Primary Objectives:

Under the general direction of the Director of Development Services and the Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce, the Development Specialist is responsible for supporting the above departments and programs initiatives of the Town and the Chamber of Commerce. The position will facilitate activities of the Little Elm Development Services Department, the Little Elm Economic Development Corporation and the Little Elm Chamber of Commerce that align with the Town’s Core Values and the Chamber’s Mission. The Development Specialist will be a representative of the Town of Little Elm and the Chamber in this role and shall act in accordance with the provisions outlined in the by-laws and policies.

Essential Job Functions:

• Work closely with the Director of Development Services and the Executive Director and Assistant Director of both the EDC and the Chamber.
• Ability to prepare routine administrative paperwork; analyze and solve problems; organize and coordinate; foster a cooperative work environment and maintain efficient office work flow.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership and communications skills are required, including creative problem-solving abilities when called for.
• Proficient knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and adept at learning new customer relationship management software, and web site maintenance software.
• Initiative to learn about local businesses, economic development, and advocacy.
• Flexibility in responding to a busy work environment and an organization that serves as the concierge for the communities it serves.
• Fund raising, economic, and community development experience is desirable.

Job Requirements/Specific Functions:

• Oversees planning and logistics for on-site and off-site Chamber and EDC events; attends all events to ensure registration, check-in, payment collection, and set-up are handled: recruits and motivates volunteers.
• Prepare a monthly report for the Board of Directors for both EDC and Chamber of Commerce. Ability to effectively communicate information, both orally and in writing and respond appropriately to inquiries made by members, prospects, employees, appointed or elected officials, or members of the public in an informative and professional manner. Ability to read, analyze and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations.
• Collect, assemble and prepare business recruitment communications, presentations, proposals and agreements.
• Follow-up with clients, brokers, consultants, and allies as necessary to maintain effective communication and progress on commercial projects.
• Organize office and volunteers; including recruiting, training, and work allocation.
• Maintain computerized membership records and financial records; including the receipt of contributions and membership dues and process them according to designated procedures; i.e. Accounts Receivable, Chamber Master, QuickBooks and related database management.
• Monitor and update Chamber and EDC web sites.
• Manage daily administrative operations and provide assistance and support to the Executive Director, Assistant Director, Board of Directors and general membership, to include problem solving, project planning which includes producing a 12 month calendar of Chamber events (current and upcoming) and facilitation, day-to-day office coordination and administrative assistance based on daily priorities.
• Assist the Chamber and EDC with sponsored programs, seminars, workshops, travel arrangements, special projects and/or events, and event planning and implementation.
• Create and distribute various publications including but not limited to the member newsletters and newspaper articles.
• Facilitate the annual membership drive, continually seek out new members, while maintaining contact with current members through a robust retention program.
• Develop sources of non-dues revenue with event sponsorships and donations.
• Perform reception duties in an efficient, professional manner, which include clerical support for monthly Board meetings, including preparation of agenda, materials, and meeting minutes.
• Oversee office suite atmosphere, including cleanliness, safety and maintenance of equipment and maintain stock of office supplies.
• Assist the Director with daily errands including but not limited to mail delivery/pick up and banking duties as well as any additional requirements that may come up from time to time
• Maintain a professional appearance.
• Ability to make “cold calls” and obtain strong negotiation skills.

Education/Training/Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Public Administration, Communication, Hospitality, Business Administration or related degree, and three (3) years of related experience. Public Private Partnership experience is ideal. Customer service, management, or sales experience background is strongly encouraged (Business to Business preferred).

Licenses or Requirements:

1. Valid Texas Operator’s Driver’s License
2. Valid Vehicle Insurance
3. Reliable Transportation
4. Must pass pre-employment drug screening, criminal background investigation, MVR check

Language Skills:

1. Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently, and communicates tactfully and professionally.
2. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or authorities, or members of the local business community.
3. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Other Skills and Preferred Requirements:

1. Self-motivated, confident, enthusiastic and positive attitude;
2. Knowledge of writing and design principles;
3. Excellent knowledge and application of social media trends and outlets, use, posting and reporting including but not limited to marketing and strategies, and digital media formats such as web and video;
4. Knowledge of creative tools, Mailchimp, Canva;
5. Knowledge of marketing principles and practices and event planning methods;
6. Skilled in computer graphics, layout techniques, photography and editorial experience;
7. Knowledge of municipal government operations;
8. Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes;
9. Knowledge of policy and procedure development practices;
10. Knowledge of budgeting principles;
11. Knowledge of public relations principles;
12. Skilled in prioritizing, organizing, and managing multiple simultaneous projects and/or assignments in a high stress environment, and remains calm under pressure;
13. Skilled in preparing clear and concise reports, including oral, written, and audio/visual presentations;
14. Skilled in managing and evaluating the work of external contractors;
15. Skilled in applying independent judgment, personal discretion, and resourcefulness in interpreting and applying guidelines;
16. Skilled in gathering and analyzing information and making recommendations based on findings and in support of organizational goals;
17. Skilled in delegating and prioritizing work with a professional and mature attitude;
18. Skilled in the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and work in abstract environments;
19. Skilled in recognizing problems, identifying alternative solutions, and making appropriate recommendations;
20. Skilled in defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions;
21. Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential information;
22. Skilled in gathering and analyzing complex information and making recommendations based on findings and in support of organizational goals;
23. Skilled in communicating effectively with a variety of individuals with strong public speaking and presentation abilities.

Reasoning Ability:

1. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished by management in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
2. Ability to comprehend complex policies, procedures, regulations, and organizational structures, etc. in a short time frame.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to operate various machines and/or equipment and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds and be able to push and pull up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: