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The City of Effingham is seeking candidates to serve as Economic Development Specialist.  The Economic Development Specialist reports to the Economic Development Director.  This position is full-time, with a minimum starting wage of $32.52 per hour.  The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a defined pension plan.  A summary of the City’s benefits is located at Job Benefits.

Deadline to apply is Friday, July 17. 

Duties

• Develop good working relationships with key employers, both current and prospective;
• Provide advice and support to Effingham businesses;
• Actively engage local business leaders in social/networking settings, such as lunch meetings, dinners, and/or marketing events;
• Develop and implement an effective and proactive local business visitation/retention program;
• Visit and meet with existing local businesses to enhance relationships between the City and the local business community;
• Conduct outreach activities with perspective business/industry representatives;
• Assist in preparing the responses from development prospects and other interested parties;
• Foster collaborative relationships with local, regional, and state economic development organizations, business groups, educational institutions, utilities, and governmental agencies;
• Promote the sale of industrial lots and the orderly development of projects within the City, while staying in consistent contact with industrial prospects;
• Actively research industrial prospects in nearby communities for potential expansion/relocation opportunities;
• Attend trade shows and nurture business development for the community, and provide written report related activities upon return;
• Interact with the Economic Development Director and leadership team on a regular basis in a proactive effort to better serve the business community;
• Assist with or lead various short- and long-term projects related to economic development;
• Assist with the Enterprise Zone and ensure that the Enterprise Zone operates in accordance with state and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations, along with preparing and completing related reports;
• Assist in the maintenance and enhancement of the Economic Development web page and economic development related social media activity;
• Maintain and develop information related to available sites, buildings, infrastructure, demographics, workforce, incentives, and other economic development assets;
• Prepare marketing materials such as brochures, handouts, maps, graphics, charts, tables, promotional materials, and newsletters, etc. for economic development activities;
• Represent the City and participate in professional and public meetings and organizations, as relevant;
• Attend City Council meetings, as required;
• Other duties, as assigned.
• The complete job description is available at: Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent;
• And one (1) to three (3) years of related experience and/or training;
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent;
• And three (3) to six (6) years of related experience and/or training;
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

For additional information, contact Sasha Althoff, Economic Development Director at 217-342-5300 ext. 5340 or email Sasha Althoff.

The City of Effingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer