Economic Development Officer

Position Details

• Job Status: Permanent Full-Time
• Union: Non-Union
• Number of Positions: 2
• Hours of Work: 35
• Location: 124 Thames Street, Chatham
• Closing Date: October 14, 11:59pm EST
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Department: Economic Development and Tourism Services

Job Description

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has openings for two (2) permanent full-time Economic Development Officers in the Economic Development and Tourism Services division.

Under the direction of the Manager, Economic Development Services, the Economic Development Officer is responsible for fostering a thriving business environment in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. This position plans and implements business retention, expansion, investment attraction, and economic development initiatives that support local businesses and contribute to economic growth in Chatham-Kent through different types of activities including:

• Working collaboratively with businesses, investors, community organizations, regional partners and municipal departments.
• Supporting sustainable economic growth and advancing Council’s strategic directions.
• Building and maintaining relationships with local businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, developers and industry stakeholders.
• Identifying emerging economic development opportunities, trends, and challenges and recommending appropriate actions and initiatives.
• Responding to business inquiries and facilitating connections to relevant resources, funding programs and municipal services.
• Organizing and delivering the services of the Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre including collaboration, reporting and community outreach.
• Being responsible for the effective delivery of programs funded by the Province of Ontario as well as other funding partners.
• Engaging with prospective companies or their representation to showcase Chatham-Kent as a desirable place to conduct business.
• Providing concierge services to new and existing companies including mentorship, advisory services, and leveraging relationships within the business community.
• Participating in industry associations, various committees, and maintaining presence through media and social media platforms.
• Organizing events, workshops, webinars, and seminars suited to the needs of the Chatham-Kent business community.
• Assisting the Municipality and employers with value-added projects that advance economic growth in the community.
• Leveraging community assets and informing Council, Administration, and the public on economic well-being matters and policy recommendations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies.
• Identify opportunities for economic growth and improve the local business environment.
• Support business retention and expansion activities through frequent interactions with community business leaders.
• Provide virtual and in-person coaching, mentorship, and advice to clients developing business plans including competitive and economic analysis, marketing, HR, health and safety, and financial research.
• Assist businesses with obtaining Master Business Licenses, HST numbers, and municipal licensing requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of and offer government grants and various programs as they become available.
• Prepare accurate and complete monthly, semi-annual and annual reports for the Province of Ontario and other funding agencies, entering and auditing metrics into software platforms ensuring deadlines and requirements are met.
• Contribute to the development of funding agreements including program targets, strategic plans, document reviews, and implementation of delivery and reporting standards.