Typical Duties and Responsibilities
1. Economic Development Planning and Program Delivery
- Help lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Town’s annual Economic Development Work Plan and budget, ensuring alignment with Council priorities, the Town’s Strategic Plan, and the Economic Development Strategy.
- Identify emerging economic opportunities, trends, and challenges and recommend appropriate actions and initiatives.
- Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for Administration, Council, and committees regarding economic development activities and outcomes.
2. Business Retention, Expansion, and Investment Attraction
- Develop and implement programs and initiatives that support local business retention and expansion.
- Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, developers, and industry stakeholders.
- Promote Ponoka’s competitive advantages and pursue targeted business attraction and investment opportunities.
- Respond to business inquiries and facilitate connections to relevant resources, funding programs, and municipal services.
3. Partnerships, Regional Collaboration, and Community Development
- Collaborate with Town departments, regional partners, community organizations, educational institutions, and industry groups to advance economic development objectives.
- Participate in regional economic development initiatives and partnership opportunities.
- Assist with tourism development, workforce attraction, and community enhancement initiatives.
4. Marketing, Communications, and Business Intelligence
- Assist in the development and implementation of marketing and promotional materials that support business attraction, investment, tourism, and economic growth objectives.
- Maintain and enhance economic development content and data on the Town website and related platforms.
- Collect, analyze, and report economic, demographic, and business data to support decision-making and investment attraction efforts.
- Represent the Town at trade shows, conferences, and industry events as required.
5. Program Administration and Regulatory Compliance
- Administer the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Rural Entrepreneur Stream on behalf of the Town of Ponoka.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, policies, procedures, and program requirements.
- Assist in the review and updating of Town policies related to economic development activities.
- Adhere to all responsibilities under the Town’s Health and Safety Program.
- Attend Council, committee, and Town-related meetings and events as required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
