Job Status : Permanent Full time

Union : Non-Union

Number of Positions : 2

Hours of Work: 35

Location: 124 Thames Street, Chatham

Reason for Vacancy: Replacement

Closing Date : October 14, 11:59pm EST. Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has openings for two (2) permanent full-time Economic Development Officers in the Economic Development and Tourism Services division.

Job description

Under the direction of the Manager, Economic Development Services, the Economic Development Officer is responsible for fostering a thriving business environment in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. This position plans and implements business retention, expansion, investment attraction, and economic development initiatives that support local businesses and contribute to economic growth in Chatham-Kent through different types of activities including:

1.

2. Working collaboratively with businesses, investors, community organizations, regional partners and municipal departments, the Economic Development Officer supports sustainable economic growth and advances Council’s strategic directions. Sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, schools and hospitals (MUSH), information and communication technology, real estate, small business and others required to enhance the economic well-being and resiliency of the community.

3. Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, developers and industry stakeholders while developing and implementing programs and initiatives that support local business retention and expansion. Identify emerging economic development opportunities, trends,



and challenges and recommend appropriate actions and initiatives. Respond to business inquiries and facilitate connections to relevant resources, funding programs and municipal services.

4. Playing a key role in organizing and delivering the services of the Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre including collaboration, reporting and community outreach as well as being responsible for the effective delivery to clients of the programs funded by the Province of Ontario as well as other funding partners.

5. Engaging with prospective companies or their representation to showcase Chatham-Kent as a desirable place to conduct business. The Investment Attraction portfolio includes collecting appropriate information necessary to a prospective investment, presenting a business case for businesses to invest, making necessary stakeholder connections as well as providing on-boarding supports to ensure a smooth transition into our community.

6. Providing concierge services to new and existing companies in Chatham-Kent. Concierge Services include engaging in mentorship, having an understanding of current programs and services available to support employers, providing advisory services, and leveraging relationships within the business community to assist employers as well as municipal partners to achieve their goals.

7. As Ambassadors of the Municipality,



EDO’s participate in industry associations, sit on various committees, have frequent interactions with business leaders and members of Council, as well as remain relevant by maintaining a personal presence through traditional media sources and/or multiple social media platforms with fresh content. EDO’s additionally organize events, workshops, webinars, and seminars that are suited to the needs of the Chatham-Kent business community and promote local businesses.

8. Assisting the Municipality and employers with value-added projects that advance economic growth in the community, Economic Development and Tourism Services, as well as enhancing the understanding of municipal service delivery in our community.

Economic Development Officers play a large role in leveraging community assets by using their knowledge to inform Council, Administration, and members of the public on matters that reinforce the economic well-being of the community as a whole. EDOs leverage their relationships and knowledge of economic principles to inform and recommend policy changes to support the economic well-being of the Chatham-Kent community.

Essential responsibilities

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- Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies.

- Identify opportunities for economic growth and take action to improve the local business environment. Support business retention and expansion activities through frequent interaction with community business leaders and address their concerns directly with actionable solutions.

- Provide virtual and in-person coaching, mentorship, and advice to clients that are deve

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