POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION Economic Development Manager Grade 20 to 22 May 2013
YASS VALLEY COUNCIL POSITION SPECIFICATION POSITION: Economic Development Manager CLASSIFICATION: Grade 20 to 22 DIVISION: Corporate and Community Services DATE: May 2013 AUTHORISED BY: General Manager 1 POSITION OBJECTIVE The primary purpose of the role is to promote sustainable economic development in Yass Valley by implementing strategies that improve the standard of living and economic health of the community through proactive programs that facilitate business attraction, retention and expansion. 2 CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Policies and Procedures Comply with Council s Code of Conduct, Policies and Procedures at all times. Ensure compliance with Council s Code of Conduct, Policies and Procedures within all areas of responsibility. Ensure the implementation of appropriate and current Policies and Procedures within all areas of responsibility. Customer and Community Relations Present a positive image of Council at all times. Ensure an efficient, courteous and professional service to customers at all times. Promote a culture of understanding and exceeding customer expectations. Ensure effective community consultation and communication strategies are implemented for service delivery and projects where appropriate. Record Keeping Promote responsible and accountable practices for keeping full and accurate records and information in relation to all corporate activities and decisions. Continuous Improvement and Innovation Ensure the ongoing evaluation and review of work practices and processes within all areas of responsibility to ensure that they are effective and efficient and implement improvements where appropriate. Promote a culture of change and innovation by encouraging new ideas. Identify and propose additional business or service opportunities that enhance Council s existing capabilities. Work Health and Safety Ensure all work is performed in accordance with requirements of Health and Safety policies, procedures and legislation. Report all incidents, hazards and risks to the immediate supervisor. Maintain and use personal protective and safety equipment as applicable to the role. Actively participate in health and safety activities. Economic Development Manager Page 2
Monitor work practices to ensure proper employee health and safety and respond to identified risks in a timely manner. Acquire and maintain knowledge of work health and safety matters. Ensure that all staff are properly trained in all relevant aspects of health and safety applicable to their role. Ensure that contractor meet all requirements for Health and Safety and monitor for ongoing compliance. Teamwork Actively participate as a member of the relevant Council section and division. Promote and maintain harmonious relationships in the workplace. Ensure that workgroups within all areas of responsibility work cohesively towards the achievement of Council objectives. Ensure that all conflicts are managed properly and in a timely manner, with minimal disruption to Council activities. Actively participate as a member of Council s Management Team and contribute to the development of plans, policies and procedures. Promote a culture that encourages and values and the contribution of all staff to the achievement of Council s objectives. Training and Development Undertake Code of Conduct training as directed. Undertake both internal and external training identified as relevant to the role. Identify and ensure the delivery of relevant training for staff within all areas of responsibility. Environment Consider the protection of the environment in all Council activities and decision making. 3 REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS This position reports to the General Manager on specific projects and the Director Corporate and Community Services on a day to day basis. No positions report directly to this position The position is required to liaise with: Internally General Manager, Directors, Managers, Coordinators and other staff. Externally Key Stakeholders including the community, businesses, government departments, Authorities and Councillors within the scope of Council s Code of Conduct. 4 KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Economic Development Develop and implement the Yass Valley Economic Development Strategy and other key strategic plans. Identify and promote improvements to, and expansion of, existing businesses and industry. Identify and promote new business and/or industrial opportunities. Initiate discussions and conduct negotiations with the private and public sectors regarding economic development initiatives. Facilitate partnerships between business, government, communities, educational and financial institutions. Economic Development Manager Page 3
