Economic Development Specialist

The Town of Ponoka is currently recruiting for a permanent full-time Economic Development Specialist in the Communications and Economic Development department.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Manager of Communications and Economic Development, the Economic Development Specialist is responsible for fostering a thriving business environment in the Town of Ponoka. The position plans and implements business retention, expansion, investment attraction, and economic development initiatives that support local businesses and contribute to economic growth in Ponoka.

Working collaboratively with businesses, investors, community organizations, regional partners, and Town departments, the Economic Development Specialist supports sustainable economic growth and advances Council's strategic priorities through relationship-building, project coordination, and economic development programming.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Economic Development Planning and Program Delivery

• Help lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Town's annual Economic Development Work Plan and budget, ensuring alignment with Council priorities, the Town’s Strategic Plan, and the Economic Development Strategy.
• Identify emerging economic opportunities, trends, and challenges and recommend appropriate actions and initiatives.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for Administration, Council, and committees regarding economic development activities and outcomes.

2. Business Retention, Expansion, and Investment Attraction

• Develop and implement programs and initiatives that support local business retention and expansion.
• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, developers, and industry stakeholders.
• Promote Ponoka's competitive advantages and pursue targeted business attraction and investment opportunities.
• Respond to business inquiries and facilitate connections to relevant resources, funding programs, and municipal services.

3. Partnerships, Regional Collaboration, and Community Development

• Collaborate with Town departments, regional partners, community organizations, educational institutions, and industry groups to advance economic development objectives.
• Participate in regional economic development initiatives and partnership opportunities.
• Assist with tourism development, workforce attraction, and community enhancement initiatives.

4. Marketing, Communications, and Business Intelligence

• Assist in the development and implementation of marketing and promotional materials that support business attraction, investment, tourism, and economic growth objectives.                                                        
• Maintain and enhance economic development content and data on the Town website and related platforms.
• Collect, analyze, and report economic, demographic, and business data to support decision-making and investment attraction efforts.
• Represent the Town at trade shows, conferences, and industry events as required.

5. Program Administration and Regulatory Compliance

• Administer the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Rural Entrepreneur Stream on behalf of the Town of Ponoka.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Assist in the review and updating of Town policies related to economic development activities.
• Adhere to all responsibilities under the Town's Health and Safety Program.
• Attend Council, committee, and Town-related meetings and events as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in marketing, economics, business administration, commerce, economic development or related field;

• Completion or working towards Community Economic Development (CED) Certificate with the Economic Developers of Alberta (EDA) and completion or working towards Economic Development Certification with Economic Developers Association of Canada;

   

Experience

• Minimum of three-to-five years of work experience in economic development, business development, tourism development/management, business management or a related field;
• Experience in an economic development role for municipal government is considered an asset;
• Demonstrated working knowledge of principles and practices of economic development;

• Maintain active membership in provincial Economic Developers Association (EDA);

   

Other

• Class 5 driver’s license with a satisfactory driver’s abstract
• Able to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check

Competencies

Knowledge:

• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills focusing on community networking, business collaboration, fostering partnerships and relationship building;
• A strategic thinker with strong decision-making and problem-solving skills;
• Exceptional communication skills, both in written and spoken English;
• Strong public speaking and customer service skills;
• Strong political acumen and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of private information;
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite;

• Strong work ethic and ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines

   

To be effective in this position, an individual will:

• Demonstrate integrity: honesty, accountability, transparency and trustworthiness in every decision and interaction.
• Display a strong commitment to serving the community.
• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence through continuous improvement, innovation and professional pride.
• Foster a culture of respect and treat others with dignity.

Working Conditions

• A mix of office-based and community-based work with varying levels of physical effort, including moderate lifting (up to 10 kg), sitting, walking, standing, pushing and pulling, reaching, driving and carrying
• Repetitive motion of office tasks
• Responsibilities include business meetings and flexible work schedule to accommodate events and meetings outside of normal business hours
• Travel to sites within and outside of the Town
• Required to liaise with external and internal audiences

Health and Safety

• Provide our community with quality services in a responsible manner within a healthy environment.
• Adhere to the requirements of the Town of Ponoka’s health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.