JOB OPPORTUNITY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (EDO)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Town of Barrhead is seeking a forward‑thinking, collaborative Economic Development Officer (EDO) to help shape the future of our community. Reporting to the Director of Planning, Economic Development and Legislative Services, this role builds relationships with developers, investors, and local businesses via business advisory services to attract new opportunities and expedite development projects. As well, it will support the planning and development department and functions. 

Barrhead is growing - across agriculture, energy, manufacturing, tourism, and small business. The EDO will play a lead role in advancing Council’s economic priorities while working closely with businesses, investors, regional partners, and internal departments.

WHY BARRHEAD?

Barrhead offers an exceptional quality of life. Located an hour northwest of Edmonton, the community provides convenient access to a major urban centre while maintaining the affordability, safety, and connection of small‑town living.

Residents enjoy a full range of amenities including modern recreation facilities, healthcare services, schools, childcare, shopping, arts and culture, and year‑round outdoor recreation. Barrhead is surrounded by natural landscapes, agricultural lands, and supports an active lifestyle and strong connection to the outdoors.

The community is known for its welcoming spirit, strong volunteer culture, and collaborative approach to growth. With a stable local economy, committed Council, and strong business community. If you are energized by building places, supporting people, and driving real economic outcomes without sacrificing quality of life, Barrhead offers the best of both worlds.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Build and maintain relationships with developers, investors, local businesses, and regional partners.

• Provide business advisory services to attract new investment and support business expansion.

• Advance Council’s economic development priorities and strategic initiatives.

• Lead Industry Development & Diversification efforts in priority sectors (agriculture, agriprocessing, tourism, manufacturing, construction trades, energy, and emerging industries).

• Implement Business Retention & Expansion (BR+E) programs, including regular business outreach visits.

• Respond to investor inquiries and coordinate development opportunities.

• Develop investment readiness materials and maintain competitive community data.

• Track economic development metrics, findings, and performance targets.

• Develop and maintain economic data, business intelligence, land and building inventories, and performance dashboards.

• Support labour and workforce development initiatives through partnerships with employers, educators, and training providers.

• Represent the Town at economic development events, business forums, sector meetings, career fairs, and regional collaborations.

• Support community, business, and investment promotion initiatives, including digital content and storytelling.

• Manage and maintain the Better in Barrhead website in collaboration with Communications.

• Assist the Planning and Development department with development inquiries, subdivision processes, infrastructure coordination, and file circulation.

• Support modernization and process improvement initiatives within the department.

• Draft and prepare agreements, contracts, correspondence, council briefings, and progress reports.

• Assist with budget preparation, grant identification and applications, and partnership development.

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

• Follow all health and safety policies and procedures and report potential risks.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of economic development principles, investment attraction, and business retention strategies.

• Knowledge of land development processes and municipal planning frameworks.

• Understanding of key sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, tourism, and small business development.

• Ability to analyze economic data and prepare reports, dashboards, and presentations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal and report writing.

• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and relationship management.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines effectively.

• Experience developing competitive value propositions and investment readiness documentation.

• Ability to collaborate across departments and coordinate internal processes.

• Professional discretion and ability to manage confidential information.

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.

• Ability to travel as required and represent the Town professionally.

• Knowledge of GIS systems (considered an asset).

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 

• Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field.

• Economic Development designation (considered an asset).

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.

• Progressive experience in economic or business development, preferably within a municipal or government environment.

• Demonstrated experience in business investment attraction, retention, and expansion.

• Experience responding to investor inquiries and developing proposals.

• Experience implementing business support programs.

• Experience managing projects, budgets, grants, and stakeholder partnerships.

• Experience organizing economic development events (trade shows, investor tours, business forums) considered an asset.

The Town of Barrhead is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.