Economic Development Specialist

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

North Louisiana Economic Partnership, an Accredited Economic Development Organization, provides professional economic development services to an 11-parish region of North Louisiana, including lead generation and prospect management. Its mission is to be a catalyst and connector advancing economic growth in the region. Visit nlep.org for more information.

The Economic Development Specialist will work with the Business Development and Marketing teams to execute the Marketing and Attraction strategies of the NLEP, though cross-functional support will occasionally be needed to achieve the organization’s mission and goals.

Essential Job Functions

The Economic Development Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of professional duties to support the NLEP’s mission.

  • Respond to Requests for Proposals/Information (RFP/RFI) requests for general business assistance from companies, site selection consultants or other business representatives.
  • Assist in planning and executing company site visits, familiarization tours, and target sector-specific events.
  • Perform research and analysis of social, economic and other data for RFP/RFI response and project management purposes as well as keep organizational data libraries current.
  • Develop and maintain point of contact relationships with local, regional, state, and national organizations/associations that are regularly involved in the site selection process.
  • Interact with city, parish, state, or federal departments to ensure timely permitting and commencement of construction or expansion for business development projects for which the NLEP is involved.
  • Work with local property owners/representatives, utility partners, and government officials to ensure data on available land, sites and buildings is correct in the property databases and NLEP contact/project management system.
  • Assist in the creation of economic development marketing materials.
  • Keep NLEP’s contact and project management system up to date on projects the employee is assigned to manage.
  • Assist in preparation of business development reporting metrics for investor updates.
  • Occasionally may be asked to attend site selection or industry-specific trade shows/networking events to expand awareness of the assets of North Louisiana pertaining to the organization’s target industries and develop relationships with site influencers.
  • Work on special projects as assigned.
  • Occasionally present to local organizations or governmental bodies on behalf of the NLEP.
  • Occasionally serve on boards or committees on behalf of the NLEP that are relevant to the mission of the organization.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Mastery of common office equipment and standard office and communication software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Dropbox, and Zoom. Salesforce is the project and contact relationship management software used by the NLEP and will be used daily in this position; training will be provided;
  • Ability to author communication documents (letters, emails) with attention to detail and a highly professional tone;
  • Ability to work as part of a fast-paced team and manage the process of critical information gathering from teammates and outside sources;
  • Excellent project management skills to successfully prioritize, manage and complete multiple projects;
  • Candidate must be self-driven and able to complete tasks under tight deadlines;
  • Ability to stay current on changing trends and technologies impacting core job functions;
  • Ability to quickly learn core principles of economic development and how they are applied within the NLEP program of work;
  • Strong networking and relationship-building skills;
  • Market research and analysis skills;
  • Strong verbal communications skills, with the ability to effectively communicate information to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of NLEP stakeholders in a highly professional manner;
  • Strict adherence to confidentiality requirements of projects and other organizational matters;
  • Willingness to attend professional development training;
  • Ability to drive a motor vehicle to and from work locations, meetings and events;
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to attend meetings/training/events.

Experience/Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Public Relations or a related field;
  • 2-5 years’ experience in a business, economic development, or real estate field preferred;
  • Valid driver’s license.

Supervision

  • Directly reports to VP Business Development Strategy and may receive additional functional oversight from program managers when working on program-specific initiatives or events;
  • No supervisory responsibility.

Working Conditions

  • Job requires the ability to excel in a fast-paced environment of multiple stakeholder interactions, projects and unexpected challenges/opportunities that require prompt action;
  • Work is primarily performed in an office environment with low to moderate noise levels, though position holder may be asked to work occasionally at off-site locations and events;
  • Occasional travel throughout region, state, and nation.  Possible occasional international travel.

Job Location

This position is based in the NLEP office in Shreveport, LA, though there will be travel throughout the NLEP footprint and outside it as needed.

Apply

Interested parties should submit a letter of interest and their resume to info@nlep.org with the subject line “Economic Development Specialist.”