Job Title:              Economic Development Coordinator - P000360
Division:              Agriculture Business Development
Headquarters:    Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston WV
Reports To:         Assistant Director Business Development and Planning
Supervisory
Responsibility:  None 
FLSA Status:     Non-exempt

Nature of Work:
Under general supervision, this is experienced level agriculture development work resulting in relocation and expansion of agriculture businesses in the state (1) by identification and prospecting of agricultural businesses targeted for relocation and expansion in the state; (2) by the development, coordination and closure of agricultural development opportunities; (3) by the development and coordination of a variety of local agricultural development partnerships and other initiatives. Extensive travel may be required.

Examples of Work:

• Provides technical assistance and resources for individuals looking to relocate, expand or start an agriculture enterprise in WV.
• Markets WV and its communities to targeted agriculture related businesses, including contacts with targeted business groups, on-site visitations, dissemination of information about the state, follow-up activities, closure, and turnover to the appropriate partner or contact.
• Works closely with WV Commerce and WV Economic Development and regional EDA office to identify prospective businesses, develop site data, prospects, and other marketing information for search firms.
• Coordinate feasibility studies, market analysis, economic impacts studies.
• Develops a complete understanding of the economic, demographic, and social data of the state such as transportation systems, manufacturing and industrial facilities, raw materials, utilities, labor force characteristics, community, government and business leadership, schools, and financial organizations – including the WV Rural Rehabilitation Loan Fund (WVRRLF).
• Conduct meetings, be point of contact and with prospective agriculture business development or owners.
• Assist prospective businesses with navigations challenging regulations and connecting them with the appropriate person at it relates to tax.
• Develops and maintains contact with local economic development, state commerce, marketing, civic, business, governmental and association agencies to ascertain the needs of prospects and the resources available to them.
• Develops a full understanding of the WVDA WV Grown marketing program.
• Manage economic development efforts by promoting agriculture business development through events such as food shows, summits, and expos.
• Works in coordination with partners to connect agriculture businesses to workforce training activities across the state and understand and communicate and be the voice for the agriculture industry’s workforce training needs across the state.
• In coordination with the Director and Assistant Director create new initiatives for service expansion.
• Conduct site and farm visits in coordination with Planning Coordinators across the state.
• Develops methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources.
• Network, build relationships, and collaborate with stakeholders, entrepreneurs, agencies, and communities across WV.
• Protects the confidentiality of all personal information of individuals and businesses.
• Demonstrates professionalism in all communications individuals and businesses.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Standing, sitting, working on a computer, driving, walking, lifting up to 50 lbs. May be required to work hours outside the normal work schedule, requirements and locations, including possible overnight travel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Superior interpersonal skills, and ability to work with a diverse array of individuals and organizations.
• Knowledge of TIF programs and other tax incentives, grants, loans options and other financial tools to attractive businesses.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills; demonstrates ability to use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling in verbal or written communications.
• Ability to develop/compile and communicate information that is timely, accurate, clear and concise.
• Ability to work collaboratively or independently as needed.
• Ability to adapt quickly to change; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternative solutions.
• Thorough knowledge of security requirements related to confidentiality of personal information, trade secrets and non-disclosure agreements.
• Proficient computer skills including website construction and maintenance, word processing, publication creation, spreadsheets, databases, and email.
• Knowledge of standard office equipment and practices and procedures.
• Proficient in the use of various communications technologies to arrange meetings via Microsoft Teams, Teleconference or other media.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture related field, business administration, marketing, economics, planning, finance, or a related field.
Experience: Two years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid professional experience in agricultural development, economic research, marketing or economics.
Substitutions: N/A
Licenses/
Certifications:  N/A

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

             This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner of Agriculture and designees.
                                             West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.