05/27/2011 16542

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT 2

DEFINITION:

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

An employee in this job independently plans, organizes, and directs a broad-range of international or state and local community and economic development (CED) projects, programs, or services to foster the growth of Pennsylvania’s (PA) economy by retaining, expanding, or developing businesses and related economic programs. Work includes responsibility for providing consultative international economic development services for the export of commodities and services or the promotion of foreign investment in PA, or for complex economic development projects or programs at the state and local level 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 and technical assistance resources; ensuring quality control of programs; and providing highly visible community relations and liaison services. An employee in this job may supervise lower level Economic Development Consultants or Economic Development Analysts. Work is differentiated from the lower level job in this series based on the supervision of Economic Development Consultants 1or the responsibility for providing independent consultative services for international economic development projects or complex state and local economic projects. Work is performed with initiative, wide latitude and independent judgment under the general direction of an Economic Development Consultant 3 or an administrative manager and is reviewed for effectiveness through reports, conferences, achievement of objectives, program effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

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

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

Responds to unsolicited business leads from the Governor's Action Team Office, the customer, office directors, regional offices and the legislature regarding projects and services expected to involve increased complexity due to size, visibility or political sensitivity, 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.

Markets PA and provides technical assistance to out-of-state and international businesses to attract new or expand existing businesses.

Markets PA and provides technical assistance to international companies to foster the growth of exporting PA’s commodities and services.

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

Oversees the processing and analysis of grant and loan applications to determine feasibility of project and ensure eligibility requirements are appropriate.

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

Prepares or reviews reports and provides presentations on domestic or international trade and 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, and the public on issues pertaining to domestic or international trade and 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 federal laws and regulations pertaining to economic development.

Knowledge of economic development principles and practices.

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:

One year as an Economic Development Consultant 1;

                                                                                                                                            or

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

                                                                                                                                           or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.