Economic & Community Development Officer
About Us:
Inspired by lifestyle. Driven by possibility.
Located at the top of the Yorke Peninsula, the Copper Coast is a thriving regional centre, home to around 15,000 residents and attracts 500,000 visitors each year. From its stunning coastal and agricultural landscapes to its vibrant communities, the Copper Coast embodies a unique blend of lifestyle, heritage, culture and prosperity.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values equity, diversity and inclusion.
We offer excellent conditions, flexible working arrangements, and health and wellbeing support in an encouraging, family friendly environment.
About the Role:
This position plays a key role in designing and implementing strategies to grow the Copper Coast region’s economy, leverage investment and secure grant funding. Working alongside local business and the community the Economic & Community Development Officer drives sustainable growth and implementation of projects that support organisational strategies. The incumbent will also provide technical expertise and advise internally and to community organisation on grants and economic development opportunities.
- Proactively build supportive relationships with business owners and industry stakeholders across various sectors to enhance development opportunities and foster economic growth.
- Support the local business sector to grow and prosper by developing and implementing strategies and initiatives that enhance the local business environment and foster economic sustainability.
- Create networks with key businesses, industries and peak bodies to support new and expanded opportunities in the Copper Coast area.
- Develop and implement the economic development and investment strategies for Copper Coast Council.
- Collaborate with the Kadina Chamber of Commerce in developing and implementing strategies and initiatives that deliver economic outcomes for the local business sector in the Kadina township.
- Develop plans, incentive strategies and supporting marketing to promote the benefits of doing business in the Copper Coast, including for ‘green’ industries.
- Identify funding and partnership opportunities.
- Working with relevant team members assist in the development of promotional campaigns to attract new residents and visitors to the area.
- Play a lead role in helping shape region-wide economic development strategies with the Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North (RDA).
- Research and advise on statistics and trends in relation to economic development activities in the region and tracking against strategic targets.
- Identify available grants and other funding opportunities for Council and community groups.
- Prepare high-quality grants and funding submissions on behalf of Council to support strategic outcomes, in collaboration with relevant internal stakeholders.
- Ensure all grant funding requirements – including agreements and acquittal processes – are met and ensure grant-funded projects and activities are managed in line with grant requirements.
- Arrange appropriate execution of Council grants and funding submission documentation and complete reporting requirements.
- Assist community groups with grant funding submissions through provision of information and specialist advice.
- Support the coordination and administration of Council’s annual community grant program.
About you:
To be successful in the role you will need the following:
- Qualifications or commensurate experience in economic development or marketing fields.
- Strong knowledge of the Copper Coast area.
- Demonstrated ability to establish mechanisms to identify the economic, promotional and recreational needs of a municipality and region.
- Understanding of economic development and grants funding within a local government context.
- Broad knowledge of the sources of funds available to Council and a proven ability to make successful submissions to secure funds for maximum benefit.
- Understanding of the economic, political and social issues relating to the local government environment.
- Proven capacity to network and collaborate with business and industry groups.
- Ability to review and prioritise tasks as organisational priorities change.
- Experience in writing grant submissions and successfully obtaining grant funding.
- Ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders and community groups.
- Prior experience in drafting promotional materials to a high standard.
- Knowledge of the challenges facing the business sector, emerging trends and opportunities.
- Proven ability to think strategically, analyse complex situations, develop creative solutions and achieve agreed outcomes.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary
- Family friendly work-life balance
- Opportunities for training and development
- Supportive team environment
