About the Opportunity
The Business Retention Specialist is a new position, reporting to the Manager of Planning & Development, with responsibility for implementing economic strategies and programs aimed at business attraction, retention, and expansion in the Town of Peace River.
It is expected that the Business Retention Specialist will reside within the municipality or area therefore willing to relocate if required.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal Business Retention Specialist candidate will be a collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated individual with a gift for building productive working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders. They should be able to work cohesively with elected officials, local business owners, community organizations, industry, agencies, chambers of commerce, and other partners to develop and implement mutually beneficial economic initiatives. Previous personal or professional experience in a rural community or environment would be beneficial.
As a new position, this role is expected to evolve over time as it develops and becomes better defined. It is important that the successful candidate be flexible, a strong community advocate, and display leadership qualities.
Roles and Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the Business Retention Specialist will be to:
- Manage economic development projects, programs, and initiatives approved by Council, including grants to businesses, revitalization grants, and outreach.
- Attend and act on behalf of the Administration for the Economic Development Committee, including:
- Revising and maintaining the Terms of Reference,
- Attracting new members from the business community,
- Organizing, attending, and recording minutes for meetings,
- Providing Administration with regular updates on activities and events.
- Work closely with the Manager to compile and maintain an inventory of developable properties, tracking information such as size, zoning, location, and nearby amenities, which will help when responding to inquiries from businesses looking to expand their offerings in the Town of Peace River.
- Create, maintain, and share an inventory of local businesses, capabilities, and services for responding to inquiries and sharing with developers and major projects in the region.
- Proactively reach out to new businesses, existing businesses, and future opportunities to build relationships, offer services, and connect them to other supports to ensure success and encourage expansion.
- Manage and oversee the Rural Renewal Stream and Rural Entrepreneur Stream for the Town of Peace River, including:
- Outreach to businesses and participants to determine the program’s success,
- Recommending improvements to fees, structure, or requirements,
- Providing reports and statistical information as required by the Province and/or Economic Development Committee.
- Attend community and regional events, tradeshows, conferences, and committees as assigned related to economic development to build partnerships and networks, and foster information sharing.
- Develop and implement programs to support business retention and expansion in collaboration with businesses and business support organizations to help businesses grow.
- Integrate into the Planning & Development team to learn bylaws, statutory plans, and processes, and act as a primary contact for businesses as they undertake expansion or growth or look to locate in Peace River.
- Work closely with the Town of Peace River Communications team to develop marketing materials, inform residents, update the Town’s website, and communicate effectively with the business community.
In addition, the Business Retention Specialist will:
- Comply with all Town policies, work procedures, rules, safety instructions, and relevant directives in the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code.
- Participate in municipal emergency response which may require work outside normal business hours, or outside normal business duties to protect our community or assist our neighbours.
- Participate in workplace safety initiatives, including reporting, investigations, and safety meetings.
- Occasional attendance at Council and Governance & Priorities Committee meetings.
- May supervise part-time or casual staff for implementing economic development initiatives.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education (Degree, Diploma or Certificate) in a field related to economic development, such as commerce, economics, business administration, or marketing.
- A designation from a recognized national or international economic development organization would be an asset.
- Experience in a municipal economic development environment is preferred.
- Knowledge of relevant provincial and municipal legislation, policies, and programs, as well as the ability to integrate and utilize knowledge in economic development projects would be an asset.
- Well-developed computer skills, with a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
- Ability to make appropriate, logical, and practical decisions.
- Strong, confident, and clear communication skills in both written and spoken English.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Incident Command System (ICS) training is an asset, but training can be provided.
- A valid Class 5 driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary range for this position is $79,165 - $99,493 CAN commensurate with skills and experience and a comprehensive benefits package. The successful candidate will be eligible to participate in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP). Further details will be discussed in a personal interview. Relocation is available as necessary.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to:
Norine Pike
Director, Executive & Professional Search HumanEdge Recruitment & Consulting Services Phone: 780.907.9212