Senior Economic Development Specialist

WSP • Buffalo, NY

2d

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Economic Development Specialist. The role will provide leadership within the Economics, Finance, and Grants team and will be a subject matter expert (SME) on regional economic growth policies and methods, incentive programs, Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) documents, infrastructure and real estate development finance, public-private partnerships, and interagency coordination. The ideal candidate will help WSP’s clients understand how to generate economic growth, job opportunities, and new development in their cities and service regions.
Our Senior Economic Development Specialist is responsible for driving top line growth as One WSP across the A&P business and with our counterparts within the Transportation & Infrastructure, Earth & Environment, Property & Buildings, Power & Energy, and Federal end-markets.

The Senior Economic Development Specialist activities will focus on leading and managing economic development strategies, projects, and developments (including mixed-use, industrial, commercial, and transit-oriented development). The role will evaluate how infrastructure development can drive growth, create positive economic impact, and potentially be financed by that very growth, in alignment with locally adopted plans and goals.
Our ideal candidate also has connections with both private and public clients across the various end-markets and can articulate the growth potential and opportunities they provide. Our ideal candidate can lead complex projects that help our clients find innovative economic development strategies in places that have seen limited interest from the private sector. Our ideal candidate is familiar with incentive tools, economic growth policies, real estate development, and infrastructure finance. Our ideal candidate will have experience in negotiating complex agreements with private businesses and can analyze financial pro formas, market studies, and economic impact reports.
At WSP, we are driven by inspiring the right people to be part of our future-focused business objectives. Our devotion to teamwork has allowed us to build communities and expand our skylines. Come join us and help shape the future!"

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Public Policy/Administration or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in a regional economic development agency or corporate environment working in business attraction/retention, the land/urban planning field, actively engaging in general plans, specific/master plans, zoning code updates, public involvement, and regulatory compliance for a variety of client projects relating to development, construction, infrastructure, transportation, environment, resiliency, revitalization, and/or adaptation
• Strong working knowledge of relevant zoning laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, job creation/retention, applicable Regional / State / Federal regulatory framework and the business impact upon the organization
• Demonstrated experience leading by influence
• Experience in leading and winning major strategic pursuits
• Excellent communication skills (presenting and writing)
• Organized, self-starter with a strong entrepreneurial spirit

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree
• Essential professional licensure/certification
• CEDS certification

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive and strategic leadership for the planning discipline and function, offering direction, expertise, and support to ensure project and work site deliverables are successfully achieved within the business sector.
• Oversee the appropriate use of topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS data, and other visualization tools to determine exact locations of project areas, associated physical / urban / economic / political sensitivities, and to uncover primary, secondary, and tertiary impacts.
• Lead larger-scale more complex land/urban planning projects ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when, preparing and overseeing relevant project budgets, monitoring external events, tracking hours and expenses, ensuring profitability and satisfactory performance, and supervising subcontractors, contract work, and employees.
• Responsible for the contribution and management of multi-disciplinary project teams in all phases of the execution and delivery of siting, impact assessment, and permitting for assigned business sector projects, as well as land/urban planning and management projects.
• Actively foster compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local Agency laws, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead technical aspects of contract negotiation, presentations, and meetings.
• Assist with the preparation of an annual update to business tactical action plans within the specified area.
• Analyze local, state and national trends, policies and/or legislation to determine impact.
• Support the overall long-term strategy, growth, and pipeline development of Land/Urban Planning work for WSP in assigned area of responsibility, with a focus on opportunities in all disciplines (planning, design, strategic consulting, and program management).
• Conduct needs analyses and client value surveys to align the planning discipline’s function with business and project strategy, identifying and addressing any skill gaps or risks within the sector business operations.
• Develop a client base for providing high level Land/Urban Planning services including identifying additional business development opportunities, and cross-selling of other WSP capabilities.

Benefits

• WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
• WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees