Marion County Looking for Economic Development Specialist at Independence, OR, USA Full Time

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Perform complex management analysis and coordination activities that have department or countywide scope and impact with significant community involvement, including program research and development, forming and chairing special task forces and committees involving the county and members of the community, and coordinating and administering a variety of special programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general direction of a department head or designee, with additional recommendations from teams, task forces and committees.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May provide leadership and direction to clerical or professional staff in relation to special projects or assignments.

Typical Duties – Duties include, but are not limited to the following

Economic Development Project Oversight
Facilitate, coordinate, and implement assigned department economic development (ED) projects. Work with the Economic Development Program Manager and other ED team members to develop and implement assigned projects and programs. Dedicate time to research and analyze ED concepts, best practices, and strategies that align with the county’s ED strategic plan; collaborate with partners in identifying existing strengths, gaps, needs, and opportunities to address issues. Provide leadership and coordination for launching, implementing, and sustaining of the ED program, assigned projects, and related activities. Assists with the ED program budget development as relating to assigned projects and work with the manager on needed adjustments. Build and maintain relationships and program communication with partners, including preparing professional-level public information materials, media releases, articles, notices, county forms, and other related documents. Prepare and deliver presentations and communication materials to the Board of Commissioners, as well as other internal and external groups of various size.

Grants Management
Seek, write, and manage external ED grant opportunities to leverage funds that support the advancement of the department’s ED strategic plan in consultation with subject matter experts; comply with department and county policies and procedures; and work with appropriate internal and external parties to ensure financial compliance procedures are in place, compliance with grant performance is achieved, and reporting requirements are met.
Develop and manage internal ED grant programs; oversee administrative process; prepare reports and correspondence related to projects; negotiate and monitor contracts; report to ED Manager on status of the projects; and present and coordinate presentations to ED stakeholders and the Board of Commissioners.
Utilize various software to apply tracking systems; develop contract timelines, monitor timeline to ensure compliance by all parties; review required paperwork to ensure inclusion of current information and required documentation; prepare paperwork in appropriate format for review.

Contracts Management
Generate scopes of work for assigned ED contracts and requests for proposals/information (RFP/RFI); research and resolve problems; assure compliance with county policies; collaborate with department Contract Specialist in the development of contracts, RFPs, and RFIs; maintain contract performance tracking systems.
Monitor outcomes and reports of the department programs; conducts on-site provider technical visits, as needed; troubleshoot potential problems; communicate with contractors and Director regarding deficiencies and improvements needed; maintain effective working relationships with staff from a variety of agencies, and the public.

Other Duties
Works with the department budget team to provide needed data and review the program’s budget as it relates to assigned projects / programs.
Supports community services department other programs as needed including Marion County Fair and general customer service; performs other duties as assigned.
Maintains punctual and regular attendance; establishes and maintains professional and effective working relationships with co-workers (team members), other agencies, the public and the Marion County Board of Commissioners; complies with all departmental and county policies and procedures; possesses skills to adequately communicate in both writing and verbally, ability to access and communicate information via the computer; and has the ability to work flexible hours including evenings & weekends as assigned. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements for the Position

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a current driver’s license in the applicant’s state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/.
• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• This assignment is represented by a union.
• This is a full-time exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.
• Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, days, with flexibility for evening or weekend meetings as needed by the department

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, and of the principles of sound organization and management; financial principles and practices in local government, and of budget preparation and administration techniques; organizational processes and design; principles and practices of statistical analysis and data collection.
Ability to research and analyze issues and procedures; prepare and present recommendations on complex issues, and to illustrate policy and fiscal impact of alternative decisions; prepare a budget and to evaluate budgetary requests; conduct and evaluate surveys and special studies; evaluate program or department operations and performance; establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public; lead and direct, and participate in training and evaluating personnel.
Skill in applying the principles and techniques involved in performing management improvement studies; coordinating and facilitating group process, and in communicating effectively in both oral and written form; making formal presentations before large groups; applying statistical techniques to research and administrative studies.

Marion County offers a generous benefits package to regular employees working 50% or more of the regularly scheduled work week and their eligible dependents. Temporary employees and part-time regular employees working less than 50% of the regularly scheduled work week are not eligible for benefits.

Most regular positions in this classification are represented by Marion County Employees Association (MCEA). For a summary of benefits, click here. For a complete and detailed overview of the MCEA benefits package, click here, and select MCEA Benefits from the left menu or Marion County Employees Association (MCEA) from the page links. Regular and temporary employees are represented by MCEA.

Salary and benefits are subject to union contract negotiations and may change as a result.