The Northern WV Brownfields Assistance Center at West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, West Virginia is seeking applicants for an Economic Redevelopment Specialist. This position will oversee economic development and financial technical assistance initiatives. This will include community interaction and outreach, project management, capacity building, developing relationships with partners, and engaging with public and private sectors to coordinate data-driven redevelopment in rural downtown communities.
The Economic Redevelopment Specialist will have a large impact on the state, helping communities establish sustainable economic development initiatives that will enhance the well-being and quality of life of the people of West Virginia, attract investment to communities, and maximize resources in the state.
To be successful in this position, the ideal candidate will:
- Oversee program development and implementation of economic development and financial technical assistance;
- Manage projects associated with economic development and financial technical assistance;
- Assist with the facilitation of redevelopment activities, including creating and presenting materials in public meetings and synthesizing stakeholder input on projects;
- Assist with efforts to identify federal, state, industry and private foundation funding for Center support, including seeking out Requests for Proposals and writing proposals and grant applications to sustain programs, self and staff salaries;
- Provide research support in the identification of partners and implementation of consumer surveys, market analyses and feasibility studies related to downtown revitalization in specific communities;
- Assist with day-to-day tasks associated with Northern WV Brownfields Assistance Center, a program of the WV Water Research Institute at WVU.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, business administration or related discipline; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered;
- Five (5) years of experience in economic development;
- Experience in the following is preferred:
- Community outreach experience interacting with a wide variety of individuals;
- Experience working in rural communities on redevelopment-related initiatives
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, as well as financial and project management software;
- Ability to be flexible in working with diverse personalities;
- Ability to write progress/final reports, case histories, newsletters and information briefs;
- Ability to interface with state, federal, University and community representatives on project tasks,budgets and schedules;
- Ability to lead meetings and give presentations, workshops, etc.;
- Candidate must be able to talk and hear, as well as strong visual acuity, including the ability to distinguish color are required;
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time, operate office equipment effectively, and frequently stand and walk;
- Activities are predominantly non-manual, though some manual work not directly involved with altering or transporting of products may be included.
Competitive salary and benefits offered.
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