.

• Assist in the preparation of regular status reports for the County Administrator regarding economic development activities and opportunities.
• Monitor the progress of economic development programs and local economic indicators.
• Support the Economic Development Director in recruiting and retaining targeted industry in Sumter County.
• Maintain the site inventory database for all industrial and other designated property.
• Prepare and submit regular informative communications with existing targeted industries per the direction of the Economic Development Director.
• Conduct regular site visits to county businesses and targeted industries to monitor business needs per the direction of the Economic Development Director.
• Gather statistics, reports, and exhibits; research and analyze data; make presentations and recommendations to the Economic Development Director.
• Maintain the content of the websites for Economic Development, tourism, and the Industrial Development Authority.
• Serve as the backup to the Housing Coordinator.
• Assist the Economic Development Director with short- and long-range strategic and marketing plans.
• Respond to or perform recovery duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor in case of an emergency or crisis situation.
• Maintain regular physical attendance during normal work hours at one of the county’s offices or facilities, with the ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

• Knowledge of economic development functions and organization.
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge and experience with comprehensive planning and land development regulations, policies, rules, and statutes.
• Skill in typing, filing, and records research techniques.
• Skill in the use of computers and various office equipment.
• Ability to acquire sufficient knowledge of the processing of applications for development approval and permitting and of development inspections.
• Ability to read site plans and legal descriptions, to use a variety of maps and map scales, interpret map data, and convey that information to the public.
• Ability to read and prepare a variety of forms and documents using the proper format.
• Ability to understand and follow complex policies, laws, and directives.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with government officials, division directors, department heads, employees, business professionals, and the general public.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to follow through on designated tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to multi-task within an environment of shifting priorities and deadlines.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years’ experience in a progressively responsible position in economic development, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.

• Valid Florida Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record.
• Must possess or obtain the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications within six (6) months of employment.

• Acceptable vision (with or without correction).
• Acceptable hearing (with or without correction).
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to access file cabinets for filing and retrieval of data.
• Ability to communicate using speech, hearing, and vision skills.
• Ability to enter data into a computer.

• Works inside in an office environment.
• Works outside for field inspections and site visits…