<p>Position subject to close at any time </p> <p>NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS:  INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAY GRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED. </p> <p>This is a professional economic development position responsible for supporting and retaining existing businesses in Osceola County; the role involves building relationships with local businesses, addressing their needs, and identifying opportunities for growth and expansion. Work requires independent judgment and the ability to work alone or as a member of a team. Tact and diplomacy are essential as the employee will have considerable contact with County Administration, Board of County Commissioners, employees, Business Community, partners, and citizens.</p> <p>The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.</p> <ul> <li>Conducts outreach and maintains regular contact with local businesses. </li><li>Identifies challenges and opportunities through surveys, meetings, and site visits. </li><li>Coordinates resources and services to support business growth and job creation. </li><li>Collaborates with workforce, education, and industry partners to address workforce needs. </li><li>Develops and implements programs to support business retention and expansion. </li><li>Tracks and reports on engagement metrics and economic impact. </li><li>Conducts regular outreach and listening sessions with local businesses. </li><li>Identifies barriers to business success and works to resolve them (e.g., permitting, incentives, land acquisition, access to resources). </li><li>Develops and promotes business-friendly policies and initiatives. </li><li>Tracks and analyzes local business trends to inform strategic actions. </li><li>Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical assignment to the position. </li><li>Emergency Management Responsibilities: During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situations, and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Urban Planning, Community or Economic Development, or a closely related field. </p> <p>Experience: Two (2) years of experience in economic development at the local, state, and/or regional level, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined below.</p> <p>Miscellaneous: Must possess and maintain a valid FL Driver's License.</p> <ul> <li>Knowledge of modern economic development principles and practices. </li><li>Knowledge of commercial, tourist, and entrepreneurial development. </li><li>Knowledge of principles and practices of business location, public relations, and marketing. </li><li>Knowledge of Community Development principles relates to economic development, such as land use and zoning. </li><li>Knowledge of county and state tax structures as they apply to commercial and industrial activity. </li><li>Knowledge of incentive programs to retain existing business and attract new ones. </li><li>Knowledge of relevant Federal, State, and Local regulations relative to the operations of specific projects and programs. </li><li>Strong analytical, research, communication, presentation, organization, and time-management skills. </li><li>High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and in the use of census data. </li><li>Strong interpersonal skills to include the ability to work with varying personalities. </li><li>Strong project management, leadership, negotiating, and consensus building skills. </li><li>Ability to articulate a clear vision for economic development in the county. </li><li>Ability to work directly with business owners, media, developers, planners, engineers, architects, attorneys, and public officials to implement economic development goals. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and carry out complex research projects effectively and simultaneously, and to present the results of research effectively in clear oral, written, and graphic form. </li><li>Ability to act as a representative of Osceola County Government to the public. </li></ul> <p>PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:</p> <p>Physical Demand: Light</p> <ul> <li>20 pounds maximum lifting.  </li><li>Rare lifting, carrying up to 10 lbs.  </li><li>If less lifting is involved, it will require significant walking/standing. </li><li>If mostly sitting is involved, it will require push/pull on arm or leg controls.  </li><li>Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear. </li><li>Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.  </li><li>Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.  </li><li>Required to have clear vision at distances of 20 inches or less. </li></ul>