Economic Development Specialist

Under limited supervision, coordinates projects for the Small Business Division; assists in developing ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT strategies and creating an entrepreneurial climate to increase the tax base for the City; and performs other related duties as assigned.

1. Audits city bid and/or contract documents, activities, and transactions to determine adherence to policy and the City’s Small Business Procurement Ordinance.

2. Audits, monitors, and authorizes payments to qualified vendors.

3. Investigates compliance issues, conducts on-site monitoring visits, prepares written reports of findings, and makes recommendations to vendors or other City departments to resolve issues.

4. Promotes and markets the City’s Small Business Procurement program at trade fairs, business expositions, etc.

5. Coordinates the department Economic Development and small business projects.

6. Assists in developing innovative ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT strategies to promote and support the growth, expansion, and retention of businesses within the City of West Palm Beach.

7. Assists the department in creating an entrepreneurial climate, so as to increase the tax base for the City.

8. Responsible for assisting the department in building business partnerships, public/private partnerships, trust and credibility throughout the community.

9. Interacts with a wide array of organizations to build awareness of the City’s small business program.

10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree with a major in Business Administration, Political Science, Public Administration or related field (education will be verified using the “Education Requirements” listed below) and three (3) years of public administration experience, including one (1) year of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT administration is required, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

A current and valid Florida driver’s license is required. For application purposes, a valid driver’s license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized; with the ability to obtain the State of Florida driver’s license within thirty (30) days from date of employment.

a) a public education institution in the State of Florida or any State or Territory of the United States; or

b) an institution accredited by an accrediting organization that is recognized by the Florida Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education; or

c) an institution that is accredited by an organization that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); or

d) an institution whose degree or certification is accepted by institutions identified in either a), b), or c), above, for the purpose of admission to institutions identified in either a), b), or c) above.

The selection process for this position may consist of any, all or a combination of the following tests: evaluation of training and experience, written examination, structured oral interview or other assessment method.

State of Emergency: When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration by the Mayor that a state of emergency exists, all employees will be deemed critical by the City. For the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail, employees deemed necessary shall be required to work. Employees deemed critical by the City but not needed for the initial preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail may be directed not to report to work, and given paid administrative leave or they may be reassigned to another location that best meet the needs of the City.

If you are interested in applying for this position you may apply online by selecting the Apply Now button at the end of the job posting. Applications must be received in Human Resources by the closing date.