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Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham · 2 days ago

Economic Development Specialist

Birmingham, AL

Full-time

Hybrid

Entry, Mid Level

$55K/yr - $68K/yr

2+ years exp

The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) seeks a motivated Economic Development Specialist to provide technical assistance to communities across RPCGB’s six-county region. This role supports economic and community development initiatives, including industry and business recruitment, workforce development, and grant management.

CommunitiesConsultingGovernment

Hiring Manager

Tracy Cooper, MPA, SHRM-SCP

Responsibilities

Researching and remaining current on economic development grant programs, including funding opportunities available through federal agencies such as the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Participating in trainings, workshops, and webinars offered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and federal agencies to build proficiency in the administration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and other recurring grant programs

Meeting regularly with representatives of RPCGB member governments and regional economic development partners to identify and advance priority projects and initiatives

Learning and applying federal compliance requirements for grant funding (including 2 CFR Part 200 and other agency-specific regulations) and assisting clients with compliance with applicable state and federal policies, procedures, and regulations

Drafting, reviewing, and assembling grant applications to support RPCGB’s economic and community development work across the region

Developing grant budgets and supporting management of grant expenditures for member governments

Assisting in development of marketing and communications materials that communicate the work and impact of RPCGB’s Economic Development Department and partner organizations

Performing other duties as assigned by the Director of Economic Development

Qualification

Grant writingData analysisProject managementEconomic developmentMicrosoft OfficeCustomer serviceInterpersonal skillsCritical thinkingOrganizational skillsCommunication skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in economics, public policy or public administration, government, history, English, communications, or another relevant field

Two (2) to five (5) years of related professional experience, preferably in economic and community development and/or grant writing

Experience supporting collaborative programs and initiatives benefiting the public sector and/or underserved communities is also relevant

A valid driver's license is required

Ability to take direction while working independently as a self-motivated team member; able to identify, prioritize, and complete routine tasks with limited supervision

Ability to work effectively in a team environment and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with local government officials and staff, the public, and partner agencies

Ability to interact tactfully and courteously with the public and maintain composure in challenging or high-pressure situations

Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to build trust, listen, learn, and collaborate on complex initiatives

Strong critical thinking skills and strategic insight to identify opportunities for communities with limited resources

Sound judgment, including the ability to anticipate issues, solve problems, and manage situations with limited standardization

Ability to interpret and apply information and instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form and comfort with interpreting and applying legal, federal, and state guidance

Strong attention to detail when reading, interpreting, and completing complex documents and forms

Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate detailed information to diverse audiences

Excellent organizational and time-management skills; demonstrated ability to meet deadlines

Experience researching and writing grants or documents of similar scope and complexity

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and familiarity with Canva and Adobe; willingness and ability to learn new software with training

Interest in learning standard economic development approaches and innovative strategies to strengthen economies and quality of life in both urban and rural communities