05/27/2011 16543

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT 3

DEFINITION:

This is advanced administrative, professional and 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 designs and implements strategies to provide a comprehensive range of community and economic development (CED) services to businesses and manages a portfolio of projects intended to promote private sector job retention and creation. Work includes planning, organizing and directing the work of Economic Development Consultants responsible for providing CED projects and services on an international level, or for complex projects at the state and local level that are large, visible, or politically sensitive to foster the growth of Pennsylvania’s (PA) economy, or promote international trade development for the export of commodities and services. Work may also include overseeing programs intended to promote foreign investment in Pennsylvania, or domestic and international tourism marketing programs. Work involves reviewing and updating CED program policies, operations and goals; overseeing the development and coordination of CED program improvements; overseeing finances and expenditures; ensuring quality control of CED programs; and providing or overseeing the provision of highly visible community relations and liaison services. Work is performed with initiative, wide latitude and independent judgment under the general direction of an administrative manager and is reviewed for effectiveness through reports, conferences, achievement of objectives, program effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Directs and manages a portfolio of international or complex state and local economic development projects by formulating strategies and proposals for businesses and communities in PA.

Oversees Economic Development Consultants engaged in international trade development for the export of commodities and services or foreign investment in PA.

Oversees negotiations with corporate and Commonwealth officials and the development of strategies and proposals to avert businesses from closing or relocating outside of PA.

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 the highest level of complexity.

Administers federal and state programs to assist communities and non-profit agencies in the development of housing, community infrastructure, downtown renewal, and economic development.

Administers federal and state programs to assist communities and non-profit agencies in the enhancement of their social and economic programs.

Works with real estate representatives, developers and local and state agencies to identify sites and buildings for CED and coordinates transactions for communities.6

Directs and supervises the development of domestic and international marketing plans and strategies to promote PA, attract new or additional business, and to promote tourism.

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

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.

Identifies, qualifies and underwrites projects in order to recommend appropriate state funded financial incentive packages for approval by the Department Head or the Governor.

Oversees statewide research and marketing projects to ensure thorough and accurate demographic information is provided to clients for site selection.

Functions as a liaison with the Governor's Executive staff, agency heads, local and regional CED officials and organizations and the public on issues related to domestic or international trade and business 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 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 current business development environment and resources available.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of financial management.

Ability to read, 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 2;

                                                                                                                                               or

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

                                                                                                                                              or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.