ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

1d•$64,570 - $95,564•Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Development Specialist will function as a Project Manager. The Project Manager is responsible for selling the State as an attractive place to do business. This position is responsible for developing customer relationships in all types of business and industry, with a focus on assigned industries; communicating Arkansas tax laws, incentive programs, and general business‑climate information to new and existing businesses and industry; communicating with multiple internal and external customer groups to promote economic development and responding to external requests; effectively leading customer teams in responding to Requests for Information, at industry‑specific trade shows, and on recruiting trips inside and outside the state, including making appointments with potential customers prior to a show or trip; organizing and staffing the trade‑show booth during the show; serving as a salesperson for doing business in Arkansas; preparing and maintaining records including proactive activity reports and project activity reports; and conducting existing‑industry visits to identify expansion opportunities. This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available. The Economic Development Specialist supports the planning, research, administration, and coordination of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and community revitalization. This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals looking to gain practical experience in economic policy, community planning, and project management. The specialist works closely with experienced economic development teams in an attempt to collect data, manage projects, and facilitate communications with a variety of assorted personnel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Community Development, Economics, or a related field.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively support team interactions.
Basic proficiency in data management and the ability to assist in interpreting economic data for research and reporting purposes.
Comfortable using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace) and willing to learn new digital tools for data analysis and project management.

Nice To Haves

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Responsibilities

Providing Corporate Clients and Business Consultants with Site Selection Services includes understanding clients’ key selection criteria; providing information and data to promote Arkansas; negotiating and preparing incentive packages; engaging value‑adding partners in the site selection process; and hosting key decision makers during Arkansas community visits.
Developing and maintaining relationships with existing and/or expanding companies includes visiting businesses across the state; contacting businesses by phone or mail; working within existing established industry programs and industry‑specific organizations; and immediately responding to business inquiries and requests for assistance, including foreign and domestic issues.
Developing and maintaining contacts and relations with communities includes visiting and responding to local economic development needs and requests; visiting with local elected officials, community leaders, and organizations; attending local meetings, activities, and trade shows; and public speaking at community and civic organizations.
Conducting training at the local level to prepare communities for economic development activities includes preparing community leaders for prospect visits and/or existing industry visits; conducting follow‑up meetings to monitor progress; and offering guidance and assistance in local economic development planning efforts.
Partnering with committees and organizations outside of AEDC includes participating in local and area economic and community development organizations and getting involved with regional economic development organizations outside of AEDC.
Managing the incentive process includes explaining incentive information in detail; processing internal incentive approvals, including cost‑benefit analysis; offering formal proposals to companies; facilitating the application and agreement process; and finalizing the incentive application process for DF&A.
Conducting research, identifying trends, and establishing/coordinating leads within the assigned targeted industries includes reviewing industry trade publications; using the internet to track industry trends; developing contact lists and proactively reaching out; identifying marketing strategies; establishing direct contact with company leaders; identifying companies with expansion plans and potential expansion opportunities; and coordinating expansion projects in the state.
Maintaining accurate records and reports includes recording activity using the Project Management system and preparing and submitting weekly reports to executive staff.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Maintain calendars, schedule appointments, and organize meeting logistics for the economic development team.
Prepare and manage documentation including meeting minutes, reports, and databases.
Assist in gathering economic data, conducting market analyses, and compiling research for feasibility studies and development projects.
Support the creation of data-driven reports to inform program recommendations and strategies.
Provide support in coordinating events such as community forums and local economic development workshops.
Help monitor project timelines, deliverables, and budget tracking to ensure smooth implementation of initiatives.
Serve as a contact point for local business groups, community organizations, and government agencies, facilitating communications and outreach efforts.
Assist in drafting presentations and promotional materials for public events and funding proposals.
Support the preparation of grant applications, funding proposals, and related project documentation.
Assist in tracking funding opportunities and maintaining records of submissions and outcomes.