05/27/2011 16530

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT 1

DEFINITION:

This is responsible professional or supervisory consultative work in planning, implementing, and promoting state and local economic development projects in the Department of Community and Economic Development.

An employee in this job independently plans, organizes, and directs a broad range of state and local community and economic development (CED) projects and services to foster the growth of Pennsylvania’s (PA) economy by retaining, expanding, or developing businesses and related economic services. Work includes responsibility for providing independent consultative economic development services for small to medium size economic development projects or assisting with complex projects that are large, visible, or politically sensitive. Work involves reviewing and updating CED program policies and operations; overseeing the development and coordination of CED program improvements; monitoring and advising on financial and technical assistance and negotiating PA's provision of financial assistance resources; ensuring quality control of CED programs; and providing community relations and liaison services. At the local or regional level, work involves planning, organizing, and coordinating activities to enable communities to propose, study, initiate, and implement locally-driven community-oriented development projects. This work is differentiated from work performed by Economic Development Analysts by the increased emphasis on developmental assignments and projects, the broad range of functions that cross program lines, and the accountability for end results. An employee in this job may supervise Economic Development Analysts responsible for performing technical work in the fields of community, economic, industrial, and business development. Work is performed with initiative and independent judgment under the general direction of a higher level Economic Development Consultant or administrative manager and is reviewed for effectiveness through reports, conferences, achievement of objectives, program effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.6

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Designs and implements strategies for providing projects and services to ensure Pennsylvania’s economic viability on the local and state levels.

Leads negotiations regarding the provision of state funded financial incentive packages for companies considering establishment, relocation or expansion of businesses in PA.

Responds to unsolicited business leads from the Governor's Action Team Office, the customer, office directors, regional offices and the legislature and provides assistance to companies in their establishment or expansion in PA.

Leads negotiations regarding the provision of state funded financial incentive packages for PA companies considering closure by meeting with corporate and Commonwealth officials to evaluate company status, determine financial support for business retention, and facilitate project through to completion.

Works with real estate representatives, developers and local and state agencies to identify sites and buildings for CED and coordinates transactions for communities.

Analyzes, interprets and recommends revisions to laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to community and economic development and assesses the impact on businesses, communities and local governments.

Analyzes grant and loan applications to determine feasibility of project, ensure eligibility requirements are appropriate, and prepare final offer letters.

Participates in trade shows, meetings, conferences and seminars to discuss business climate and economic development services offered by PA.

Prepares reports and provides presentations on business development to public officials, special interest groups, trade associations, service providers, municipalities, CED organizations, and the media.

Functions as a liaison with the Governor's executive staff, agency representatives, local and regional CED officials and organizations, municipalities, and the public on issues pertaining to community and economic development.

Performs the full range of supervisory functions.

Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the federal laws and regulations pertaining to economic development.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of financial management.

Knowledge of the current business development environment and resources available.

Ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures and regulations.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Three years of professional experience in economic planning and development programs, and a bachelor's degree;

                                                                                                                                                or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.