Economic Development Coordinator

Salary

$67,059.20 - $80,454.40 Annually

Location

Iowa City, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

00830

Department

Planning, Development & Sustainability

Opening Date

02/20/2025

Closing Date

3/2/2025 11:59 PM Central

• Description

• Benefits

Definition & Duties

Under direction of PDS Director, research, prepare, implement, promote, and evaluate equitable economic development action tools, programs, projects and policies for the unincorporated area and small towns of Johnson County. Carry out goals of comprehensive plans, economic development plans and other planning documents. Plan and implement objectives that equitably support the economy and quality of life of Johnson County residents. Be a point of contact for existing and potential business owners and entrepreneurs. Provide marketing, planning and grant coordination support to businesses and small towns outside of the metro area. Lead and/or serve on committees, and work in partnership with local, regional, state and other economic development organizations. Provide data and analyses to inform decision-making processes.

Knowledge of & Ability to

• Economic and business development programs and tools rural areas can leverage to their benefit, including branding and marketing, agritourism, main street concepts and entrepreneurship

• Grant application and review processes and resources

• Issues impacting the economy of Johnson County and other rural economies

• Public engagement techniques and best practices to include traditional and social media, electronic-based communication, and public speaking and outreach

• Local sustainable food policy

• General economic trends, analysis, forecasts and impacts and related principles and practices

• General private sector business objectives

• Local government finance procedures and processes

• Diverse and equitable housing policy

• Issues related to the expansion and use of rural broadband infrastructure

• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and proofreading skills

Ability to:

• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner

• Interpret, understand and apply zoning regulations, government regulations, and county/department policies

• Compose engaging, succinct, and accurate written communications

• Efficiently collect, analyze, and interpret workforce, economic and demographic data from many different sources.

• Collect other data, keep accurate records, prepare reports and technical correspondence

• Be detail oriented and accurate while performing duties

• Perform complex analysis using spatially derived data

• Ensure compliance with county and department policies, procedures, and safety standards

• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, elected officials, consultants/engineering firms, attorneys and members of the public

• Use a computer and related software programs for the purpose of GIS, data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email and Internet

• Operate common office equipment such as calculator, fax machine, photocopier, multi-line telephone, scanner, computer projector, printer and large format plotter

• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position

• Follow oral and written instructions

• Organize and present factual information, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals in formal and informal situations

• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication

• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate to heavy use of a keyboard and mouse

• Have sufficient vision including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, which permits production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms

• Occasionally work outdoors in different terrains in all weather conditions

• Sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, squat, bend, twist and reach

• Push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds

• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work and attend meetings at various county facilities and other locations

• Work flexible schedule and additional time as needed

Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements

Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Economic Development, Business Administration or related field AND 2 years of related experience OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage. May also require use of personal vehicle for official business. Must pass background check.

Specific Duties

to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Represent the County’s economic development efforts and policies to the business community, the public, and other governmental organizations.

• Develop and maintain relationships with rural stakeholders and businesses, small cities, organizations, and other key partners and institutions.

• Work to foster and expand the ag tourism cluster in rural Johnson County by assisting current companies and helping new ones start-up and expand.

• Support ongoing efforts to foster and expand the local foods and agricultural tourism cluster in rural Johnson County.

• In coordination with County grants and other partners, identify, recommend and coordinate beneficial projects, programs and grants for which rural communities and other stakeholders qualify

• Provide economic development and grant writing technical assistance to small towns.

• Provide grant writing assistance related to economic development through applicable the local, State, Federal government, and private foundations.

• Collaborate with housing programs, developers, and builders to identify solutions to the lack of affordable and workforce housing throughout the county and increase affordable and workforce housing in rural communities.

• Advise the PDS Director, small town city councils, and appropriate boards and commissions regarding economic development plans, policies, programs, and initiatives

• Coordinate and provide support to the Internal (steering) Economic Development Committee for Johnson County.

• Coordinate and collaborate with Greater Iowa City Business Partnership

• Identify, research, develop or amend, implement, and track economic development plans, policies, programs, initiatives and funding mechanisms for unincorporated areas, villages and small towns.

• Write traditional, social media and web content, annual reporting and other communications.

• Respond to media inquiries.

• Prepare and deliver presentations and written reports on knowledge areas expected of the position.

