Job description

Wabaunsee County seeks an independent, strategic-minded professional to lead its Office of Economic Development. This office is responsible for planning and directing all aspects of the County’s economic and community development programs. The ideal candidate will have economic development experience at the local government level, be equally passionate about Wabaunsee County and public service, and be a believer that economic activity strengthens communities. Please submit resume and job application to the Board of County Commissioners, 215 Kansas, Alma, KS 66401, by December 30, 2022. Application can be found at www.wbcounty.org. Wabaunsee County is an equal opportunity employer. For additional information, contact the Wabaunsee County Clerk at 785.765.2421.

Purpose of Position

Direct the Office of Economic Development which serves Wabaunsee County by creating and maintaining an environment that supports entrepreneurial activities[1]as a means to generate wealth for residents, businesses, and local government entities.

Essential Duties

· Help local businesses get started, be resilient, and transition successfully

· Address quality of place, community features that make the County attractive to families and business

· Establish and preserve relationships across geographic, business, and community gaps

· Promote the outdoor experiences, cultural heritage, and historical significance of the County

Primary Responsibilities. The following duties are not exclusive or all-inclusive; other duties may be required and assigned, as determined by the Board of County Commissioners.

· Plan, organize, and direct the Office of Economic Development, including all such programs, initiatives, and activities that support the purpose and essential duties of this Office.

· Create an annual assessment and implementation plan to prioritize and accomplish goals outlined in the Wabaunsee County Comprehensive Plan.

· Serve as the primary advisor and technical expert to the Board of County Commissioners and other county departments on economic development issues.

· Work with local, regional, state, and federal partners to craft incentive packages, tax and development policies, zoning regulations, etc. that support economic development goals.

· Monitor legislative and regulatory activity relating to economic and community development, evaluate possible impact on Wabaunsee County and recommend policy modifications, if necessary.

· Utilize websites, social media, newspapers, and other media sources to cultivate economic development, share information, promote the County, and encourage citizen involvement.

· Conduct market research, analyses and surveys to support planning and programs.

· Prepare marketing materials for prospective visitors, businesses and residents; promote Wabaunsee County as a great place to visit, live, work and conduct business.

· Serve as an initial contact for relocating or expanding businesses and industries; maintain information relative to available properties, utilities, incentives, and workforce.

· Link stakeholders with specialists, resources, and economic development service organizations

· Administer the E-Community initiative and its programs on behalf of the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship (i.e., NetWork Kansas).

· With the Appraiser’s Office, develop and implement a Neighborhood Revitalization Program.

· Prepare grant proposals and applications, contracts and other necessary documents.

· Serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.

Education & Experience.

· Bachelor’s degree in economic development, public or business administration, marketing or finance, or a closely related field is preferred.

· Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification preferred.

· Minimum of two to three years of economic, real estate or community development, grant writing, entrepreneurial and business planning, or related experience in a similar capacity preferred; experience with local government administration is preferred.

· Any combination of education, training and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the duties of the position will be considered.

· Must hold a valid motor vehicle license, with no violation-related restrictions.

· Preference given to those residing in or willing to relocate to Wabaunsee County.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities.

· Must pass all drug and alcohol screening or testing.

· Ability to define problems; collect, analyze, and interpret data; establish facts; draw valid conclusions; and develop feasible, acceptable, and suitable options for decision makers.

· Ability to lead and/or constructively participate in strategic planning and implementation, including forecasting, assessments, and goal setting.

· Ability to exercise oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills in a variety of settings and disparate audiences.

· Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals and ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and interpret bar graphs, other charts, and presentations.

· Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

· Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

· Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality.

· Ability to operate computers and software, including social media and websites.

· Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations, financial reports, legal documents (deeds and probates), and legal descriptions.

· Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.

· Ability to work independently, or with individuals, groups, agencies, departments, communities, businesses, and non-profit entities.

· Knowledge of existing economic development programs and resources.

· Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and political processes, Kansas and federal state laws.

· Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

· Skill in fiscal administration, controls, and budgets.

Supervisory Responsibilities. None, except as required to lead informal, citizen-based committees and groups formed to achieve the purpose and essential duties of the Office.

Financial Accountability. Develops and executes a budget as directed by the Board of County Commissioners; manages department to achieve goals within budgeted funds; and completes the budget process, including required reports, in accordance with County policies and procedures.

Work Environment. Office environment, use computers and other equipment, work closely with others, high levels of public contact, operate motor vehicles, observe general surroundings and activities, and occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and places of business, including manufacturing, retail, agricultural, or other settings.

Physical Conditions. Work requires sitting, frequently requires walking, public speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, lifting and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing and reaching with hands and arms. Work has standard vision requirements. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken levels. Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data.

Compensation and Schedule. This is a half-time, salaried, non-exempt position. Salary is negotiable. Benefits include: eligibility for the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System; and vacation time, sick leave, and paid time off in accordance with the County’s Personnel Policies and Guidelines. This position requires schedule flexibility; occasional evening/weekend work may be required. Overnight travel will also be required on occasion.

Wabaunsee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as Amended, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

[1]Entrepreneurial activities pursue the generation of value or wealth, through the creation or expansion of economic activity, including tourism, by identifying, developing, and exploiting new products, processes, or markets. Such activities require: access to capital; broad networking opportunities; technical expertise; a workforce adequate in size and quality; and a supportive community. Though initiated by the entrepreneur and their investors, these activities create jobs, increase the tax base, and provide other direct and indirect benefits to the community.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25,000.00 - $30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Self-determined schedule
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Alma, KS 66401: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Business development: 1 year (Preferred)
• Strategic planning: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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