GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This professional position responsible for leading the efforts of local business retention and expansion as well as international business development and recruitment in Highlands County.  This position is expected to build strong relationships with the community, numerous public agencies, and private enterprises in order to facilitate economic development initiatives that will enhance Highlands County's economic base.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The following statements describe the principal functions of the job and its scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

• Promotes economic development for the County.
• Assembles and oversee the annual budget.
• Identifies and solicits interest of targeted businesses best suited to locate or expand a facility in Highlands County.
• Assists in marketing and leveraging Highlands County assets to entice prospective businesses to locate in Highlands County.
• Conducts economic development project management; determines and analyzes location criteria for business prospects; responds to information requests; partners with local and regional economic development organizations; prepares formal presentations for business prospects; plans, coordinates, and guides company representatives on site and community tours.
• Solves complex issues in a creative and collaborative manner, effectively leverages interdepartmental and external partners to serve prospects, consultants, and previously satisfied clients.
• Research business climate issues and conducts analysis for project proposals affecting the targeted industries.
• Develops and maintains relevant relationships with local and regional economic development agencies, workforce and labor, stakeholders, and other key government agencies.
• Maintains and develops data on sector specific businesses, growth and opportunities, while directing long and short-term planning and other studies and reports. Performs contract and grant management. 
• Analyzes economic information such as reviewing financial statements, marketing studies, economic studies, plans and specifications.
• Assists in the recruitment of new businesses.
• Works with local existing businesses to develop innovative ideas that will assist in business retention and expansion.
• Research, identifies, and implements grant opportunities that support economic and business development initiative.
• Responds to requests for information for economic and business development opportunities.
• Works with County staff to produce and provide all necessary data and maps needed to support economic and business development initiatives within the County.
• Assists in preparing the quarterly newsletter outlining the on-going economic development and business activities, successes, and future plans and goals of the organization.
• Completes employee performance evaluations, disciplinary, administrative, and personnel documentation as needed.
• Follows consistently the Boards policies and procedures.
• Maintains a professional and safe unit and work area adhering to established safety policies and the image desire for the organization.
• Responds productively to change and performs all other tasks as directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Understanding and experience of economic development.
• Must have high level of integrity, enthusiasm, and professional dedication.
• Have an excellent sense of judgment related to sensitive and confidential information.
• Must have relationship and consensus building skills.
• Research skills and interpreting data.
• Professional work attire during normal business hours. Additional appropriate attire may be required on special occasions and/or Board meetings.
• Ability to communicate information effectively in written and verbal from.
• Ability to publicly speak and present information clearly and effectively to multiple groups, agencies and entities.
• Ability to understand and follow policies, procedures, practices and laws.
• Ability to multi-task within a working environment that may have shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in use of computers and software, such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge and understanding of computer software, such as Publisher, Photo Shop Adobe Professional, GIS, Website management, etc. is not required, but is a plus. 
• Working knowledge and experience with economic development research tools such as U.S. Census, Chmura, GIS Planning, etc. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, supervisors, directors, elected officials, vendors and the general public.

PHYSICAL SKILLS:

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time.  Must be able to frequently position self to reach files and other office items located on low shelves or the floor.  Must be able to inspect and assess daily email and postal mail correspondence. Frequently communicates with the business, public, vendors, and co-workers.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.  Frequently operates various types of office equipment to include but not limited to a computer and copy machine.  Occasionally ascends/descends stairs.  Rarely moves materials and office equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.  Constantly works in an indoor environment.  Rarely works in inclement outdoor weather conditions. Rarely operates motor vehicle for up to four (4) hours continuously or intermittently.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing or a related field of study and a minimum of two (2) years of related professional experience; or Bachelor's degree in fields noted above and a minimum of three (3) years of related professional experience; or an Associate's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field of study and five (5) years of related professional experience.   Master's degree preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License.
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification is preferred.

OTHER JOB-RELATED REQUIREMENTS:

Disaster Essential. 

THE HIGHLANDS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Does not Discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, religious belief, color, national origin, disability/handicap, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics or any other legally protected group/class. We are proud to be a drug free workplace. Screening tests for illegal drug use may be required as a condition of employment