ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST II 08410

(Competitive)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for project management in specific program categories related to the field of Economic Development, such as brownfield development, technology finance, target industry attraction energy efficiency/renewable energy, small business development or agribusiness support. An employee in this class maintains contact with business and industrial representatives to explain detailed information pertaining to economic development programs and location availability.. The functions also include, but are not limited to, program planning, reporting and program evaluation, participating in the identification of sources of grant monies, and administration of successful grant requests The incumbent works under general supervision of the Director of Economic Development, but has wide leeway for the use of independent judgment in performance of all phases of work. Certain assignments made to an employee in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet fieldwork requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner. Performs related duties as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Develops, implements and manages promotional and communication programs on economic development opportunities, packages and incentives.

Manages grant and service contracts for office programs.

Coordinates municipal relations with towns and villages.

Works with local real estate community to maintain a current inventory of available sites and buildings.

Meets with existing business and new business prospects to define retention/expansion opportunities and review support opportunities.

Manages development projects and the team responses to project implementation.

Performs direct marketing/outreach efforts to Onondaga County businesses.

Collaborates with planning professionals to resolve land use/site development issues

Plans, organizes and implements programs to encourage business and industry to locate within Onondaga County.

Prepares, or assists in preparation of reports.

Attends conferences as needed.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of economic development procedures and programs related to local government and business.

Thorough knowledge of enabling and funding legislation, government and legislative processes, current problems and professional literature in the field.

Thorough knowledge of techniques used to gather data for statistical analysis, reports and/or discussion.

Good knowledge of business and finance principles and strategies that promote economic development potential.

Good knowledge of personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

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Good knowledge of grant sources and programs available.

Skill in grant research, application preparation and grant administration.

Negotiating skills.

Critical thinking skills.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to deal effectively with the public, economic development organizations and the business community.

Ability to utilize, advise on, and/or recommend all available federal, state and local government economic development programs or other business incentive programs to help recruit, retain or initiate business development and/or stability.

Ability to prepare reports and make oral presentations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a master’s degree in economics, accounting, business administration, public administration, planning, or a closely related field and two (2) years of professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in economics (business trends; status of business and industry and growth potential; labor supply and demand and wages and income impact of taxation), public or private sector finance, marketing/public relations, research, accounting, economic development, or law, or;

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regent to grant degrees with a baccalaureate degree in economics, accounting, business administration, public administration, planning, or a closely related field and four (4) years of professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in economics (business trends; status of business and industry and growth potential; labor supply and demand and wages and income impact of taxation), public or private sector finance, marketing/public relations, research, accounting, economic development, or law.

Promotion

Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Economic Development Specialist I.

Date of Original Composition: 12/2014