Community and Economic Development Specialist I-III

Montgomery County; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County is seeking a CED Specialist I–III to join the Community Development team. The role focuses on planning, analysis, and support for economic development programs and business attraction in Montgomery County.

You will manage resources, conduct research, and coordinate with partners across local governments and economic development entities to promote growth and revitalization. A bachelor’s degree and related experience are required, with opportunities to advance within the program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business, planning, public administration or related field.
• 2+ years of related experience in economic or community development, planning, and/or project management.
• Experience coordinating multi-jurisdictional development projects and programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, analysis and support for community and economic development programs.
• Develop and maintain resources and content to promote economic development and business activity.
• Respond to site selector requests and manage business attraction projects.
• Coordinate contracts, budgets and compliance for development initiatives.
• Represent the county at meetings and regional events and build partnerships.

Skills

Economic development

Community planning

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Bachelor’s degree in Community Planning

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration

Tools

CRM software

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Project management tools

Job description

Professional level position in the community and economic development field under general supervision of the Community Development Manager or the Economic Development Planning Manager. Requires considerable knowledge of advanced federal policies, rules and the methods, and/or requirements of community and economic development, planning and business development programs and services. Creates and assists with multi-jurisdictional development programs and projects, and provides the planning, analysis and support services necessary to promote economic development in Montgomery County.

Assists in the maintenance, development and coordination of resources for businesses of all sizes. Manages the economic development website and related marketing efforts; researches, proposes and implements economic development marketing strategies and tactics to promote economic development in Montgomery County. This includes evaluating potential for business revitalization and analyzing existing conditions and programs in targeted areas. Responds to site selector requests and business attraction projects; manages the industrial/commercial property database; develops and maintains content for economic development social media accounts.

Creates, develops and implements programs that attract businesses to the County, including planning and preparing descriptions of proposed economic development project objectives, financing, schedules and estimated impacts on targeted areas. Develops and implements plans to establish or improve private business associations and community development corporations. Informs businesses of available incentives and services, provides support to individual businesses and associations, arranges for service provision, and recommends improvements and expansions to foster increased business activity. Researches governmental and private funding sources , evaluates project suitability for targeted areas, and develops strategies for business attraction and retention. Conducts business retention and expansion activities to build and maintain relationships with the business community. Serves as a primary contact for businesses through in-person, e-mail, phone, and web interactions. Provides technical assistance to business organizations and supports promotional efforts.

Assists with business attraction and development projects under the direction of the Manager. Plans, monitors and promotes economic and community development activities locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Coordinates departmental and regional events and activities when necessary. Visits project sites, attends meetings, and engages with business and community groups to discuss projects, gain support and gather feedback.

Composes contract scopes of service and work programs, prepares project budgets, and monitors compliance throughout the contract term. Builds and maintains relationships with community partners and regional economic development entities, including BusinessFirst! for a Greater Dayton Region, , Montgomery County Workforce, Dayton Development Coalition, Jobs Ohio, local chambers of commerce, colleges, universities, and others. Reviews and negotiates project scopes and budgets with jurisdictions, ensures contract compliance with federal, state and local requirements, and oversees planning, implementation, and monitoring activities. Acts as a consultant to boards, agencies and community organizations, providing expert advice to jurisdiction officials. Attends meetings of business associations or community groups, participates in boards and committees, analyzes legislation impacts and documents contract agency activities .

Utilizes customer relationship management programs, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and project management tools to ensure effective communication and collaboration with partners. Represents Montgomery County at functions and regional events, actively participating in regional economic development initiatives.

(Performs Related Duties as Required)

CED Specialist I - Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Community Planning, Public Administration or other study and two (2) years of related experience in economic development, community development, government, planning, and/or project management; OR alternative, equivalent evidence of the minimum class requirements.

CED Specialist II- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Community Planning, Public Administration or other study and three (3) years of related experience in economic development, community development, government, planning, and/or project management; OR alternative, equivalent evidence of the minimum class requirements.

CED Specialist III - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Community Planning, Public Administration or other study and four (4) years of related experience in economic development, community development, government, planning, and/or project management; OR alternative, equivalent evidence of the minimum class requirements.

Driving Requirement:

Must maintain a current, valid United States driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and proof of valid auto insurance.