ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Development Supervisor/Expert will function as the Director of Business Finance. The Director of Business Finance is responsible for managing the lending and equity support programs of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) by managing division staff, performing the financial analysis of projects, and presenting recommendations for approval to the Arkansas Economic Development Council or the Executive Management of AEDC. This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available. The Economic Development Supervisor / Expert is a senior-level strategist and subject matter authority responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and executing large-scale economic development initiatives. This role provides high-level expertise by analyzing market trends, developing innovative growth strategies, and forging robust public-private partnerships. The supervisor / expert serves as a trusted advisor to governmental agencies, private enterprises, and community organizations, driving transformative projects that stimulate investment, reinforce local economic resilience, and secure long-term sustainable growth.

Requirements

Ability to synthesize complex economic data and trends into strategic insights and actionable plans.
Proficient in managing complex projects using contemporary project management methodologies and tools.
Expertise in articulating complex ideas clearly through reports, presentations, and negotiations with a variety of assorted personnel.
Strong capabilities in financial analysis, budgeting, and resource mobilization.
Resourceful in developing innovative solutions to address multifaceted economic challenges.
Demonstrated success in leading teams, mentoring peers, and functioning as a thought leader within the economic development sphere.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Community Development, Economics, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of work experience in economic development, government, community planning, or project coordination.
Experience coordinating projects or initiatives that involve collaboration between multiple entities, familiarity with local/regional economic trends, and a proven record of supporting business attraction or retention efforts.
Experience in policy analysis, financial modeling, and public-private partnership development.
Experience in successfully guiding large-scale initiatives that deliver measurable economic and community benefits.

Nice To Haves

Master of Business Administration

Responsibilities

Provide guidance and counsel to department staff to assist with projects and professional development.
Maintain a strong relationship with AEDC commissioners by making regular reports on the current portfolio of companies with guaranteed bonds; making regular reports on the bond guaranty reserve account levels; recommending projects for approval; working with professionals to ensure that bond issues are closed in accordance with the requirements of the Commission approval.
Manage the bond guaranty portfolio investments to attain maximum return while maintaining the safety of the principal by working closely with an investment professional that understands the goals of the investments; using a ladder maturity strategy to insure that reinvesting in instruments with better returns is available and to ensure that we will have the necessary liquidity to make required debt service payments if they are necessary.
Ensure the quality of the CDBG and Bond Guaranty Loan Portfolios by establishing and maintaining a credit rating system to keep apprised of each borrower’s current fiscal condition; providing direction and advice to loan officers and workout attorneys on strategy to deal with substandard borrowers; doing periodic physical inspections of collateral securing current portfolios; doing periodic physical inspections of collateral securing current portfolios.
Actively manage the performance of Companies that receive benefits from the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund, required repayment of advanced funds when those companies underperform, and repayment is warranted and enter into amended agreements with companies when alternative performance terms are agreed upon.
Meet with local economic development officials on current projects and determine a proper financing structure for a project; speak to civic groups about the programs offered by AEDC; attend meetings with other non-traditional lenders and sit on boards to help direct the activities of those groups.
Supervise and provide guidance to the Incentives Manager under various cost and benefit assumptions provided to the Business Development Division.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Manage Business Finance personnel.
Review, present, and recommend credit requests for approval by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Manage the investments of the Bond Guaranty Reserve Account
Manage the CDBG and Bond Guaranty loan portfolios and the Quick Action Closing Fund portfolio
Manage the review process of requests made under the Equity Investment Tax Credit Program
Maintain relationships and work in partnership with other economic development personnel organizations.
Lead the formulation of comprehensive economic development strategies that align with pre-determined objectives.
Oversee project lifecycle management from ideation, strategic planning, and implementation through to evaluation and continuous improvement.
Develop long-term roadmaps that anticipate market shifts and emerging economic trends.
Conduct advanced economic and demographic research, including feasibility studies and competitive analysis, to identify key growth opportunities.
Leverage statistical models and data analytics to forecast economic impacts and support strategic decision-making.
Cultivate and manage dynamic relationships with government officials, business leaders, and investors.
Negotiate and secure multi-sector collaborations and funding opportunities, including grants, incentives, and public-private partnerships.
Advise on policy reforms and regulatory frameworks that facilitate business development, job creation, and regional investment.
Develop customized programs that enhance local competitiveness, promote entrepreneurship, and optimize resource allocation.
Design and implement financial models to evaluate project return on investment, assess risk, and ensure fiscal sustainability.
Identify and pursue varied funding mechanisms and investment channels to support economic initiatives.
Represent the organization as a subject matter expert at industry conferences, workshops, and in media engagements.
Mentor junior personnel and consultants, promoting knowledge sharing and best practices in economic development.
Establish key performance indicators and rigorous reporting systems to track the progress of economic initiatives.
Provide regular performance analyses and strategic recommendations to adjust project trajectories and achieve outcomes.