Economic Development Coordinator

Definition & Duties

Knowledge of & Ability to

• Economic and business development programs and tools rural areas can leverage to their benefit, including branding and marketing, agritourism, main street concepts and entrepreneurship
• Grant application and review processes and resources
• Issues impacting the economy of Johnson County and other rural economies
• Public engagement techniques and best practices to include traditional and social media, electronic-based communication, and public speaking and outreach
• Local sustainable food policy
• General economic trends, analysis, forecasts and impacts and related principles and practices
• General private sector business objectives
• Local government finance procedures and processes
• Diverse and equitable housing policy
• Issues related to the expansion and use of rural broadband infrastructure
• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and proofreading skills

• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
• Interpret, understand and apply zoning regulations, government regulations, and county/department policies
• Compose engaging, succinct, and accurate written communications
• Efficiently collect, analyze, and interpret workforce, economic and demographic data from many different sources.
• Collect other data, keep accurate records, prepare reports and technical correspondence
• Be detail oriented and accurate while performing duties
• Perform complex analysis using spatially derived data
• Ensure compliance with county and department policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, elected officials, consultants/engineering firms, attorneys and members of the public
• Use a computer and related software programs for the purpose of GIS, data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email and Internet
• Operate common office equipment such as calculator, fax machine, photocopier, multi-line telephone, scanner, computer projector, printer and large format plotter
• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Organize and present factual information, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals in formal and informal situations
• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate to heavy use of a keyboard and mouse
• Have sufficient vision including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, which permits production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms
• Occasionally work outdoors in different terrains in all weather conditions
• Sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, squat, bend, twist and reach
• Push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work and attend meetings at various county facilities and other locations
• Work flexible schedule and additional time as needed

Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements

Specific Duties

• Represent the County’s economic development efforts and policies to the business community, the public, and other governmental organizations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with rural stakeholders and businesses, small cities, organizations, and other key partners and institutions.
• Work to foster and expand the ag tourism cluster in rural Johnson County by assisting current companies and helping new ones start-up and expand.
• Support ongoing efforts to foster and expand the local foods and agricultural tourism cluster in rural Johnson County.
• In coordination with County grants and other partners, identify, recommend and coordinate beneficial projects, programs and grants for which rural communities and other stakeholders qualify
• Provide economic development and grant writing technical assistance to small towns.
• Provide grant writing assistance related to economic development through applicable the local, State, Federal government, and private foundations.
• Collaborate with housing programs, developers, and builders to identify solutions to the lack of affordable and workforce housing throughout the county and increase affordable and workforce housing in rural communities.
• Advise the PDS Director, small town city councils, and appropriate boards and commissions regarding economic development plans, policies, programs, and initiatives
• Coordinate and provide support to the Internal (steering) Economic Development Committee for Johnson County.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Greater Iowa City Business Partnership

• Identify, research, develop or amend, implement, and track economic development plans, policies, programs, initiatives and funding mechanisms for unincorporated areas, villages and small towns.
• Write traditional, social media and web content, annual reporting and other communications.
• Respond to media inquiries.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and written reports on knowledge areas expected of the position.
• Serve as initial point-of-contact for developers and prospective companies with commercial and industrial development projects.
• Assist members of the public to navigate permitting processes.
• Assist in the coordination of efforts to increase broadband access throughout the county through strategic partnerships and creative funding programs.
• Prepare, review and/or manage Requests for Proposals/Quotes/Qualifications and related contracts.
• Collaborate with Sustainability Coordinator and other staff to promote resiliency and incorporate adaptation and mitigation measures.
• Assist in updating Comprehensive Plan, Fringe Area Agreements, and other sub-area plans.
• Write traditional, social media and web content, annual reporting and other communications.
• Attend work-related meetings, training, and professional development opportunities to keep well informed on trends and procedures. Participate in committees.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attends work regularly.