County development position description
The following was presented Monday to the Marion County Commission by the Marion County Economic Development Task Force.
The task force was asked to compile a job description for the position of a Marion County Economic Development coordinator.
— Be involved with and participate with all planning and economic development groups in the county, region, and state (networking).
— Be the local initial contact and facilitator for Marion County to draw upon for new and existing business. Be able to direct or assist with marketing, financial management, training, and business planning. Be a clearinghouse for business and economic development information.
— Be a promoter and cheerleader for the county, inside and out.
— Ability to work with groups (committees) that have diverse goals.
— Develop resources and contacts to promote economic development in Marion County.
— Ability to work with communities to attract and retain people. Bring people into the community to live, work, and play.
— Ability to unify the cities with one mission/vision. Meet with the cities and groups in Marion County to communicate the vision of economic development in Marion County.
— Work with local media to educate and inform the public about economic development.
— Knowledge and ability to research and write grants.
— Ability to qualify good prospects (business contacts).
— Must have good communication skills.
— Work with and be a liaison to Marion County Economic Development Council on a shared vision and goals.
— Promote tourism, local attractions, recreation opportunities, and agricultural tourism.
— Position should be called coordinator/facilitator.
— Be involved with the county strategic planning process.
— Report to Marion County Commission.
— Produce quantifiable results.
— Keep information through the office confidential (trustworthy).
— Good computer, software, and Internet skills.
— Develop and maintain a working relationship with local businesses. Set up a database of small business owners and provide networking between them.
— Promote entrepreneurship, youth education and development entrepreneurship, angel network, community foundations, state PRIDE program.
— Web site (as a tool).
— Provide training opportunities for community economic development volunteers/staff.
— Make sure facilities are updated on Kansas Department of Commerce database.
— Ability to administer and manage a budget.
— Must have good record-keeping skills.
— Keep it simple.
