Economic Development Specialist

About the role

An island community rich in history and opportunity, Galveston is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family!

Summary

Under the general supervision of the Economic Development Coordinator, the Economic Development Specialist provides comprehensive support for the City's economic development initiatives and programs. The role assists with project coordination, data management, reporting, marketing materials, and administrative functions that contribute to the promotion and advancement of economic development activities.

Essential Functions

• Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.
• Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function.
• Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists in conducting research, compiling relevant information, maintaining records, datasets, and documents pertaining to Requests for Information (RFIs) and other project activities;
• Maintains project leads spreadsheets and compiles annual activity data generated from successful projects;
• Assists with tracking development projects from pre-development meetings to permit issuance as part of the development ombudsman efforts;
• Coordinates with team members for prospective and active projects;
• Assists in maintaining promotional information and data on the website, social media, and marketing material for the municipal committees and council appointed boards engaged in economic development activities;
• Assists in creating agendas, preparing meeting materials, and recording the minutes for board and committee meetings as needed;
• Performs setup and logistics for meetings and events which includes technical setup for video and audio equipment, coordinate with vendors, and coordinate with host entities (when needed);
• Other administrative duties as needed to support the Department mission.
• Employees may at any time be required to work in order to provide for the safety and well-being of the general public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services, in the event of an emergency.

Knowledge

• Basic business development principles and practices.
• Site Development or Real Estate (preferred).
• General marketing practices, including development of brochures, reports, visual aids, and multimedia presentations.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Adobe Acrobat, and basic website editing tools.
• Research methods, data analysis, interpretation, and report preparation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the general public.
• Ability to express ideas effectively in written or oral form, and to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Skill in

• Clear and effective written and verbal communication.
• Time management, organization, and coordination of multiple projects.
• Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive business and project information.
• Exercising diplomacy, fairness, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Providing high-quality customer service.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with all levels within the City.
• Attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university in economic development, public or business administration, real estate, urban planning, or a related field (preferred), and one (1) year of relevant experience. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered..

License and Certification

• Possession of a valid Texas driver's license.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with some exposure to an outdoor environment.
• May have some exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.