Economic Development Officer
Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Economic Development Officer (“EDO”) is the key person for economic development activities for the Town of Slave Lake (“The Town”). The Town is committed to telling the story of Slave Lake, a strong and proud community, to support our existing businesses, and to attract investors, residents, and visitors who will help our community grow and prosper.
The EDO will be responsible for developing and implementing the Town’s Economic Development Plan as well as hiring and overseeing third party resources as required. This person will collaborate with key stakeholders including local Indigenous groups, regional associations, educational institutions, the Slave Lake Region Tourism Society, municipalities, and other economic development partner organizations. The EDO will also meet with businesses, both locally and external to the region, to develop relationships and to ensure the Town is known as a place for business and industry to grow.
Key Responsibilities Include:
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING
- Develop and implement an Economic Development plan for the Town.
- Develop and implement business attraction and retention strategies for the Town.
- Meet with business and industry to ensure that they are aware that the Town provides excellent opportunities for growth.
- Act as a representative of the Town and region when engaging with the business community, prospective investors, the public, and other stakeholders.
- Work with regional and community organizations on joint marketing initiatives.
- Update marketing materials as needed, such as the community profile, economic profile, resident welcome package, business welcome package, and new resident welcome package.
- Develop new initiatives and projects to further economic, tourism, and community development goals.
- Conduct familiarization tours with investors and business leaders to showcase the region’s competitive advantage.
- Update regional land-use maps with available parcels for development and keep abreast of new buildings and developments in commercial, industrial, and medium-high residential zonings.
- Continually update the regional inventory of assets.
- Ensure up-to-date and accurate data on housing trends, costs, and rental vacancy rates.
- Continually update the Town’s website and social media feeds with news articles, community and economic events, new initiatives, and projects relevant to economic development in the region.
JOINT PARTNERSHIPS
- Develop relationships and partnerships with the local business community, Indigenous groups, industry associations and organizations, and educational institutions, in achieving the established goals and objectives of the Town.
- Liaise with regional, provincial, federal, and other economic development officers and professional associations with respect to information sharing and collaboration.
- Attend meetings relevant to the region on economic development, business development and investment, tourism, and community issues.
- Create and implement strategic plans with community partners including a Tourism Strategic Plan and the Economic Growth Plan.
TOURISM
- Create and execute seasonal (Summer and Winter) marketing plans aimed at increasing visitation to the region.
- Work with both established and prospective tourism businesses and operators to strength the tourism offerings of the region.
- Work with the Slave Lake Region Tourism Society to strengthen relationship and partner on joint initiatives and grant opportunities.
- Conduct familiarization tours with various media outlets to showcase the region.
- Continually update the regional inventory of tourism assets.
- Supervise the seasonal operations of the Visitor Information Centre, including the supervision of seasonal staff.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Create and evaluate Requests for Proposals for various economic development projects.
- Manage projects relating to economic development.
ADMINISTRATION
- Benchmark and monitor all incoming inquiries and consultations for evaluation purposes.
- Compile information and statistics for use in business consultation.
- Prepare department budget for presentation and administration.
- Attend all Town Council meetings as required.
- Drafts reports and makes presentations to Mayor and Council and other groups when required.
- Proactively pursues grant funding opportunities.
Requirements:
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
- Ability to collaborate and lead diverse groups.
- Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to write detailed reports.
- Knowledge of formal and informal political processes and of government sponsored economic development initiatives and programs.
- Ability to keep track of information relevant to economic development and knowledge of finance, project evaluation, and marketing processes.
- Ability to complete successful grant applications.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and retain confidential information.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION
- A College or University degree or certification in Economics, Commerce, or Marketing and/or certification as a Professional Economic Developer (EcD).
- 5+ years of experience in economic development and/or combination of relevant industry experience such as tourism, marketing, etc.
- Experience working for/with municipal government.
- Budgetary, project management, staff supervision, stakeholder relations and engagement skills.
- Above average computer skills.
- Working knowledge of social media platforms.
- Ability to attend meetings outside of regular business hours.
- Excellent written/verbal communications and public relations skills.
- Possess a valid class 5 driver’s license and personal vehicle.
Please note:
The successful candidate will be required to provide a Criminal Records Check and Driver’s Abstract.
The Town of Slave Lake offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.
How to apply:
Send your cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources, Town of Slave Lake
10 Main Street S.W. P.O. Box 1030, Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A0
E-mail: hr@slavelake.ca
This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only candidates invited for interviews will be contacted.
Additional Job Information:
Posted Date: Jan 20, 2022
Closing Date: Aug 31, 2022