Outstanding Career Opportunity – Western Montana Economic Development Coordinator

Develops & implements economic development plans for local government & communities in Ravalli, Missoula & Mineral Counties.

Req. Bachelor’s Degree in planning, business or public administration, political science, economics or closely related field & 3 years of related economic development exp. which includes a minimum of one year of program management exp. (A master’s in the aforementioned degrees & 2 years of related economic development exp. which includes a minimum of one year of program management experience will be considered in lieu of the 3 years of exp.) An equivalent combination of education & experience may be considered.

30 hrs/wk., through approx. 6/30/07 $17.22/HR.

Submit a letter of interest, resume and college transcripts to the Bitter Root Economic Development District, c/o Jean Curtiss, 200 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802 by 5 p.m., 10/2/06.

Full Position Description:

BITTERROOT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
9/2006

DEFINITION: Assists the Bitterroot Economic Development District (BREDD) to develop and implement economic development plans for local government and communities in Ravalli, Missoula and Mineral Counties.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:(The following are intended to illustrate typical duties; they are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive.)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Serves as a technical resource to provide information and advice about programs to fund economic development to BREDD and other economic development groups; to the University of Montana; and to employers and other interested individuals in the region.

Prepares a variety of documents including a community economic development plan for review and approval by BREDD and other groups. Completes an annual update and report for the regional CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy). Completes all required reports to funders and stakeholders.
Acts as a liaison between BREDD and other economic development groups, the University of Montana and employers in the region.
Provides staff support for BREDD, including planning and arranging meetings; setting agendas; gathering information, preparing background materials and mailings, organizing presentations, and taking meeting minutes

Facilitates meetings for the collaboration of a variety of interests.

OTHER DUTIES:
Performs related work as required or directed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general direction of the Board of Directors of BREDD.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Provides leadership to volunteers.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Has numerous contacts with elected officials, interagency committees and work groups, professionals in the public and private sectors; citizen groups and the general public on specialized matters for the purpose of planning, coordinating and advising on work efforts. Involves active participation in conferences and meetings of considerable importance.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: The work requires the ability to travel to meetings in and out of the district area during all seasons. Work schedule may be flexible with meetings before and after normal work hours.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE: Thorough knowledge of local, state and federal funding sources for project implementation and economic development program development. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development. Considerable knowledge of research methods and techniques used in economic development and of current trends and issues related to economic development. Working knowledge of laws, rules and regulations related to economic development. Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Thorough knowledge of program management.

SKILLS: Skill in the use of personal computer (word-processing, spreadsheet). Skill in the use of standard audio-visual equipment (VCR, overheads, slide/Power Point projector).

ABILITIES: Ability to effectively deliver public presentations and to facilitate meetings. Ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse group of people and to work in a collaborative manner utilizing public input. Ability to write public documents/reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a culturally diverse environment. Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision. Ability to perform with absolute integrity and sufficient maturity to handle the confidential aspects of the work. Ability to perform detailed work in a precise and accurate manner. Ability to work under pressure and maintain calm in dealing with the public. Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in planning, business or public administration, political science, economics or closely related field.

EXPERIENCE: Requires three years of related economic development experience which includes a minimum of one year of program management experience. (A master’s in the aforementioned degrees, two years of related economic development experience which includes a minimum of one year of program management experience will be considered in lieu of the three years of experience.)