ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST III                             08420

                                                                                                                                                                                                               (Competitive)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This position performs difficult and complex duties in the administration of federal, state and locally funded economic development programs.  The work involves responsibility for developing communication and promotional programs and packages to encourage business investment in Onondaga County, and managing business retention or expansion projects.  This position works under the general supervision of the Director of Economic Development with wide leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in all phases of the 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.  This position is responsible for providing administrative support to economic development organizations.  Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Devises and manages, prepares, offers and implements competitive economic development incentive packages to businesses. 

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

Determines feasibility and potential value of proposed development opportunities and makes recommendations regarding economic development options.

Manages promotional and communication programs on economic development opportunities, packages and incentives.

Collaborates with local real estate professionals to locate developable sites and buildings.

Collaborates with fiscal professionals to identify and secure funding for business development.

Develops and maintains working relationships with local, state and federal government officials, governmental or legislative representatives, and business developers.

Prepares or assists in the preparation of reports.

Attends conferences, meetings or hearings 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 computer applications for office operations, including word processing and spreadsheets.

Negotiating skills.

Critical thinking skills.

Ability to deal effectively with the public and private economic development organizations and with real estate, legal, government, legislative and planning professionals.

Ability to establish and maintain constructive and cooperative relationships with others.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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 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, or;

B.  Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's degree in economics, accounting, business administration, public administration, planning, or a closely related field and six (6) 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,

C.   Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's degree and seven (7) 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 Senior Economic Development Specialist or Economic Development Specialist II.

Revised  05/2021