Job Description

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is accepting online applications for an Economic Development Specialist with the Economic Development Department. This position supports the shared economic development mission of Washington County and the City of Johnson City, Tennessee, focusing on fostering job growth, expanding the tax base, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. The Economic Development Specialist assists with the planning, implementation, and promotion of economic development initiatives, programs, and strategic goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a foundational understanding of economic development principles and a strong commitment to supporting team efforts in achieving established objectives.The employee in this class receives supervision from the City of Johnson City Economic Development Coordinator. Special assignments may arise, however.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with existing industry retention and expansion programs
• Lead and expand workforce development programs
• Provide research and information, and/or technology support needed to execute plans and programs
• Maintain and manage a database of available properties
• Collect, manage, analyze, and prepare customized information in support of economic development initiatives/projects
• Assist with product/site development projects/initiatives
• Performs administrative duties, including preparing agenda packets and taking minutes
• Manages WCEDC social media platforms and creates marketing materials, such as newsletters, posts, print media, graphics, etc.
• Utilize and manipulate maps using GIS applications
• Assist with small/entrepreneurial business development initiatives and redevelopment programs and initiatives
• Conduct any additional duties as assigned

Essential Skills of Position:

• Ability to develop a positive working relationship with economic development partners
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated knowledge of various computer software systems that enable effective economic development analysis and project execution, i.e., ESRI Business Analyst, GIS Mapping, Google Earth, and Microsoft Office.

• Demonstrated knowledge of, or ability to learn to work with, various data sources related to economic development analysis and project execution, such as: US Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), ArcGIS Business Analyst, EMSI, JobsEQ, Dun & Bradstreet, Hoovers, etc.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with a variety of research methods
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Communicate effectively
• Ability to visually represent data in creative ways
• Willingness to develop working knowledge of new subject matters
• Ability to manage multiple projects at one time
• Ability to manage deadlines

Acceptable Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Geography, Business, Marketing, Economic Development, or other related field. Minimum two years of experience in Economic or Workforce Development. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees as well as the general public.Pre-employment physical, and background check required.

EEO