Economic Development Specialist – City of Westerville, Ohio

This position is being posted until filled. Applications are being reviewed as candidates apply. First round interviews anticipated at the beginning of April. 

Do you enjoy meaningful work? Do you enjoy meeting new people, taking on interesting challenges, and putting your curiosity to work? The Economic Development Specialist will assist the Economic Development Director in managing and advancing the City of Westerville’s economic development strategic plan. While the Economic Development Specialist will become fully immersed in all aspects of the City’s economic development efforts, the primary responsibility of this position is to engage Westerville businesses to remain and prosper in the community through a comprehensive business retention and expansion program. This position serves four objectives: (1) coordinate a proactive economic development outreach program to existing businesses, including businesses in the Westerville-Blendon Joint Economic Development Zone (JEDZ); 2) assist with the implementation of workforce development programming; 3) coordinate with Community Affairs on marketing materials and messaging to ensure a consistent and ongoing “voice” for the City’s economic development efforts; and 4) coordinate business retention and expansion efforts with Central Ohio’s regional economic development partners (One Columbus, JobsOhio, etc.).

SUPERVISION

Work is performed under the general direction of the Economic Development Director. The position provides professional support to the City Manager’s Office and City Council. Work performance is reviewed through performance appraisals, meetings, and conferences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK

(MAY NOT INCLUDE ALL DUTIES PERFORMED)

Coordinates outreach visits with local businesses to build relationships, understand the barriers facing business and industry, and collaborate on expansion opportunities.

Assists in the development and implementation of retention programs and/or other services that will support local businesses.

Proactively researches the City’s local business community and identifies business expansion opportunities.

Assists with developing marketing and promotional strategies and programs.

Assists in preparing reports on economic development and redevelopment activities for the City’s administration, advisory boards, and City Council.

Conducts ongoing, proactive outreach to recruit new businesses to the City of Westerville.

Cultivates relationships with industry professionals, commercial real estate broker, and other economic development partners.

Assists in the development and administration of financial incentive programs, including but not limited to the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) program; Tax Increment Financing District administration; Westerville Industry & Commerce Corporation (WICC) programs; and the Blendon Township JEDZ administration.

Coordinates with the WeConnect data center team to market the City’s fiber services for economic development purposes.

Coordinates with the Planning & Development Department on planning initiatives and projects in strategic focus areas including Uptown Westerville, Westar, and Brooksedge/South State Street.

Coordinates with the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director on policies and programs related to the recruitment, retention, and expansion of diverse businesses and workforce.

Makes presentations to community and business groups, as assigned.

Serves as a City liaison to citizen committees, non-profit organizations, special interest groups, and neighborhood groups concerning economic development matters.

Assists with the creation of Citywide development policies and serves on inter-departmental project teams.

Assists the Economic Development Director in representing the City on economic development boards and committees.

Coordinates local economic development efforts with various public and private organizations involved with local and regional economic development, including One Columbus and JobsOhio.

Assists with the implementation of a local workforce development program for new and existing Westerville businesses to access workforce tools, resources, and partners.

Develops and maintains a thorough knowledge of state/federal and private funding opportunities for business development.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses
Experience in public speaking, presentation and facilitation.
Google Workspace proficiency
Microsoft Office proficiency in Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

Degree Type/Program of Study Required/Preferred
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Economic Development, Public Policy, Finance, Marketing, City & Regional Planning, Journalism, or related field, OR three (3) years of relevant professional experience.

Certification State Required/Preferred
Valid Driver’s License Required

CLICK HERE for more information.

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATION COMPLETED AT:  http://www.westerville.org ARE ACCEPTED.

An Equal Opportunity Employer