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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CONSULTANT

Date: Aug 1, 2025

Req ID: 51711

Location:

LITTLE ROCK, AR, US, 72202

Category: AR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMM

Anticipated Starting Salary: $94,537.04

Position Number: 22094191

County: Pulaski

Anticipated Starting Salary: $94,537.04 Position Summary

The Economic Dev. Project Consultant will function as a Project Manager. The Project Manager is responsible for selling the State as an attractive place to do business. This position is responsible for developing customer relationships in all types of business and industry with a focus on assigned industries; communicating Arkansas tax laws, incentive programs and general business climate information to new and existing businesses and industry; communicating with multiple internal and external customer groups to promote economic development and responding to external requests; effectively leading customer teams in responding to Requests For Information , at industry specific trade shows and on recruiting trips inside and outside the state including making appointments with potential customers prior to a show or trip; organizing and staffing the trade show booth during the show; serving as a salesperson for doing business in Arkansas ; preparing and maintaining records including proactive activity reports and project activity reports; conducting existing industry visits to identify expansion opportunities .

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Education and Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor 's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Community Development, Economics, or a related field. Minimum of 8 years of work experience in economic development, government, community planning, or project coordination. Experience coordinating projects or initiatives that involve collaboration between multiple entities, familiarity with local/regional economic trends, and a proven record of supporting business attraction or retention efforts may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Expertise in conducting market research, economic impact analysis, and trend forecasting.

Strong skills in planning, coordinating, and steering complex projects, including experience with modern project management tools and methodologies.

Excellent verbal and written communication abilities are essential for preparing reports, delivering presentations, and engaging with a variety of assorted personnel.

Capacity for creative problem-solving and developing innovative solutions that meet community needs while balancing budget and regulatory requirements.

Proficiency in preparing financial models, budgeting, and identifying funding mechanism.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

+ Providing Corporate Clients and Business Consultants with Site Selection Services includes understanding client's key selection criteria; providing information and data to promote Arkansas; negotiating and preparing incentive packages; engaging value adding partners in the site selection process; hosting key decision makers during Arkansas community visits.

+ Developing and maintaining relationships with existing and/or expanding companies includes visiting businesses across the State; contacting businesses by phone or mail; working within existing established industry programs and industry specific organizations; immediately responding to business inquiries and requests for assistance, including foreign and domestic issues.

+ Developing and maintaining contacts and relationships with communities includes visiting and responding to local economic development needs and requests; visiting with local elected officials, community leaders and organizations; attending local meetings, activities, and trade shows; public speaking at community and civic organizations.

+ Conducting training at the local level to prepare communities for economic development activities includes preparing community leaders for prospect visits and/or existing industry visits; conducting follow-up meetings to monitor progress; offering guidance and assistance in local economic development planning efforts.

+ Partnering with committees and organizations outside of AEDC includes participating in local and area economic and community development organizations, getting involved with regional economic development organizations outside of AEDC.

+ Managing the incentive process includes explaining in detail incentive information; processing internal incentive approvals including cost benefit analysis; offering formal proposals to companies; facilitating the application and agreement process; finalizing the incentive application process for DF&A.

+ Conducting research, identifying trends and establishing/coordinating leads within the assigned targeted industries: reviewing industry trade publications; using the internet to track industry trends; developing contact lists and proactively reaching out; identifying marketing strategies; establishing direct contact with company leaders; identifying companies with expansion plans and potential expansion opportunities; and coordinating expansion projects in the state.

+ Maintaining accurate records and reports includes recording activity using the Project Management System, preparing, and submitting weekly reports to executive staff.

+ Performing other duties as assigned.

Key Business Processes/Duties

+ + Providing Corporate Clients and Business Consultants with Site Selection Services.

+ Developing and maintaining relationships with existing and/or expanding companies.

+ Developing and maintaining contacts and relationships with communities.

+ Conducting training at the local level to prepare communities for economic development activities.

+ Partnering with committees and organizations outside of AEDC.

+ Managing the incentive process.

+ Conducting research, identifying trends and establishing/coordinating leads within the assigned targeted industries.

+ Maintaining accurate records and reports.

+ Other duties as assigned.

Position Information

Job Series:Program Operations – Economic Development

Classification:Economic Development Project Consultant

Class Code:PED02P

Pay Grade:SPC06

Salary Range:$94,537 – $139,915

Job Summary

The Economic Development Project Consultant is a seasoned professional who provides strategic guidance and expertise in planning, executing, and evaluating initiatives that drive economic growth and community revitalization. The consultant collaborates with public agencies, private enterprises, and non-profit organizations to attract investments, develop sustainable business environments, and enhance the quality of life within communities. This role demands a deep understanding of economic policy, market analysis, and project management, ensuring that economic development strategies are data-driven, innovative, and tailored to local conditions.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop comprehensive economic development strategies and project plans that align with community objectives and long-term economic goals. Lead cross-functional teams and manage multi-phase projects from concept through completion, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Conduct in-depth economic research, including market feasibility studies, demographic analysis, and industry trend assessments. Utilize quantitative and qualitative data to identify growth opportunities, potential investment sectors, and areas for community enhancement. Cultivate strong relationships with local government officials, business leaders, community organizations, and a variety of assorted personnel. Facilitate public-private partnerships and negotiate agreements to secure funding, incentives, or policy support for economic initiatives. Develop models to assess the financial viability and economic impact of proposed projects. Identify and pursue varied funding sources, including grants, loans, tax incentives, and public funding programs, while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. Establish key performance indicators and monitoring systems to track project progress and measure economic outcomes. Prepare and present detailed reports, forecasts, and recommendations to decision-makers and funding bodies. Advise on local, state, and federal economic policies that could impact development projects. Develop and refine programs designed to stimulate business growth, entrepreneurship, and community development initiatives.

Knowledge and Skills

Expertise in conducting market research, economic impact analysis, and trend forecasting. Strong skills in planning, coordinating, and steering complex projects, including experience with modern project management tools and methodologies. Excellent verbal and written communication abilities are essential for preparing reports, delivering presentations, and engaging with a variety of assorted personnel. Capacity for creative problem-solving and developing innovative solutions that meet community needs while balancing budget and regulatory requirements. Proficiency in preparing financial models, budgeting, and identifying funding mechanisms.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Community Development, Economics, or a related field. Minimum of 8 years of work experience in economic development, government, community planning, or project coordination. Experience coordinating projects or initiatives that involve collaboration between multiple entities, familiarity with local/regional economic trends, and a proven record of supporting business attraction or retention efforts may be required.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Nearest Major Market:Little Rock