Economic Development Program Manager bei City of Blue Springs

Are you interested in starting your career in community and economic development? This opportunity allows you to gain hands-on experience in a growing suburban community that is part of a thriving major metropolitan area. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals on projects that enhance the City’s economic vitality and quality of life. As part of the City Development team, you’ll be part of a collaborative environment dedicated to supporting high-quality development across the City of Blue Springs.

• Assist with the coordination and support of the City’s economic development initiatives, including business outreach, workforce development programming, and community projects. 
• Conduct research, collect data, and prepare reports on market trends, business recruitment, and program performance. 
• This position also provides staff support to the Economic Development Council (EDC) and other boards and committees as needed. 
• This role also assists with meeting organization, event coordination, and outreach efforts to promote investment in Blue Springs and support business engagement.

The positions requires a motivated and detailed-oriented professional with a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn. Ability to work on a fast-paced team environment and enthusiasm to contribute to impactful projects. Candidates should bring strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

An interest in economic development, planning, public administration, and business development is required. Other requirements include: 

A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent work experience) in business, urban planning, economics, real estate, public administration or a related field. customer service mindset and commitment to representing the City in a professional and enthusiastic manner is critical for success in this role.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: This position provides an exciting opportunity to someone looking to grow professionally while supporting the development of Blue Springs. This position supports the City’s economic development initiatives by assisting with research, outreach, and program activities that attract investment, business growth and workforce opportunities to Blue Springs. This role provides hands-on experience across a wide range of development projects and initiatives, and works closely with city staff, local businesses, and community partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist with development leads and prospects from start to finish.
2. Assist with business retention and expansion (BRE) activities, including outreach, site visits, and preparing marketing and promotional materials.
3. Perform target industry analysis to identify select industry sectors and subsectors best suited for growth and attraction in the City.
4. Conduct basic research and data collection on local market trends, available sites and buildings, and workforce information.
5. Assist with the creation of real estate inventory to be able to identify commercial space availability and sites within the city suited for targeted development.
6. Support coordination of meetings, workshops, and events for Economic Development Council and other stakeholders; including preparing agendas, annual reports, presentations, and follow up materials.
7. Help maintain databases of available properties, business contacts, and project activities.
8. Draft reports, summaries, and communications for internal and external audiences.
9. Provide support for special projects, including community surveys, business assistance programs, and economic development initiatives.
10. Assists with the preparation and coordination of proposals and responses to Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Proposals (RFP), and other requests; will help facilitate site tours and provide additional information and materials as needed.
11. Represent the City in a professional and positive manner at community events, meetings, and networking opportunities.
12. Assist in identifying grant opportunities and support preparation of basic application materials.
13. Coordinates with internal departments and/or consultants to develop marketing and public relations efforts related to economic development; maintains a database of related information; maintains cooperative marketing efforts with a variety of local, state and federal agencies and educational institutions.
14. Communicate and coordinate with local, regional, and state economic development programs and agencies.
15. Support collaboration with other City departments to advance development goals.
16. Continue to expand current knowledge of industry, regulatory, and legislative developments affecting local economic development initiatives, services, and functions.

The above duties and responsibilities include those tasks, physical and mental requirements, visual requirement, unique physical surroundings and mental/cognitive abilities required to perform the essential elements of the position.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Special License(s)/Certifications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited four-year university in business, urban planning, economics, real estate, public administration or related field.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience
• Minimum of one to two years of progressive professional economic development, real estate, economics, planning, or other experience.

Skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research and present findings clearly.
• Strong organizational skill, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, GIS or data analysis skills are a plus
• Customer Service and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive business, financial or City information.

Mental Requirements
• Ability to learn and apply City policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a willingness to engage with business and community stakeholders.

Physical Requirements
Must be able to:
• sit for prolonged periods
• listen to normal conversation
• walk occasionally, and use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• reach with hands and arms
• have vision sufficient to see close up and have the ability to adjust focus
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and transport it 20 feet


The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.