Hiring: Economic Development Officer

The VILLAGE OF ALERT BAY is seeking an experienced ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER.

The Village of Alert Bay invites applicants for the position of Economic Development Officer for a contracted period of up to two years.

Alert Bay is on Cormorant Island which is 4.9 km long, and 0.8 km wide at its narrowest point and is located east of Port McNeill on Vancouver Island.  The island is governed by two primary political jurisdictions, 'Namgis First Nation and Village of Alert Bay. The island population is approximately 950 people.

The Cormorant Island Economic Development Officer (EDO) will be responsible for facilitating, promoting, and implementing the Tides of Change Economic Development Strategy, a joint initiative of the Village of Alert Bay and ‘Namgis First Nation. The successful candidate will have proven experience in designing and implementing activities and initiatives that will attract business opportunities to the Island, leading business retention and attraction activities, and supporting local entrepreneurs.

The EDO will report to the Chief Administrative Officer of the Village and will take a lead role in working with Council, volunteers, the business community and staff to promote development and diversification opportunities for Cormorant Island.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Implement the Tides of Change Economic Development Strategy, including:

    • Research funding opportunities and availability for harbour redevelopment

    • Coordinate harbour development planning

    • Develop restaurant/retail vitality strategy

    • Initiate business-to-business networking support

    • Initiate artist support

    • Develop strategy to retain and expand core business and services

    • Conduct research to support increased local seafood available on Cormorant Island

    • Coordinate litter removal between public works departments

    • Continue interpretive signage project

    • Support kiosks, community markets, or other business opportunities with low barriers to market entry

    • Develop improved, consistent, branded on-island wayfinding signage

    • Develop a Cormorant Island brand

    • Increase off-island advertising and promotion

    • Develop a joint tourism strategy

  2. Work with the Tides of Change Joint Steering Committee to establish short-term and long-term initiatives and prepare a detailed collaborative work plan.

  3. Network and liaise and maintain active contacts with:

    • Other economic development entities and stakeholders

    • Local business owners and organizations

    • All levels of government

  4. Support the Tides of Change Joint steering committee and sub-committees by providing secretariat support (agendas, minutes, meeting schedules, etc.).

  5. Identify sectoral opportunities for economic development (i.e. marine services, tourism, arts and crafts, and downtown revitalization).

  6. Act as a first point of contact for enquiries regarding economic development.

  7. Identify grant opportunities, research and prepare grant proposals and complete required reporting.

  8. Prepare statistical reports relevant to economic development, monthly activity reports, and reports to Council.

  9. Other duties as assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

The EDO would normally attain the required knowledge, skills and attitudes through completion of a Diploma or Degree in Community Economic Development and/or Business Administration combined with related financial experience. Equivalencies will be considered.

Experience

  • Two to five years’ experience in the economic development field working in a local government and/or First Nations context.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills

  • Knowledge and experience in budget preparation, work plan preparation and reporting

  • Knowledge of all aspects of economic development including business retention and expansion, business attraction, workforce development, and marketing

  • Ability to deal courteously, tactfully and diplomatically with members of the general public, community and special interest groups and internal and external customers.

  • Strong organizational, time management and project management skills

  • Ability to travel and hold a valid Class 5 drivers license

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

The EDO position is a full-time contract position. Interested individuals are requested to forward their resume and cover letter in confidence by 4:00 pm on March 21, 2017 to:

By Mail:           

Justin Beadle, CAO
Bag Service 2800
Alert Bay, BC V0N 1A0

By email:        

cao@alertbay.ca

For more information on our community, or complete job description please refer to our website at www.alertbay.ca. The Village of Alert Bay thanks all applicants for their interest in applying for this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.