Description:
Lacombe County, a municipality with a vibrant and diverse economic base, has an opportunity for an Economic Development Officer (EDO) to implement the County’s Economic Development Strategy.
Collaborating with team members and Council, this position is responsible for proactively engaging with the business community (existing and prospective businesses) with a focus on promoting sustainable development and growth in the area.
Reporting to the Director of Planning Services, the EDO is responsible for implementing the economic/growth strategies, marketing plans and projects to support the County’s economic development priorities and initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- As the economic development subject matter expert, and in collaboration with other County departments, execute the identified economic development strategies and priorities to attract new business investment, and retain and grow existing business.
- Establish, foster and maintain positive relationships with partner agencies (i.e. the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce), stakeholders (i.e. developers, investors, real estate agents, etc.) and other levels of government to broaden awareness of investment opportunities in the County.
- Provide advice and support for regional economic development groups by monitoring economic development and trends in the County and area.
- Conduct surveys, analyze data, and develop social and economic profiles on economic, demographic and other trends and forecasts.
- Respond to requests for information regarding business and economic development.
- Collaborate with team members to develop effective marketing and promotional tools for business development, events, trade shows, presentations and other economic development initiatives.
- Develop policies and administer programs to promote industrial and commercial business investment.
Key Qualifications
- Completion of a University degree in the areas of Economic Development, Rural Planning, Marketing, Communications and/or Business Administration, or a relevant field, plus five+ years of direct economic development experience. Experience in both private enterprise and a municipal setting is preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of economic development, marketing, land development and business sustainability. Knowledge in various sectors (oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, etc.) is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain positive and effective working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders in an open and ethical environment.
- Ability to maintain active membership in the Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) organization.
- Proven competency with Microsoft applications, desktop publishing, social media and website design. Must have a good understanding of various marketing tools available to develop and promote marketing campaigns for business development.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills with the ability to make compelling presentations.
Required Competencies
- You need to be a proven relationship builder. This position works with industry business leaders in various sectors including agriculture, energy, tourism, construction, etc. to promote the County’s Economic Development Strategy. You need to enjoy engaging with, speaking to, and fostering positive relationships with partners, stakeholders and other levels of government.
- You need to be a strategic planner. Can you analyze economic data and market trends? Do you have the ability to identify potential opportunities and challenges to economic development?
- You need to have passion about enhancing our community.