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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CONSULTANT

Date:  Oct 16, 2025
Req ID:  53606
Location: 

LITTLE ROCK, AR, US, 72202

Category:  AR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMM
Anticipated Starting Salary:  $94,537.04

Position Summary 

 

The Economic Development Project Consultant position will function as the Senior Program Manager for Science and Technology Programs. The Economic Development Project Consultant will be responsible for focusing on strategy, incentive oversight, leadership, financial oversight of programs, board management and development of relationships for the Division of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development.

 

Preferred Qualification

 

Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, finance and project management skills.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership, and coordination of people and resources.

Ability to communicate information and ideas orally and in writing.

Ability to work with diverse groups.

 

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

 

  1. Program Incentive Oversight
    1. Provides strategic leadership and oversight for:
      1. Accelerator Grant
      2. SBIR Matching Grant
      3. R&D Tax Credit
      4. TTAG
      5. SCIP
      6. TDP
    2. Ensures programs align with AEDC’s mission and statewide innovation priorities.
    3. Guides Program Manager on program execution and intake activities.

 

  1. Supports Division Director with the following initiatives
    1. Arise
    2. Onward FX
    3. Arkansas Business Resource Hub
    4. ESO Monthly Call

 

  1. Oversees S&T Board
    1. Leads S&T Board activities
    2. Oversees S&T Board Committees

 

  1. Financial Management
    1. Manages S&T Budget, monitors and reports
    2. Ensures compliance with AEDC rules and procedures
    3. Manages invoices and oversees grant compliance processes (with assistance of Program Manager)

 

  1. External Engagement & Strategy
    1. Serves as primary external representative for S&T programs to stakeholders, entrepreneurs, economic developers, chamber executives, etc.
    1. Strengthens ecosystem partnerships through proactive relationship management.
    2. Identifies gaps, opportunities, and future needs for the Division.
    3. Participates in and engages in events around the state related to small business and entrepreneurship representing AEDC

 

  1. Team Leadership & Collaboration
    1. Works closely with Program Manager, Senior Project Manager, and Project Coordinator roles related to S&T.
    2. Mentors Program Manager to ensure seamless intake, program execution, and follow-up.

 

    1. Fosters collaboration across the division and AEDC to integrate S&T efforts with small business and entrepreneurship initiatives.
    2. Manages S&T Board Committees

 

Key Business Processes/ Duties 

 

  1. Leading the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Division, including supervision duties.
  2. Tracking and identifying ways to increase small business and entrepreneurial activity in Arkansas.
  3. Serving as the lead in reviewing and making recommendations for funding to ESOs and their accelerator programs.
  4. Serving as a resource and a point of contact for small businesses and entrepreneurs that are evaluating Arkansas as a potential location for their business.
  5. Providing advice and consultation to economic developers at the local level on increasing small business and entrepreneurial activity.
  6. 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.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

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

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