Economic Development Officer Job at Town of Fort Frances

Town of Fort Frances Fort Frances, ON

$74,880–$90,459 a year

To learn more about this opportunity and how to apply visit our website at: https://fortfrances.ca/town/human-resources/employment-opportunities.

Position Summary

  • Provide professional leadership and direction with respect to the planning and implementation of economic & land development strategies in support of the goals established by the Town of Fort Frances. This will include the promotion, growth, and development of the municipality’s economic base through retention expansion of existing businesses, and business attraction activities to support business investment.

Direction Received

  • The incumbent reports to the CAO and is responsible for discharging the duties of the position with minimal supervision.
  • The incumbent is responsible for adhering to procedures as directed by the regulations.

Direction of Others

  • This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Revenue, Asset and Expenditure Scope

  • The incumbent is responsible for preparing and overseeing the Division’s annual capital and operating budget and the preparation of the Division’s long-term Capital Programs.

General Responsibilities

  • Provide all necessary reports and advice to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer, and other Division Heads on matters impacting services provided by the Division.
  • Maintain positive and productive relationships with the Rainy River Future Development Corporation, Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, Fort Frances BIA, and other organizations, particularly with respect to those matters directly impacting economic development and related activities in the Town of Fort Frances.
  • Liaise with other government agencies regarding the delivery of economic development services.
  • Prepare and assist in the preparation of agreements, documents, and contracts, including obtaining comments from other Divisions within the municipal operation on the content of such documents.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Economic & Community Development

  • Prepare and administer economic development programs and policies to attract and maximize new business and residential opportunities in the community in conjunction with other municipal and provincial strategies and policies.
  • Develop and manage a comprehensive Economic Growth strategy for the Town and lead strategic marketing initiatives and activities to foster economic growth.
  • Establish and maintain an up-to-date information database, including confidential, demographic and market research materials, in electronic and hardcopy formats.
  • Market and promote the Town within and outside the district through trade shows, promotional literature, press releases, the Town website, social media, etc.
  • Provide current information to new prospective businesses seeking materials and data about the Town while confidentially and expeditiously responding to site selection requests in a thorough and complete manner.
  • Work with Operations and Facilities Engineering Staff and the Chief Building Official/Municipal Planner on development site selection to coordinate the servicing, Building, and Planning aspects of new development.
  • Remain abreast of government policy and broad policy environment and the interplay between social and other policy arenas.
  • On behalf of the municipality, build and maintain open communication with funding partners. Including but not limited to: Infrastructure Canada, FedNor, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Government of Ontario, Canadian Heritage, The Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
  • Identify and manage funding opportunities by working with internal divisions and community groups.
  • Work with community groups to build capacity and ensure sustainability.
  • Develop and manage town Community Funding Programs (i.e., Small Community Grants, Bursary Program, Community Improvement Plan Grants, and all other funding programs as announced and finalized by Council).
  • Seek out and apply for grants that support The Town of Fort Frances and strategic initiatives in the area of Economic Development.
  • Promote the community to expand economic development opportunities.
  • Respond to information requests from developers, site selectors, realtors, and the business community with respect to development issues and processes, including all data not determined to be confidential through provincial legislation or municipal by-laws.
  • Participate as a key stakeholder in regional economic development and ensure that the corporate perspective for the Town is effectively advanced and strengthened.
  • Prepare monthly and annual economic development activity reports for presentation to Council and the Economic Development Executive Committee. Attend Council, Planning and Development Executive Committee, and Economic Development Executive Committee meetings, as appropriate, to share information, develop ideas, and respond to questions.
  • Provide a variety of support services designed to assist new or expanding businesses to be successful, including research, business plan development, and coaching/mentoring.
  • Act as an advocate for business investment by providing assistance and delivering appropriate solutions for any barriers to growth or development.
  • Conduct periodic research into community needs and economic development opportunities.
  • Maintain detailed economic, demographic and infrastructure (land and buildings) records to support the information needs of prospective business initiatives.
  • Serve as a catalyst for business development and economic diversification by providing information and assistance on site selection, zoning, permits, variations, development charges, taxes, economic climate, demographics, labor force, town policies, by-laws, restrictions, fees, and development related agreements.
  • Develop a network of community resources able to respond to project development initiatives.
  • Maintain a detailed record of the capability for all such resources.
  • Maintain current knowledge of all funding programs available to support economic development initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain a broad awareness of global business and economic trends or cycles and draw upon that information to anticipate opportunities and target economic development strategies for the Town.
  • Develop and produce promotional materials, including multimedia tools, print and electronic advertising campaigns, publications, promotional items, information packages, and other resource materials to promote the Town to outside interests.
  • Attend trade shows/conferences as deemed appropriate by the CAO.

Education and Qualifications:

  • Four-year post-secondary education from a recognized institution in Economic Development, Business Administration, Commerce, Urban Planning or equivalent education and experience in a related field.
  • Three (3) years’ relevant experience.
  • Practical knowledge and experience in financial management, marketing, sales, and business development.
  • Excellent communication skills in a variety of methods, including oral presentations, report writing, preparation of technical analyses and briefing papers.
  • Solid research skills and ability to analyze and present data and information to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Ability to use excellent judgment in respecting confidentiality.
  • Ability to identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs of prospects.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in economic development is desirable.
  • Economic Development Certification (Ec.D) or working toward certification
  • Membership in the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) and/or Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC)
  • Knowledge of Municipal governance.

Effort

  • Frequent demands for concentration for short to moderate periods of time.
  • Frequent interruptions from colleagues, contractors, and the public.

Working Conditions

  • The incumbent works eight (8) hours per day, 40 hours per week, during regular business hours.
  • Working hours may be adjusted on an irregular and temporary basis.
  • This position requires the incumbent to attend meetings beyond the normal business hours and/or overtime as required by the CAO or in the case of an emergency situation.
  • This position can involve a high level of stress due to the commitment necessary to provide the required level of performance.

Conditions of Employment

  • Must possess a valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License (or equivalent).
  • Must provide a satisfactory criminal background check and vulnerable sector

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $74,880.00-$90,459.20 per year

Benefits:

  • Dental care
  • Employee assistance program
  • Extended health care

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Fort Frances, ON P9A 3P9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-05-20




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