Economic Development Specialist (Planner II)
About The Position
Join the Downtown Economy team as our new Economic Development Specialist and play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous, vibrant city centre! We are seeking a professional with exceptional relationship-building and project management expertise to drive non-residential investment and enhance the economic stability and reputation of our city. Reporting to the Manager, Downtown Economy, you will help to lead the implementation of the Downtown Action Plan (DAP) by driving non-residential investment and growth. You will serve as a key point of contact for community partners, investors, and property owners to accelerate economic initiatives in the heart of Edmonton.
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in Urban Planning, Economics, Business Studies, Project Management, or a related field
- Four (4) years of directly related economic development experience
- Experience in project management, relationship building, and managing interactions with community partners
- Advanced verbal and written communication
- Professional project management and organizational oversight
- Strategic relationship building with diverse community partners and investors
- Exceptional customer service delivery
- Acute political awareness and sensitivity
- Data analysis and market research proficiency
- Public speaking and delivery of complex presentations
- Collaborative problem-solving in high-impact situations
- Effective multi-tasking and priority management
- Proficiency in Google Suite
Nice To Haves
- Project Management certification
- Experience in investment attraction and/or business development
Responsibilities
- Lead the implementation of several actions within the Downtown Action Plan in collaboration with community partners
- Develop and execute data-driven investment and business attraction programs for new and existing districts
- Act as a dedicated point of contact for domestic and international investors, facilitating opportunities and addressing challenges
- Support Indigenous Economic Reconciliation through a co-led economic strategy with MOU partners
- Manage complex projects, including the development of project charters, governance structures, and risk registers
- Conduct research on best practices and policies from other jurisdictions to support internal decision-making
- Prepare briefings, reports, and presentations for City Council and Committees regarding the downtown economy
- Organize and lead working groups designed to grow Edmonton’s downtown economy
- Coordinate internal resources to ensure timely responses to media inquiries and Council concerns
- Apply a GBA+ lens to all strategy, policy, and research activities
Benefits
- Hybrid work arrangement
- Flexibility to work from both home and the worksite
- Access to benefits information at https://bit.ly/COEbenefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
