Norfolk County

General

• Coordinate and deliver the corporate calling program Business Retention and Expansion and Attraction BR&E&A. identifying local business opportunities and challenges, and provide information and resources to connect businesses, entrepreneurs and social enterprises to support programs and services.
• Compile data resulting from visits; log relevant data in an appropriate CRM program; report monthly on activity; report annually on trends and progress; recommend programs and services to assist in business support; communicate urgent issues.
• Create and implement effective and relevant business attraction initiatives that align with the approved strategy including generating and pursuing business leads, conducting company prospect research, contact and engage with business owners, executives and developers to promote Norfolk County as an investment destination globally.
• Assist in site analysis by researching properties and businesses, facilitate prospect tours; participate in trade missions outside of Norfolk County; work with developers, realtors and land owners in a highly confidential manner; prepare information packages, proposals and responses to enquiries promptly.
• Coordinate and lead projects and strategies by working with municipal staff, community leaders, businesses and other stakeholders, determining needs, analyzing trends, scheduling and coordinating meetings, preparing and submitting reports, and developing solutions and recommendations.
• Represent the County to business associations, community agencies, and economic development organizations to promote partnerships and provide support to outside organizations; to encourage joint marketing initiatives; by attending various business meetings and events; and by keeping current on what is happening in the community.
• Foster relationships and consult with other governments, non-government agencies, academic institutions, financial institutions and community organizations on matters pertaining to community economic development, investment attraction, programs, research, policy, incentives and other activities.
• Support the development of assets required for the growth of local industries and entrepreneurs through relationships with non-governmental organizations and non-residential real estate investors.
• Lead and implement the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) business incentives program, receiving and reviewing applications, meeting with applicants, following policy, working with the Finance and other impacted departments on preparing loan and grant / funding agreements, processing approvals, promoting, monitoring and reporting on the program, following up on projects as set out in policy or as required annually.
• Coordinate, Lead and Implement any other such approved programs such as economic recovery efforts, Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), or any other future approved program set out by legislation, Council or divisional/departmental work plan.
• Participate as an active, enthusiastic and supportive team member on the execution of the Department’s annual work plan.
• Advise and assist the Director, Strategic Innovation and Economic Development on the development of the Department’s annual work plan.
• Provide direction/ mentoring of staff/contract, students in the Department in response to handling of information requests, development issues and processes, programs and fees, demographics, and interpretation of appropriate policies and procedures. Assist other members of the Department team to undertake programs, services and activities, occasionally requiring work on weeknights and weekends, such as participation in external committees, trade shows, community events, networking functions, as required. Utilize all available and appropriate communication tools to raise awareness of the Department’s programs and services, including emails, social media, blogging, media relations, etc.
• Assist with the development of policy and or policy alternatives to ensure support of the approved KPI’s goals/objectives of long term planning for steady future sustainable economic growth by recommending modifications to economic development programs, policies and procedures, as appropriate. Including to measure KPI’s and suggest changes in service focus to meet KPIs.
• Liaise with Economic Development Advisory Committee, BIA/Chambers/Board of Trade and other stakeholder groups in collaboration with the Director and as necessary.
• Prepare reports and presentations to Committees, Council and stakeholder groups as necessary.
• Responsible for and to operate within the approved budget, approved workplans and strategies.
• All other duties as assigned.

Senior Economic Development Officer