Job Description
Job Title: Economic Development Planner
Reports To: Assigned Director
FLSA Job Status: Exempt
Classification: Full-time
Job Summary. The Economic Development (ED) Planner is responsible for economic development and data and analytics services. The ED Planner serves as the subject matter expert in regional data, analytics, and visualization to drive regional strategies, growth, and decision-making.
Illustrative Essential Job Functions. The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position. The list is not exhaustive or restrictive, and other duties may be assigned.
Economic Development Planning
· Facilitates the development of economic and community development studies for the region, including targeted industry cluster analysis, labor shed studies, and business outlook reports.
· Conducts the development of economic development sections of comprehensive plans for county and municipal partners.
· Facilitates the maintenance of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), including tracking progress of projects within the plan, interacting with stakeholders, providing narrative and data updates, and associated tasks.
· Performs duties to support the CEDS Steering Committee
· Maintains a working knowledge of local and state incentives, taxes, permitting processes, and other topics pertaining to regional economic development.
· Utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze, produce reports, and visually display regional economic, demographic, and infrastructure data for partners.
Economic Data & Research
· Searches for, accumulates, and formats data for analysis and visualization.
· Develops and maintains the organization’s key economic and demographic datasets, and researches and identifies additional datasets to be tracked.
· Synthesizes research into narrative for grant applications, planning documents, and government reports.
· Gathers, analyzes, and reports data to internal and external partners and the public.
· Prepares data visualizations such as graphs, charts, and other visual communication tools.
· Maintains data-tracking system to assist with partner agency requests.
· Implements quantitative and qualitative economic research methodology.
· Conducts research projects and data gathering, including developing scorecard and dashboard.
· Researches, collects, compiles, records, and summarizes technical data.
General
· Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with local units of government, community organizations, and other agencies
· Attends meetings, events, and other engagements representing RPC, including occasional evenings and weekends.
· Contributes to subject-matter related grant narratives including, but not limited to, responses to federal and state funding opportunities
· Provides timely, routine reports of satisfactory progress toward goals and objectives
· Maintains reasonable and predictable attendance.
· Performs other duties as assigned
Supervision Received. Work is performed in consultation, coordination and under the general supervision of the assigned Director.
Supervisory Responsibilities. May supervise staff members and lead project teams as assigned.
Success Factors. To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:
· Knowledge of the theory, principles, and techniques of economic development, including regional economic development planning.
· Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
· Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various clients, officials, staff, and citizens.
· Superior writing skills, including the editing, oversight, or preparation of technical reports.
· Proficiency in economic and demographic research skills, including extensive familiarity of data sources.
· Superior computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office Suite (especially Excel) and the ability to learn and implement new applications.
· Proficiency in data visualization programs desired but not essential.
· Ability to understand and perform in high-profile, sensitive, or controversial situations.
· Ability to problem-solve, develop plans, and follow-through, including prioritizing responsibilities and meeting deadlines.
· Work collaboratively with others to ensure the success and achievement of team members in the fulfillment of RPC and project or program priorities.
· Adapt as the organization develops and evolves.
· Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.
· Maintain a professional office setting through cleanliness, organization, and demeanor.
· Meet productivity standards.
Education, Training, Experience. Graduation from an accredited institution with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Community Development, or related field, and 1-3 years of relevant experience. A satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be considered.
Licenses & Certifications.
· Annual completion of Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act training
· Valid driver’s license, with insured personal vehicle for business use
Necessary Special Requirements
· Drug screening and background check
Job Specific Skills.
· Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
· Ability to prepare and present reports and presentations
· Skill in the use and care of a personal computer, including knowledge of MS Office Suite and other software and technologies as adopted
Necessary Special Requirements
- Drug screening and background check
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Work setting:
Ability to Relocate:
- Rockford, IL: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person