Description:
investments to the community.
The Economic Development Officer will:
- Identify, develop and implement economic development strategies, programs and projects designed
to attract business and new residents to the community and promote Kenora as a destination,
lifestyle community.
- Coordinate and facilitate the development of short and long range economic development plans that
align with the five year Tourism and Economic Development Strategy.
- Represent the City at meetings with external stakeholders, developers, partners and organizations,
and raise awareness of the City’s economic development growth plans in order to encourage public
and private sector investment.
- Identify growth sectors and ambassadors/spokespeople within the business community to help
promote these sectors.
- Consolidate objectives and action plans into recommendations with supporting analysis to secure
approval from Council.
- Establish targets, develop measurements, track and analyze results, and provide progress reports.
- Work with the Manager of the North West Business Centre to promote the Centre as a ‘first stop’ for
businesses, providing advice, connections, funding information and land/space details.
- Monitor market trends, conduct research and collect competitive information to identify opportunities
and key issues.
- Seek out, apply for and manage grants and sponsorships to help fund initiatives and special
projects.
- Identify, develop, liaise with, and maintain partnerships with entrepreneurs, developers, investors
and funders essential to delivering economic development initiatives.
- Make public presentations to key business groups, investors and other community groups.
- Other related duties and special projects as required.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Commerce or Political Science required.
Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered in lieu of education.
- A minimum of four (4) years of economic development, business attraction and retention, public
relations, and marketing experience.
- Certified Economic Developer (Ec.D.) designation an asset.
- A valid “G” Class Driver’s License with an acceptable Driver’s Abstract is required. This position may
be required to operate a municipal vehicle for business purposes
- Knowledge of applicable legislation or regulations affecting municipal development activities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of economic development fundamentals, investment attraction, site
selection, business retention, and workforce development.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in computer programs and applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to deal with sensitive or confidential matters with tact, discretion, and diplomacy.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with
team members, stakeholders, external parties, and the general public.
- Ability to balance multiple projects and priorities to bring projects to completion using sound
judgment, initiative, and creativity in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment with minimal
supervision.