Special Projects Coordinator - Economic Development

Company: City of Kirkland
Location: Kirkland
Posted on: May 24, 2023

Job Description:

Salary



$95,850.86 - $112,778.91 Annually





Location




Kirkland, WA






Job Type


Full-Time





Job Number


202100285






Location


City Manager's Office





Opening Date


04/28/2023






Closing Date


Continuous







Job Summary
This position develops and deploys programs to meet Kirkland's economic development and tourism goals with a focus in business relations. The Special Projects Coordinator for Economic Development will work closely with community members, local businesses, regional partners, City staff, and City boards and commissions, so should have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience in project management and community or business relations with an understanding of city operations and economic development principles are strongly preferred.

Why Work for Kirkland?
Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!
If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they'll tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive management and City Council, and fearless innovation.
We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages:
We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome Benefits:
The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. This includes:

• Paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents with no premium share
• City-paid free employee health clinic
• City-paid ORCA card
• A health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)
• A robust retirement plan with employer contribution
• A Deferred Compensation plan with a low participation fee
• 12 paid holidays, including 1 floating holiday (prorated for part-time positions and mid-year start dates)
• Generous package of paid vacation and sick leave
• Inexpensive Long-term and Short-term Disability coverage and Term-life insuranceTraining and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.
  
  SUMMARY: The role of the Special Projects Coordinator is to develop, implement, and coordinate major city-wide programs, services, and events to ensure alignment with City policies, goals, and strategic plans.
  Distinguishing Characteristics: The Special Projects Coordinator - Economic Development independently coordinates city-wide programs, services, and events related economic development and tourism. This position is a key liaison between the City, Council, stakeholders, and the public.
  Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  
  • Project Management. Initiates and organizes projects related to area of focus. Analyzes issues and formulates solutions. Develops, implements, and administers projects and programs. As appropriate, develops budget guidelines and/or solicits partnerships/sponsorships.
  • Develops overall program goals and objectives in cooperation with City stakeholders.
  • Develops policies and procedures and ensures compliance with relevant state and local laws and other regulations.
  • Develops and implements communication and marketing efforts. Plans, organizes, and implements comprehensive and effective promotional and public relations programs to address key external and internal audiences. Oversees coordination and implementation of city-wide promotional activities related to assigned area of focus.
  • Acts as the key liaison between city departments and staff, Council, community groups, stakeholders, and the public. Responsibilities include frequent and responsible public contact.
  • Provides staff support to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (Tourism Development Committee), Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission, and other appropriate community groups and provides information, technical expertise, advice, and recommendations related to the City's tourism efforts.
  • Administers annual Lodging Tax, Community Event, Business, and City-funded Outside Agency grant programs, including application process, funding recommendations to City Manager, and contract oversight.
  • Oversees tourism related consultant contracts, budgets and workplans. Monitors the timeliness and quality of their work.
  • Serves as key liaison for business constituents and represents the City in regional business support organizations and collaborations, partnerships as well as business support organizations in the City.
  • Organizes, schedules, coordinates, and manages day-to-day and overall promotional activities, special programs, and special events.
  • Develops and maintains cooperative efforts and relationships with public and private agencies, organizations, associations, and groups.
  • Identifies or promotes issues or events affecting Kirkland residents and businesses. Provides ongoing problem solving and resolution assistance to community members, businesses, Councilmembers, and City staff.
  • Develops and delivers presentations before City Council, boards and commissions, the community, business, service organizations and the media. Peripheral Duties:
    
    • Performs functions as assigned in the City's Emergency Operations Plan.
    • Provides input on annual budget and supports preparation of budget for area of focus.
    • Serve on City committees or work groups as needed.
      
      Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
      
      • Ability to plan, organize, lead, and manage large and complex programs and projects.
      • Advanced analytical, public relations, and communication skills (both verbal and written) to comprehend, interpret, and explain rules, regulations, legal requirements, and policies to a diverse audience and facilitate problem solving discussions.
      • Advanced interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external customers and stakeholders.
      • Knowledge of City ordinances and codes as well as other applicable laws and regulations.
      • Knowledge of policies, functions, and procedures of all City Departments.
      • Knowledge of bookkeeping, accounting principles, and record keeping.
      • Strong organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
      • General computer skills including the use of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, email, and other basic office software. Working knowledge of City's internal software packages (timekeeping, accounting, volunteer management, etc.) is desired.
        Qualifications
        
        • Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Recreation Administration, Public Relations, Public Administration, or closely related field.
        • Experience: 3-5 years progressively responsible experience in developing, implementing, and administering programs, preferably in the public sector.
        • Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Licenses and Other Requirements:
          
          • Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.
            Other
            Physical Demands and Working Environment:
            Work is performed in a typical office environment. Some work will be completed in the community, outdoors, attending meetings, conducting field visits, or event inspections. Requires evening and weekend work. Position may require standing for extended periods of time.
            
            Selection Process Position requires a resume and cover letter (letter of interest) for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or email. Job open until filled with a first review date by 15th day of initial post. The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 425-587-3111.
            
            
            

Keywords: City of Kirkland, Kirkland , Special Projects Coordinator - Economic Development, Accounting, Auditing , Kirkland, Washington