• Serve as initial point-of-contact for developers and prospective companies with commercial and industrial development projects.

• Assist members of the public to navigate permitting processes.

• Assist in the coordination of efforts to increase broadband access throughout the county through strategic partnerships and creative funding programs.

• Prepare, review and/or manage Requests for Proposals/Quotes/Qualifications and related contracts.

• Collaborate with Sustainability Coordinator and other staff to promote resiliency and incorporate adaptation and mitigation measures.

• Assist in updating Comprehensive Plan, Fringe Area Agreements, and other sub-area plans.

• Write traditional, social media and web content, annual reporting and other communications.

• Attend work-related meetings, training, and professional development opportunities to keep well informed on trends and procedures. Participate in committees.

• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.

• Attends work regularly.

Resume and cover letter must be attached to online application.

For questions regarding this position please contact Ines Beltre at ibeltre@johnsoncountyiowa.gov or 319-688-8076

Employee Benefits

The following is a summary of benefits for full-time, non-bargaining County employees. Benefits, privileges and duties for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary depending on specific contract provisions.

Compensation

Employees serve a six-month probationary period and are eligible for meritorious performance compensation increases based upon performance evaluations. Across the board compensation increases are considered by the Board of Supervisors, and are made effective July 1 annually.

Vacation

• During 1st through 4th years: 3 working weeks

• During 4th through 9th years: 4 working weeks

• During 9th through 19th years: 5 working weeks

• During 19th or later years: 6 working weeks

Holidays

12 paid holidays per year plus 2 personal holidays:

• New Year's Day

• Martin Luther King's Birthday

• President's Day

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day

• Juneteenth

• Labor Day

• Veteran's Day

• Thanksgiving Day and day after

• Christmas

• Floating Christmas holiday

Sick Leave

Accrues at the rate of 18 days per year on a per-pay period basis to a maximum accrual of 120 days. After accumulation of 90 sick days, employees may convert sick leave to vacation on a 4:1 basis.

Parental Leave

A paid two-week (80 hour) paid parental leave is provided to full-time benefit eligible parents to allow for child bonding time. This includes child's birth, adoption, placement in the home or court appointed guardianship.

Wellness Program

Voluntary wellness activities, screenings, educational opportunities and incentives are offered throughout the year for employees and their families.

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and their families may contact Synchrony for free EAP counseling and referral services.

Health Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect health care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment.

• Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is the third party administrator for this self-funded plan

• PPO with 90/10 in-network and 80/20 out-of-network co-insurance; $275 deductible single or $550 deductible family; $1000 out-of-pocket maximum single or $2000 out -of-pocket maximum family

• Single coverage is $32/month for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is $112.00/month.

Dental Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect dental care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Vision Care Coverage

Eligible employees may elect vision care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Flexible Spending

Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket health, dental and vision expenses that are not reimbursable through another source. Employees may also set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses.

Life Insurance

Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. Coverage is 1 times annualized compensation rounded up to the nearest thousand in group term life insurance and AD&D. Max covered salary $100,000.

*Supplemental Life Insurance

The County offers to all benefit-eligible employees additional life insurance coverage that may be purchased for employees, spouses and children at guarantee basis.

Long-Term Disability

Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. County provides up to 2 years of long term disability coverage at 66 2/3% of the employees wages as a result of injury, sickness or pregnancy; employees may opt to purchase additional coverage.

IPERS

Iowa Public Employee Retirement System is a mandatory defined benefit retirement plan designed to supplement both Social Security and private savings. Non law-enforcement employees contribute 6.29% and the County contributes 9.44%.

Deferred Compensation (457)

A deferred compensation plan is offered that provides tax advantages and an additional means in which to save for retirement with an easy payroll deduction. Employees may select from several companies offering deferred compensation. The County will match up to $40/biweekly, and employees are vested on day 1.

Discounted Bus Pass

Full-time and part-time employees are eligible to purchase discounted bus passes for Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit for commuting to/from their jobs as Johnson County employees. Bus pass availability is subject to available funds and continuation of the program.

Johnson County is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.

Women, minorities and elderly are encouraged to apply.

Employer

Johnson County

Address

913 S Dubuque St Suite 103 Iowa City, Iowa, 52240

Phone

319-356-6003

Website

https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/

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