Independent Contractor - Economic Development Specialist 

Organization: Buda Economic Development Corporation

How to Apply: Please email a resume and cover letter/proposal to info@budaedc.com

Notes:

  • 1-year contract (1099) position

  • Must provide computer, internet, phone

SUMMARY: The Economic Development Specialist performs various professional and technical duties involving research, design, implementation, and monitoring of economic development programs. The Economic Development Specialist is responsible for providing support to the Business Retention and Recruitment teams through, but not limited to, completing comprehensive research work on various businesses, properties, and markets, developing detailed response packages to requests for proposals or leads, coordinating and implementing projects and programs that support commercial, office, retail, and light industrial development; business attraction; business retention; small entrepreneurial business development initiatives; and other economic development, and redevelopment improvement programs or projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Conduct economic development project analysis, recommend terms of incentives, and coordinate incentive approval process. 

  • Generate queries in databases and research lists of existing and prospective businesses for attraction, retention efforts, and lead generation, maintaining detailed site and building information.

  • Support programs to encourage the attraction and expansion of new and existing employers to the community. 

  • Implement the recruitment strategy by creating tailored templates, responses, and marketing documents with the Marketing Communications Manager.

  • Analyze real estate development projects and financial gaps, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and make recommendations to EDC leadership to include incentive and project financing structure.

  • Identify local, regional, and national site consultants, corporate real estate executives, and brokers to help EDC team build relationships and network.

  • Assists with implementation and compliance of economic development programs such as special districts, economic incentives, enterprise zones, and existing development agreements. 

  • Responsible for tracking and maintaining databases to ensure compliance with agreements. 

  • Monitors progress of goals and objectives as outlined in the strategic plan utilizing performance metrics and regular reporting to assess and communicate outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience:

  • Two years of experience are required with an economic development organization/department.

  • Experience in financial analysis, recruitment, project management, database management, and economic development tools and programs.  

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • A bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, finance, data science, or a related field is preferred.

  • At least 4 years of related work experience in economic development, real estate development, site selection, finance, sales/marketing, or any combination of these fields is required.

Required License and Certifications:

  • Basic Economic Development Course 

  • IEDC Business Retention and Expansion Course 

  • IEDC Attraction Course 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Skilled in developing detailed response packages to requests for proposals or leads, coordinating and implementing projects and programs supporting retention and attraction/recruitment functions. 

  • Knowledge of regulations and procedures concerning economic development, as well as statistics and mathematics applicable to economic analysis.

  • Knowledge of small business finance options.

  • Knowledge of methods and sources used in analyzing local economic trends and industry trends.

  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and other resources for economic development and business assistance.

  • Knowledge of local land use development practices, zoning, and policies, including a thorough knowledge of state and federal economic development programs.

  • Ability to organize work, set priorities, and exercise sound, independent judgment in accordance with BEDC policy and established guidelines.

  • Ability to creatively solve problems and to establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude.

  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

  • Skilled in public and interpersonal relations in groups or one-to-one situations.

  • Essential computer and office equipment operation; Microsoft Office Suite of Programs; Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook; SharePoint

  • Knowledge of various City policies and procedures that impact individual businesses, including the permit and license system, zoning regulations, provision of municipal services such as Police and Fire, etc.

  • Exceptional organizational skills- including managing workflow and juggling priorities.

  • Ability to respond rapidly to reasonable requests for business assistance through coordinating and packaging various BEDC programs and resources.

  • Working knowledge of industrial, demographic, infrastructure, government, and quality of life issues related to business decisions for expansion.

  • Demonstrated knowledge/experience of the resources and tools for identifying and compiling high-quality information, research, and analysis regarding variables or issues related to business decision-making.

  • Good time management skills with a flexible attitude and ability to handle multiple projects with short deadlines.

  • Ability to exercise initiative to create solutions to problems.

  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.