JOB TITLE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT 1

JOB CODE: 16530

DEFINITION: This is professional consultative work in the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

An employee in this job independently plans, organizes, and directs a broad range of federal, state, or local community or economic development programs and program services to foster the growth of Pennsylvania’s economy by retaining, expanding, or developing businesses and related economic services. Work involves providing independent consultative economic development services for programs or assisting with complex programs that are large, visible, or politically sensitive. Work includes reviewing and updating program policies and operations; overseeing the development and coordination of program improvements; monitoring and advising on financial and technical assistance and negotiating Pennsylvania's provision of financial and technical assistance resources; ensuring quality control of 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 or business-oriented development programs. This work is differentiated from work performed by Economic Development Analysts by the increased emphasis on developmental assignments and programs, 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 an administrative supervisor and is reviewed for effectiveness through reports, conferences, achievement of objectives, program effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

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

• Conducts, reviews, and recommends programs and services to ensure Pennsylvania’s economic viability.

• Provides quality assurance for grant application reviews to ensure compliance with applicable program guidelines and legislation.

• Authorizes disbursement of grant funds.

• Leads negotiations of state funded financial incentive packages for companies considering establishing, relocating, and expanding businesses.

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

• Responds to unsolicited business leads from office directors, regional offices, and the legislature.

• Works with real estate representatives, developers, and local and state agencies to identify sites and buildings for development and coordinates permitting, loans, and related transactions for communities.

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

• Analyzes grant and loan applications of a complex nature to determine feasibility of projects, ensure eligibility requirements are appropriate, and make funding recommendations.

• Participates in trade shows, meetings, conferences, and seminars to discuss business climate and community or economic development services offered by Pennsylvania.

• Prepares reports and conducts presentations on business development to public officials, special interest groups, trade associations, service providers, municipalities, community economic development organizations, and the media.

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

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

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

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to community and economic development.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of community and economic development.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of financial management.

• Knowledge of the resources utilized in economic analysis such as economic journals, working papers, and other data sources.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

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

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.