ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The role of the Economic Development Supervisor / Expert is to cultivate relationship with industry across Arkansas and create sustainable workforce pipelines while serving as the d direct supervisor for the Regional Mangers within Arkansas Workforce Connections-Arkansas Industry Connect. (AWC-AIC). With a focus on identifying current and emerging workforce needs, Regional Managers serve as advocates and project managers for company and industry specific training initiatives. Regional Mangers provide direct suppo1t to companies by identifying internal and external barriers to their workforce needs and developing strategies to address these challenges. Though no formal training or experience in workforce development is required, candidates for this position must demonstrate an ability to work with various groups to reach desired outcomes, possess exceptional presentation skills, and the ability to communicate with a diverse range of clients to include CEOs, HR Managers, Front-line Supervisors , Educators, Economic Developers , and others. This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available. The Economic Development Supervisor / Expert is a senior-level strategist and subject matter authority responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and executing large-scale economic development initiatives. This role provides high-level expertise by analyzing market trends, developing innovative growth strategies, and forging robust public-private partnerships. The supervisor / expert serves as a trusted advisor to governmental agencies, private enterprises, and community organizations, driving transformative projects that stimulate investment, reinforce local economic resilience, and secure long-term sustainable growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Community Development, Economics, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 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.
Experience in policy analysis, financial modeling, and public-private partnership development.
Experience in successfully guiding large-scale initiatives that deliver measurable economic and community benefits.
Ability to syntheize complex economkic data and trends into strategic and actionable plans.
Proficient in managing complex projects using contemporary project management methodologies and tools.
Expertise in articulating complex ideas clearly through reports, presentations, and negotiations with a variety of assorted personnel.
Strong capabilities in financial analysis, budgeting and resource mobilization.
Resourcefull in developing innovative solutions to address multifacted economic challenges.
Demostrated success in leading teams, mentoringpeers, and funcioning as a thought leader within the economic development sphere.

Nice To Haves

Experience with outside development and a track record of working with various entities to achieve desired results.
Project Management experience across diverse industry sectors, and business acumen with C-suite engagement are highly desirable.
Ability to drive innovation in workforce development through expertise in continuous improvement, strategic planning, and technology adoption.
Strong project management skills to orchestrate complex, multi-faceted initiatives under tight deadlines.
Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, inspire executive leadership and deliver compelling presentations to diverse audiences.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose challenges and craft high-impact solutions.
Proficiency in leveraging data-driven insights and digital tools to enhance client outcomes.
Expertise in building trusted relationships with clients, stakeholders, and third-party providers while thriving in diverse business environments.

Responsibilities

Providing training and support for new and existing employees
Supporting team members by conducting joint visits with employers or other groups to ensure consistency in messaging
Establishing metrics to measure success and track outcomes
Partnering with other DOC and Workforce Connections Divisions to ensure coordination of workforce development services to clients
Assuming the role as the Single Point of Contact for companies as the Project Manager for workforce initiatives.
Contacting businesses and scheduling in person meetings
Working with existing industry programs and industry specific organizations
Immediately responding to business inquiries and requests for assistance
Identifying opportunities for workforce growth and development
Assisting with resolution of issues or obstacles that impede workforce development or retention
Providing connections with the appropriate entity within the Depa1tment of Commerce, other state agencies, or outside groups that will assist the company in overcoming these barriers.
Recording all pertinent company information in the appropriate database (Salesforce)
Serve as supervisor for the AIC-Regional Manager team as well as assuming the role of a Regional Manager for a designated area of the state
Build and maintain relationships with existing and emerging companies’ industries, and external partners
Communicate workforce development opportunities the appropriate Department of Commerce divisions and external partners
Maintain a database containing pertinent company and workforce information
Lead the formulation of comprehensive economic development strategies that align with pre-determined objectives.
Oversee project lifecycle management from ideation, strategic planning, and implementation through to evaluation and continuous improvement.
Develop long-term roadmaps that anticipate market shifts and emerging economic trends.
Conduct advanced economic and demographic research, including feasibility studies and competitive analysis, to identify key growth opportunities.
Leverage statistical models and data analytics to forecast economic impacts and support strategic decision-making.
Cultivate and manage dynamic relationships with government officials, business leaders, and investors.
Negotiate and secure multi-sector collaborations and funding opportunities, including grants, incentives, and public-private partnerships.
Advise on policy reforms and regulatory frameworks that facilitate business development, job creation, and regional investment.
Develop customized programs that enhance local competitiveness, promote entrepreneurship, and optimize resource allocation.
Design and implement financial models to evaluate project return on investment, assess risk, and ensure fiscal sustainability.
Identify and pursue varied funding mechanisms and investment channels to support economic initiatives.
Represent the organization as a subject matter expert at industry conferences, workshops, and in media engagements.
Mentor junior personnel and consultants, promoting knowledge sharing and best practices in economic development.
Establish key performance indicators and rigorous reporting systems to track the progress of economic initiatives.
Provide regular performance analyses and strategic recommendations to adjust project trajectories and achieve outcomes.