Economic Development Specialist

September 11, 2013

About the Position

Capitalize Albany Corporation is seeking a highly motivated, professional and experienced candidate for Economic Development Specialist. This is a fast pace position responsible for supporting the coordination and administration of business development programs and lending programs. The Economic Development Specialist is a key driver of economic development project implementation. An integral responsibility of the position is identifying important factors for attracting and retaining business activity, working with city officials to develop strategic plans for economic development, representing the community in presentations to private industry, and marketing the city as a location favorable for business relocation or expansion.

Capitalize Albany Corporation is a 501-c3 that facilitates transformational real estate development projects; assists in the expansion, retention and attraction of businesses; promotes local economic activity; and creates economic development programs for the City of Albany, NY. The Corporation, which is tasked with executing the City of Albany’s economic development strategy, is guided by a Board of Directors composed of executives representing local corporations, colleges and universities, legal firms and financial institutions. The Corporation offers excellent benefits and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and skills.

Responsibilities

Business Development

  • Implements programs related to small business development, real estate development, project financing and management, development and implementation of grants and the preparation of revitalization strategies.

Project Development

  • Produces, evaluates and disseminates information as to desirable locations, availability of land, tax structure, utilities, transportation, labor, financing including tax exempt, and any other community resources information related to such a move or expansion.

  • Works and interacts with government officials, business leaders, community and neighborhood organizations and the public.

  • Confers and maintains cooperative relationships with banks, real estate brokers, utilities, and chambers of commerce to monitor the status of economic development in the City.

  • Establishes liaison with banks, commerce groups and trading companies in order to influence investors to locate in the City.

  • Advises potential applicants for tax exempt financing (industrial revenue bonds) under the auspices of the guidelines under the act.

Research and Analysis

  • Researches and provides recommendations on economic development factors.

  • Produces, evaluates and disseminates economic development studies and makes recommendations.

Qualifications and Skills

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in business, management or a related field and at least two years of hands-on experience. A master’s degree is preferred. The successful candidate must have experience in economic development or related field including solid knowledge of the principles and practices employed in business development and project management. Understanding of real estate practices, working knowledge of economic development financing practices and analytic skills, to include financial feasibility criteria and assessment techniques, is desired. Candidates must have demonstrated ability to effectively interact with business representatives, government officials, lending organizations and real estate professionals.

The successful candidate must be well organized, personable, results-driven and detail oriented. Excellent people skills, verbal and written communication skills are critical. Flexibility and ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and efficiently in a team and independently is essential. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Access and PowerPoint is desirable. Having reliable transportation, Microsoft Office proficiency and advanced word processing skills are required.

To Apply

Please email cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Economic Development Specialist Search” in the subject line.