Economic Development Officer

Posted on: May 23, 2025
Posted by: Westlock County

Summary

The Economic Development Officer (EDO) reports directly to the General Manager of Planning and Community Services. The EDO is responsible for the facilitation, development, and implementation of the County’s Economic Development Strategy. This role promotes economic growth in Westlock County through the development and implementation of initiatives that are aligned with Council’s strategic plan including: investment readiness and businesses attraction strategies, and initiatives that will encourage expansion or sustainability of existing businesses and create an attractive community atmosphere that stimulates residential growth, including leveraging destination tourism development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the General Manager Planning & Community Services, the duties and responsibilities of the EDO include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Planning

  • Evaluate the County’s investment readiness and develop recommendations to improve the attractiveness of the County for investment.
  • Facilitate the development of Economic Development strategies, ensuring alignment with Council’s priorities. These strategies should address investment readiness, investment attraction, and business retention and expansion. Lead the implementation of the Economic Development strategies through the development of an annual work plan that identifies priorities, goals, timelines, and measurable deliverables, mitigating unforeseen liability for the County and leadership team
  • Provide bi-annual reports evaluating and summarizing progress on goals and objectives identified in Economic Development Strategy
  • Identify, research, and analyze data, local, regional, and national, that would assist in identifying economic impacts on the community
  • Implement and maintain systems required for effective collection & reporting of relevant economic data
  • Develop and maintain an inventory of business community contacts for analysis, networking, and partnership opportunities
  • Initiate, facilitate, review and award request for proposal (RFP) initiatives related to BR&E strategies and business development
  • Advocate, develop and implement policy that will foster and encourage growth and sustainability
  • Maintain an awareness of regional, provincial, and federal economic planning programs and activities

Administration

 Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Preparation of policy documents, Council reports, community reports, business development, brand marketing and promotional items & and development of tourism collateral material
  • Forecast and develop (short and long term) annual budget for economic development & tourism department; monitor expenditures, analyze costs, payment reporting/sign off and ensure expenditures are within annual authorized limits
  • Work collaboratively with other municipal departments as required to provide support, industry insight/expertise, gain input, undertake collaborative projects, or provide feedback, instilling a team environment
  • Maintain a deep understanding of concepts and process of municipal Bylaws (Land Use, Community Standards, etc.)
  • Assist in the facilitation of decisions on business development inquiries
  • Assist in the development of or modification of business or land related Bylaws

Business Retention and Attraction

  • Coordinate, liaise, and support local and external organizations, institutions, potential investors, developers, local businesses, First Nations, and other partners to advance the County’s economic interests
  • Support local businesses in developing capacity to respond to business growth and tourism opportunities in Westlock County
  • Lead inter- and intra-departmental approaches to promote and market Westlock County tourism
  • Develop industry sector relationships that would support existing and attract new industry development
  • Primary point of contact for business development inquiries and facilitate relationship between the County’s planning and development departments
  • Pursue high-end leads, identifying opportunities and prospects, relating to various industrial and commercial lands and buildings for sale or lease. Assist in the negotiation of land sales or leases to increase assessment base and facilitate job growth
  • Undertake lead role for special projects as assigned by the General Manager Planning & Community Development

Branding and Marketing

  • Ensure that economic development activities align with community branding efforts and marketing
  • Develop promotional strategies for both business development and regional tourism, building on brand for both short- and long-term growth
  • Create and deliver information to local business including; services, initiatives, and programs that enhance or stimulate business growth and sustainability
  • Collaborate with other inter-related departments through strategic marketing and branding initiatives

Community Engagement

  • Establish and maintain relationships with Industrial/Commercial/Investment realtors, landlords, developers, consultants, and contractors to secure business development
  • Take a lead role in external groups/organizations regarding investment meetings, seminars, and trade shows to promote Westlock County’s economic development
  • Develop concepts for presentation at local and regional meetings and events promoting Westlock County’s economic development initiatives
  • Represent and advocate the County by actively participating in regional and local working groups, committees, boards, and industry forums related to BR&E and investment across multiple regional sectors
  • Establish partnerships and collaborate with local and regional entities for the purpose of promoting Westlock County as a destination for business and tourism development
  • Initiate, facilitate, and attend community meetings for the purpose of education and information updates to the public at large, taking a lead role with conflict resolution when required
  • Consult with and maintain strong relationships with members of the public, staff at all levels, external organizations, members of Council and other departments to help achieve the goal of the team, division, and organization

Other Duties

  • Special projects as required
  • Ensure that Westlock County’s Health and Safety Program as well as Occupational Health and Safety’s standards are followed
  • Promotes a safe work environment/ ensuring compliance with all government regulations, Health & Safety policies and practices, Participation on the County’s Joint Health and Safety Committee as required

Requirements

Education

  • Accreditation as Ec.D. (Certified Economic Developer) from Economic Developers Association of Canada, OR CEDC (Certified Economic Developer) from International Development Council
  • A combination of experience and post-secondary education in marketing, business administration, or Certification from a recognized institute relating to economic development, project management, business development or commerce may be considered
  • Equivalencies and/or experience may be considered
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite

Knowledge

  • A strong knowledge of economic development theories and practices, business planning and business expansion strategies
  • Experience within a local government environment is considered and asset

Other

  • Valid Class 5 drivers’ license with an acceptable drivers’ abstract;
  • Criminal Records Check;

Skills/Abilities

  • Minimum of five (5) years of combined related experience with a demonstrated background in economic development, public relations, project management and/or business development
  • Ability to keep abreast of industry and regional trends and forecasting
  • Demonstrated experience in project management, business development, research, report writing, communication, problem solving
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and initiate projects from conceptualization to completion
  • Ability to develop and analyze business plans
  • Advanced skills in facilitation, negotiation, presentations, and public speaking
  • Ability to think and act strategically, foster positive partnerships, and facilitate the development of collaborative relationships both internally and externally
  • Ability to work independently as well as within a team-oriented environment
  • Excellent priority-setting, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines

Job Type

Full time, permanent

Employer Contact

No employer contact listed.

Salary Range

$94,971-$126,628

Closing Date

June 9, 2025
Posting ID: 32424