Undertake special projects as required eg project manage the development of Council owned land. These projects may be managed under the direction and supervision of the General Manager. Research Compile a detailed community profile and other demographic information in order to promote Yass Valley. Compile statistics into an easily accessible data base for use in business consultation. Prepare and disseminate information regarding the availability of land, buildings and other facilities conducive to the promotion of business and industry. Identify the needs of the business community and inform the appropriate public sector bodies of these needs. Provide economic information on Yass Valley to the private and public sectors. Stakeholder Management Actively maintain a network of contacts to support economic development initiatives, including with relevant government agencies. Participate in regional economic planning activities, including SEROC and Regional Development Southern Inland. Maintain awareness of and promote grant programs and other government initiatives which assist with economic development of the region. Facilitate preliminary discussions between potential new businesses and Council s Planning and Environmental Services Division. Facilitate interaction between Council, other levels of government, adjoining LGAs, business, industry and community organisations. Provide executive support for the Yass Valley Economic Development Board, including attending meetings, preparation of agendas, minutes and reports. Attend meetings of Council, government, business groups and progress/community associations as required. Liaise with other Council departments to ensure awareness of economic development initiatives at all levels. Provide Council management, Councillors and Committees advice on matters related to economic development. Marketing and Promotions Ensure that up to date and accurate information on economic development and business opportunities is published and available to interested parties in all forms of media. Prepare press releases regarding economic development initiatives. Assist the business community to approach other levels of government for assistance. Attend trade shows as required. Actively pursue leads and prospects which are a benefit to Yass Valley. Business Development Respond to enquiries for statistical information from both within and outside Yass Valley. Act as first point of contact with developers from outside the community for site visits and statistics. Consult with new or proposed businesses regarding business plans and marketing information. Assist potential entrepreneurs to develop their projects and provide them with the necessary information. Provide referrals to funding agencies or specific associations. Develop relationships with local businesses through various projects. Facilitate tours to and for internal and external trade delegations. Economic Development Manager Page 4
Financial Prepare and manage the annual budgets for economic development. Prepare quarterly Budget Reviews for the General Manager. Corporate Contribute to any review of the Community Strategic Plan and Delivery Program. Prepare and report on Operational Plan activities related to economic development. Prepare and submit reports for Council as required. 5 PERSON SPECIFICATION Personal Attributes Team oriented professional who is self-motivated, achievement driven and is able to motivate staff to achieve results. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to deal with diverse groups of people, manage and mediate conflict and negotiate outcomes. Excellent written communication skills, in particular report writing and media releases. Knowledge of formal and informal political processes. Ability to develop, maintain and utilise a network of contacts at all levels within government, the business community and the media to gain their understanding, appreciation and support for the economic development of Yass Valley. Ability to develop economic development strategies consistent with the policy goals of Local, State and Federal Governments. Ability to conduct and analyse economic, demographic and market research. Knowledge of the fundamentals of finance, accounting, project evaluation, marketing and commercial legal processes. Excellent organisational and time management skills, including the ability to set realistic goals and develop plans to achieve them. Professional presentation and appearance. A strong commitment to customer service. Technical Knowledge and Skills A thorough working knowledge of Council s operations, policies, procedures and guidelines. Understanding and appreciation of local government s role in the community, in the structure of government and in economic development. A sound knowledge of web-based applications and processes A solid command of English, grammar and spelling The ability to utilise Council s computer software packages Financial management skills Ability to identify, analyse and control unacceptable risks. The ability to clearly understand and adhere to all Council policies associated with Equal Employment Opportunity, Discrimination and Harassment and Work Health and Safety Education/Qualifications A tertiary qualification in Commerce, Economics, Business Management, Urban Planning or a related discipline or equivalent experience. Licences A current class C driver s licence. Economic Development Manager Page 5
6 KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Essential Relevant qualifications in Commerce, Economics, Business Administration, Urban Planning or a related discipline or equivalent experience. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills. Highly developed mediation and negotiation skills. Proven experience in developing strategic plans and delivering quality outcomes Experience in undertaking and analysing economic, demographic and market research. Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals of finance, accounting, project evaluation, marketing and commercial legal processes. High level diplomacy skills and experience establishing and maintaining strong relationships with major stakeholders including at all levels within government, the business community and the media. Desirable Experience in a similar role in a government environment. Economic Development Manager Page 6