ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
SOUTH VANCOUVER ISLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
TITLE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
LOCATION:
VICTORIA, BC
CONTEXT:
South Vancouver Island Economic Development Association (SVIEDA) is a new not-for-profit society with a mandate to
facilitate and promote the development of a strong, diversified economy in Southern Vancouver Island through working
collaboratively across 13 jurisdictional boundaries. Fundamental to SVIEDA’s success are win-win partnerships between
public and private sectors and across political boundaries and industries.
SVIEDA is governed by an industry-led Board of Directors that, in consultation with local businesses and governments,
will oversee the development of strategic priorities in key sectors that will invigorate and innovate our local economies
throughout the south island region.
SVIEDA’s operational culture is tactical, collaborative and equitable.
SVIEDA’s goal is the creation of household-sustaining jobs in targeted sectors of our regional economy.
SVIEDA’s success will be measured in the following ways: the number of new jobs in targeted sectors;
median household income; and the amount of project funding raised.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Economic Development Officer (EDO) consults with businesses, community
funders, post-secondary institutions, and with municipal and industry representatives to facilitate growth of existing
business, attract new businesses and foster other economic activity in the South Vancouver Island Region (the Region).
The EDO conducts research, builds solid client relationships, facilitates stakeholders on issues and opportunities, and
develops policies and strategies, plus oversees projects that serve to attract and build greater business and economic
activity in targeted sectors within the Region. The EDO will also have responsibility for project finances and will report
through the Executive Director to funding authorities on progress and deliverables.
The EDO works with economic development partners in Southern Vancouver Island including:
• First Nations;
• Municipal economic development staff and agents;
• Private businesses
• Industry associations such as Tourism Victoria and Victoria Advanced Technology Council (VIATeC); and
• Post-Secondary Institutions.
The EDO works collegially with other staff to develop differentiated strategies for job creation and other economic
growth and diversification in targeted sectors, such as:
• Agribusiness, Agriculture and Aquaculture;
• Ocean Technology and Marinespace;
• Aviation and Aerospace;
• Advanced Manufacturing;
• Clean Technology;
• Advanced Education;
• Construction;
• Sport and Culture.
The EDO also helps implement and tracks funding for innovation and initiatives in commercialization, entrepreneurship,
social enterprises and clean technology.
Working closely with the Executive Director and other staff, the EDO works to implement partnership opportunities in
the Region.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1) Community Relations
• Develops the necessary contacts and networks to build economic opportunities
• Facilitates partnerships between the businesses, government, community, education and financial institutions
(and economic strategy groups created by SVIEDA to develop and implement projects)
• Attends meetings relevant to economic development (in the targeted sectors)
• Maintains active contacts with the relevant agencies at all levels of governments and with first nations
• Creates and maintains contacts with provincial and international trade representatives
• Creates and maintains contacts with municipal planning departments
• Promotes available government programs which assist with economic development
• Serving as a coordinator and facilitator of interactions between governments, other communities, business,
industry, first nations, and community organizations to find economic synergies or opportunities to combine
resources
• Attends economic development related meetings inside and outside South Vancouver Island
• Makes presentations to community and business leaders
• Serves as a contact for targeted sectors and for economic development opportunities
2) Economic Development
• Assists Executive Director in preparing strategic and business plans, and initiating economic development
initiatives
• Identifies and promotes improvements to and expansion of existing businesses and industry
• Identifies and promotes new business and/or industrial opportunities
• Has responsibility for and tracks expenditures and deliverables of projects and reports status to funding
authorities
3) Research and Policy
• Compiles and interprets economic data
• Prepares and disseminates information regarding the availability of land, buildings and other facilities conducive
to the promotion of business and industry
• Identifies the needs of the business community and informs the appropriate public sector bodies of these needs
• Provides economic information to the private and public sectors
• Researches and develops policies related to economic development initiatives and processes
4) Administration
• Prepares agendas and reports
• Maintains a contact database
• Compiles statistics into easily accessible database for use in business consultation
• Prepares quarterly and annual reports to stakeholder groups
• Tracks project budgets and financial progress
• Maintains confidentiality
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
A university degree in commerce, economics or business/business administration or public administration; or equivalent
combination of education and recent, related experience.
Experience
1. Minimum of five years recent, related business experience, ideally in non-profit sector organizations and/or in
an economic development organization, business, or equivalent
2. Experience working with municipalities and with First Nations an asset
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Communications skills – ability to: read, write and communicate effectively in English (including attention to
detail); make presentations to individuals and groups; and serve as spokesperson
2. Interpersonal skills – ability to: negotiate and close deals; communicate effectively and diplomatically with
diverse groups of people; manage and mediate conflict
3. Political skills – knowledge of formal and informal political processes; and ability to develop, maintain and utilize
a network of contacts for economic development
4. Research and analytical skills – ability to: conduct economic, demographic and market research; create a system
to keep track of information relevant to economic development; and accurately define and effectively address
problems
5. Organizational skills – ability to: set realistic goals and develop plans to achieve them manage time effectively;
access essential information in a timely manner; manage ambiguity; ability to work collaboratively and in teams
6. Computer skills – ability to use MS Office suite of software
7. Skilled at policy and economic analysis
8. Ability to work autonomously, take initiative, set priorities, resolve conflicts, organize work, and make
independent decisions.
9. Knowledge of government decision-making processes at all three levels of government (federal, provincial, and
municipal)
10. Knowledge of the fundamentals of finance, accounting, project evaluation, marketing and legal processes
11. Knowledge of government funding programs and ability to manage and report financial information
Competencies
Business acumen
Financial acumen
Politically astute
Business thinker
Relationship and consensus builder
Persuasive, influencer
Diplomacy
Strong sense of confidentiality, diplomacy, and commitment to high professional and ethical standards
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
 May be required to carry out duties in non-standard workplaces on occasion.
 The Economic Development Officer will work a standard work week but will, on occasion, be required to work
evenings, weekends, and overtime hours to accommodate activities such as participation at public events.
How To Apply:
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply in confidence to careers@tallsky.ca with a covering letter, and a resume
that clearly demonstrates your education and experience required of this position, as well as your salary expectations by
Monday, February 15, 2016. We thank all applicants who apply, however only those selected for further consideration
will be contacted.
To learn more about the SVIEDA, please visit our web site, www.yyjprosperity.ca