ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

Position Summary

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.

Education and Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications 

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 multifaceted economic challenges. 
• Demostrated success in leading teams, mentoringpeers, and functioning as a thought leader within the economic development sphere. 

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

1. The Regional Manager Supervisor will have the following expectations and responsibilities

1. 1. Providing training and support for new and existing employees
   2. Supporting team members by conducting joint visits with employers or other groups to ensure consistency in messaging
   3. Establishing metrics to measure  success and track outcomes
   4. Partnering with other DOC and Workforce Connections Divisions to ensure coordination of workforce development services to clients
   5. Assuming the role as the Single Point of Contact for companies as the Project Manager for workforce initiatives.

2. Develop and maintain relationships with existing and emerging companies ; responsibilities include but are not limited to:
   1. Contacting businesses and scheduling in person meetings
   2. Working with existing industry programs and industry specific organizations
   3. Immediately responding to business inquiries and requests for assistance

3. Serving as the subject matter expert in workforce for AIC with a wide range of partners including Chambers of Commerce, Higher Education, Economic Developers, Industry Groups and others to coordinate services on a local, regional, and statewide level

4. Research, development, and delivery of formal presentations to Economic Developers, Site Selectors, Consultants, and other organizations on behalf of Workforce Connections in support of existing and emerging company projects

      5. Outeach and in-person communication with existing companies for the purpose of:

1. 1. Identifying opportunities for workforce growth and development
   2. Assisting with resolution of issues or obstacles that impede workforce development or retention
   3. 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.
   4. Recording all pertinent company information in the appropriate database (Salesforce)

Travel is an essential component of this position. Each Regional Manager is responsible for an assigned area of the state and is expected to visit companies and partner groups several days each week . While overnight or out of state travel is not common, it may be necessary on occasion. As the Regional Manager Supervisor, travel to all areas of the state will be required to meet with team members, partner organizations, and companies

Key Business Processes

1. 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
2. Build and maintain relationships with existing and emerging companies’ industries, and external partners
3. Communicate workforce development opportunities the appropriate Department of Commerce divisions and external partners
4. Maintain a database containing pertinent company and workforce information