AEDC AREA/PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE
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Position SummaryThe AEDC Area/Program Representative position 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 industrywith 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.Education and Professional Work ExperienceMinimum QualificationsThe formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in marketing, general business, or a related field; plus, three years of experience in program management, marketing, or a related field.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of marketing and presentation practices and techniques.Knowledge of industrial analysis concepts.Knowledge of financial analysis and organizational management processes.Ability to interpret and apply the provisions of laws, rules, and policies.Ability to analyze information and prepare reports.Ability to provide guidance and technical assistance to management, staff, and the public.Ability to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of systems and controls, identify problems, and devise corrective actions.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 InformationClass Code: G104CGrade: GS09FLSA Status: EXEMPTSalary Range: $50,222.00 - $72,822.00SummaryThe Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Area/Program Representative is responsible for assisting businesses and industries with developing and maintaining resources needed to sustain profitability and growth in Arkansas. This position is governed by state and federal and laws and agency/institution policy.FunctionsPromotes industrial expansion within the state of Arkansas by establishing and maintaining personal contact with management representatives of businesses and manufacturing concerns throughout the United States and overseas. Participates in and/or conducts appropriate national/international trade shows, seminars, workshops, business negotiations, and trade and investment missions to obtain industrial prospect and trade leads and maintain updated information on economic trends. Researches and makes recommendations of specific Arkansas communities and/or companies through detailed, factual reports of economic, financial, employment, and other business and social conditions of the community and/or company. Identifies target sites for industries and makes recommendations by accompanying prospects to Arkansas communities whose sites meet specific prospect criteria. Provides technical assistance to prospects, clients, and communities to help resolve problems, including financing, state and local building code compliance, pollution control requirements, and employee training programs. Prepares and maintains records, including prospect sheet reports and activity reports and updates files based upon continued contact. May provide technical assistance to companies desiring to expand national and/or international market bases. Performs other duties as assigned.DimensionsOccasional in state and out of state travel is required.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of marketing and presentation practices and techniques. Knowledge of industrial analysis concepts. Knowledge of financial analysis and organizational management processes. Ability to interpret and apply the provisions of laws, rules, and policies. Ability to analyze information and prepare reports. Ability to provide guidance and technical assistance to management, staff, and the general public. Ability to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of systems and controls, identify problems, and devise corrective actions.Minimum QualificationsThe formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in marketing, general business, or a related field; plus three years of experience in program management, marketing, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. 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.LicensesNoneNearest Major Market: Little Rock