TRAINING PROJECT MANAGER

Position Summary                                                                                                                         

The Training Project Manager will function as the Community Development Regional Mgr. The Community Development Regional Manager works strategically and professionally with regional partnerships and local communities to deploy Arkansas Economic Development Commission technical assistance, programs, and services that provide tools to prepare regions and communities to excel at all facets of economic development. This position also assists the Project Management Team in site visits, lead generation, existing business expansions, and other business development activities. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Education and Professional Work Experience                                                                       

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, business administration, or a related field; plus four years of experience in training or a related field, including one year in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with elected officials and community leaders.

Experience delivering presentations at public meetings, conferences, or community events.

Knowledge of local government processes and procedures.

Understanding of economic and social issues affecting rural communities.

Flexibility to work evenings as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities                                                           

Knowledge of training program design and development requirements for business, agency, or industry work force.

Knowledge of audio-visual equipment and operation.

Knowledge of budgetary practices.

Ability to analyze information and assess training needs for business, agency, or industry work force. Ability to negotiate and implement contracts.

Ability to produce and edit audio-visual training aids.

Ability to recruit, select, and instruct trainers in program presentation techniques.

Ability to gather information and prepare reports.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results                                                                              

1. Represent AEDC’s priorities and mission while seeking ways to address regional and local issues and opportunities by: 1) Personalizing the commitment to the region, taking ownership and tackling issues head on; 2) Helping the region to assess strengths and limitations; 3) Facilitating meetings with key decision makers.
2. Develop and maintain contact and relationships with regions and communities: 1) Working with local elected officials, community and regional leaders and organizations; 2) Actively participating in regional meetings, economic development organizations, chamber of commerce meetings, as well as regional activities dealing with economic development; 3)Managing AEDC’s information booth at statewide conferences that include: Municipal League, Rural Development, County Judges Association, and AR Economic Developers. Serve to represent the agency by speaking at public and civic organizations, state conferences, workshops and educational forums.
3. Develop and conduct training at the local level to prepare regions for economic development growth: 1) Preparing community leaders for prospect visits; 2) Assisting local/regional teams to conduct existing business/industry visits; 3) Assisting in educational seminars for elected officials; 4) Guiding communities as they maintain their buildings, sites and profiles on the Arkansas Site Selection Center website.
4. Proactively provide regions with critical information and resources that address economic development issues. Network with organizations outside of the agency to gain knowledge of all programs that can benefit regions and local communities. These organizations include: Congressional Staff, USDA, Planning and Development Districts, ASU Delta Center, DRA, Municipal League, County Judges Association, UCA- CDI, IEA, Universities and Two-Year Colleges, Dept. of Rural Services, Dept. of Parks and Tourism, Cooperative Extension, Workforce Services, utility providers and others.
5. Assist the Project Management Team with site visits, lead generation, existing business expansions and other business development activities taking place within the assigned region.
6. Other duties as assigned.

Key Business Processes/Duties

1. Providing service to assigned counties in the region.
2. Convene public and private stakeholders and resources to promote growth and opportunities in assigned territory.
3. Develop and provide training, implementation and general assistance to enhance opportunities in assigned territory.
4. Coordinate with federal, state, and local entities on behalf of AEDC for the betterment of assigned territory.
5. Assist the Project Management Team in various aspects.