Description

The County of Hastings is currently accepting applications for a Permanent Full-time Economic and Tourism Development Manager with our Planning and Development Department. This position is responsible for managing the development and delivery of key economic development programs, collaborating closely with internal departments and external partners to deliver results that strengthen the County’s business ecosystem, grow the tax base, and support long-term strategic objectives as approved by Council.

DUTIES and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning:

Provide advice to the Director and senior County staff as required.
Manage the development and implementation of economic strategies, policies and programs for consideration by County Council and any Committee it deems appropriate.
Develop an annual business plan for the economic development office, including an annual budget for consideration by the appropriate approval authorities.
Manages and coordinates the planning and implementation of the Economic Development Work Programs, including investment attraction, retention, job creation, business assistance, marketing and related functions.
Manages and collects data and statistics related to economic development. Establish and report on metrics/key performance indicators to measure economic development performance.

Internal and External Relations:

Provide support and advice to the Planning Development Committee, and or any committee it deems necessary.
Act as a liaison between economic development and other County departments. Provide support where appropriate to other County departments.
Provide professional economic development advice and assistance to member municipalities on matters related to local economic development.
Investigate partnerships with other counties, municipalities and levels of government that would foster economic development in the County and eastern Ontario.
Recommend participation in regional economic development organizations and regional innovative networks that will contribute to economic development in the County and eastern Ontario.
Attend regular meetings of County Council and Committees where required by the Director of Planning and Development.

Research & Development:

Provide support, research and develop policies/initiatives that support economic activities throughout the County, including main streets, and the agricultural and natural resources sectors.
Research and develop policies/initiatives that support investment attraction, business retention and expansion.
Investigate opportunities for receiving funding from external agencies and other governments that would support economic development in the County.

Marketing & Tourism:

Implement, maintain and enhance the County’s brand.
Support, where appropriate, local organizations involved in visitor marketing and tourism product development.

Leadership & Staff Oversight:

Provide supervisory and managerial oversight to all staff in the Economic Development Office as required.
Be responsible for the care, control and management of all confidential information.
Works in a safe manner in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, associated regulations, other applicable legislation, County by-laws, policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Economic Development:

Maintain a Community Profile for Hastings County as well as relevant sections of the County Website and social networking platforms.
Pursue all leads and potential leads that may support the economic development of the County.
Assist the Director in the administration and management of County owned trails and other matters related to trail systems throughout the County.
Prepare and distribute an annual report on the activities and successes of the Economic Development Office.
Be aware of and carry out the duties of the Supervisor as set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and County policies.
Other related duties as assigned

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCES

Four-year University Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certified Economic Developer Designation, or the ability to become certified within a reasonable time frame.
Must have a valid Driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Minimum four to five years related experience.
Thorough understanding of municipal planning and development regulations/procedures.
Skilled in reading, understanding, interpreting and applying legal, technical, and complex regulations.
Ability to help develop long-term plans and goals for the Town and provide management with target dates, costs, and implementation strategies.
Proven leadership and project management abilities.
Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
Ability to gather and analyze economic data to develop sound proposals.
A demonstrated ability to think and act strategically in a political and community service environment.
Proven ability to build effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders, including industry and government officials and community leaders.
Excellent administrative, analytical, research, organizational, time management, report-writing and public speaking skills.
Strong computer skills.