Economic Development Specialist

The Ada Jobs Foundation is searching for a candidate for the position of Economic Development Specialist. The Ada Jobs Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit economic development organization in Southern Oklahoma and is the lead economic development organization in Ada and Pontotoc County, Oklahoma.

The Ada Jobs Foundation is one of the most innovative rural economic development organizations in the state. We are an accredited economic development organization (AEDO) through the International Economic Development Council. Since 2020, we have worked with the Center on Rural Innovation to develop a digital economy strategy and we are a member of the Rural Innovation Network. Recently, we have led a dynamic and community-focused strategic development effort, and we are working to expand our economic development work to encompass local business expansions, workforce development, and community revitalization efforts.

We are looking for a candidate entry-level to intermediate skills. Our ideal candidate will be ready to jump in and help us meet with companies, analyze research, convene workforce partners, and recommend economic development policies and best practices. The candidate will have an opportunity to develop new skills and professional development. We have a holistic approach to economic development and we will look for a candidate who can work in a team environment. The successful candidate will report to the CEO and will work with an office that carries out entrepreneurship, community development, and investment attraction efforts.

Skills Required:

• Carry out the day-to-day activities of our business retention and expansion program. This will involve scheduling visits to local companies, meeting with company executives, conducting interviews, recording visit information and surveys, and analyzing local business data.
• Develop new workforce development initiatives, convene workforce and education partners, promote workforce development programs, carry out research on our local workforce ecosystem and labor market.
• Research, compile, analyze and interpret data on economic conditions in Ada, Pontotoc County and the State of Oklahoma including, but not limited to, employment statistics, wage information, labor supply and demand, and tax revenues.
• Interpret, analyze, and recommend local economic development policies and incentive programs.
• Administer meetings and represent the Ada Jobs Foundation in meetings with partners, officials, and the general public.
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Office and a familiarity with cloud-based productivity software.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s Degree. We typically look for a degree in planning, business, public administration, or economics, but a candidate with any bachelor’s degree will qualify for this position if they can demonstrate an ability to carry out research and write at a collegiate level.

Preference:

• A passion for helping businesses grow in a small town.
• Creativity, open minded-ness, and a willingness to learn.
• A great writer.

Candidates interested in applying for this position should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.

All applications can be addressed to Jim Eldridge and sent via info@growada.com.