Community Economic Development Officer

City of Lacombe; Village of Alliance; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lacombe seeks a Community Economic Development Officer (CEDO) to drive sustainable economic impacts through community collaboration. This role involves strategic leadership, data analysis, and stakeholder management to empower local businesses and enhance economic growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in economic or community development.
• Experience in municipal operations or local government economic development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on economic trends and development opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Support ECHO Lacombe with administrative duties.

Skills

Leadership

Data Analysis

Communication

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, economics, public administration, or related field

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Economic Development Officer (CEDO) to join the City of Lacombe. Reporting directly to the Director of Community Services, the CEDO will empower the community from within, foster trust, and drive sustainable economic impacts through a collaborative, community-driven approach. This role will support the ECHO Lacombe organization, analyze data and trends to inform strategic initiatives, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including City Council, the local Chamber of Commerce, and neighboring municipalities. The CEDO will play a vital role in shaping economic development processes, driving long-term goals, and ensuring that these efforts align with the community's values. This is a three-year term position with the potential for permanent appointment based on performance and organizational needs.

IDEAL PERSON

The ideal candidate is a strategic, community-focused leader with a background and passion in economic development. They bring experience in data analysis, project management, and fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders. A strong communicator and problem-solver, they possess a collaborative, stewardship-driven mindset and the ability to navigate complex environments. With a passion for empowering communities and aligning economic growth with local values, they are adaptable, results-oriented, and committed to driving sustainable change in a dynamic municipal setting.

THE ORGANIZATION

The City of Lacombe is a vibrant and fast-growing community of over 14,500 residents that embraces innovation and enterprise while celebrating its historical architecture and rich heritage. Centrally located along Alberta's vital Highway 2 corridor, Lacombe provides strategic access to major economic centres across the province. Its strong, collaborative relationships with Lacombe County and surrounding regional partners support a unified, forward-thinking approach to economic development. Surrounded by lakes and green spaces, Lacombe offers a high quality of life with modern subdivisions, schools, Burman University, a hospital, and recreation facilities.

For more information, please visit their website:

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Data and Research
2. Conduct forward-looking research on economic trends, market conditions, and development opportunities to inform strategic priorities.
3. Analyze and synthesize community-specific data to shape actionable, long-term economic strategies that reflect Lacombe's values and potential.
4. Maintain and update the City's Economic Development micro-site with accurate statistics, insights, and trend data.
5. Translate complex data into accessible insights for stakeholders, supporting evidence-based decisions by Council, ECHO Lacombe, and the business community.

1. Strategic Leadership
2. Provide strategic support to ECHO Lacombe, aligning economic development initiatives with the City's broader priorities.
3. Focus on empowering and growing local businesses through community needs-based initiatives.
4. Enhance business attraction strategies, including improving the RFEOI process to engage investors and developers.

1. Stakeholder Relationship Management
2. Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders including ECHO Lacombe, City Council, Chamber of Commerce, CAEP, regional municipalities, and other partners.
3. Serve as a primary contact and trusted liaison for businesses and investors.
4. Champion regional collaboration, proactively engaging with stakeholders to ensure community priorities are reflected.
5. Encourage innovative, community-informed ideas to address development challenges.
6. Identify and streamline economic development tasks across departments where feasible.

1. Administration and Operations
2. Support ECHO Lacombe with administrative duties such as organizing meetings, supporting marketing, and managing grants.
3. Manage business and vendor inquiries, ensuring timely responses.
4. Coordinate and improve processes like land sales, lease agreements, RFEOI, and sponsorship tracking.
5. Manage programs such as the Rural Development Stream, aligning activities with strategic priorities.

1. Community Empowerment
2. Develop strategies to empower local businesses, promote innovation, and strengthen community ties.
3. Facilitate integration of business and community development for sustainable growth.
4. Foster a stewardship mindset aligned with community well-being.

First-Year Focus

• Develop understanding of ECHO Lacombe and the CEDO role.
• Build relationships with community and regional leaders.
• Redesign and improve the RFEOI process.
• Coordinate business tours for City Council.
• Enhance communication of community economic data and insights.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, public administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in economic or community development, focusing on local business growth and investment attraction.
• Experience in municipal operations or local government economic development.
• Proven relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in grant coordination, data analysis, and business attraction initiatives.
• Knowledge of property management or municipal finance is an asset.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strategic initiative development supporting sustainable, community-aligned economic growth.
• Leadership in managing economic development programs and supporting ECHO Lacombe.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Deep commitment to community-driven development and sustainability.
• Highly organized, solutions-oriented, and innovative.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

SANDY JACOBSON T: E: