Economic Development Specialist

Economic Development Specialist

Location: Kamloops, British Columbia

Job Opportunity: Full-time, on site

Closing Date: Open until filled

Salary Range: $68,866 – $81,084

About the Role:

Reporting to the Executive Director and working with the VK team, you will drive economic development initiatives in business attraction, retention, and expansion to support businesses across Kamloops. This is a hands-on role where your work will have a direct impact on the growth and success of the city.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

·         Lead initiatives that shape Kamloops’ economic future

·         Work directly with businesses of all sizes and sectors

·         Participate in national business attraction opportunities

·         Engage with a collaborative, mission-driven team

·         Enjoy a flexible work schedule

What We’re Looking For:

We are looking for someone who is proactive, results-driven, and energized by building relationships and making things happen. Specifically:

·         Proven experience creating, implementing, and driving economic development strategies, programs, and services

·         Strong knowledge of local, regional, national, and international economic trends

·         Confidence working with business owners, executives, developers, lenders, site selectors, and technical teams

·         Experience managing social media platforms, analyzing metrics, and turning insights into action

·         Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and digital

·         Strong organizational skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, and align with organizational values

Key Responsibilities:

Business Attraction

·         Identify and engage prospective businesses and key decision-makers

·         Build and maintain networks locally and externally

·         Represent Kamloops at national and international sales missions

·         Deliver presentations, site tours, and marketing materials to encourage business growth

Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E)

·         Conduct ongoing surveys to identify business needs and growth opportunities

·         Develop programs and initiatives to reduce barriers to growth

·         Support start-up resources, entrepreneurial intake, and the VK Advisors Program

Information & Resources

·         Analyze data from Statistics Canada, BCStats, and other sources

·         Maintain VK online resources and social media content

·         Track metrics, prepare reports, and provide actionable insights

Other Responsibilities

·         Attend industry conferences and trade shows

·         Respond to economic development inquiries

·         Collaborate with VK staff on work plans and program delivery

·         Perform other related duties as required

Working Conditions:

·         Travel, after-hours work, and occasional weekends as required

·         Ability to work at a desk for extended periods

·         Site visits may require standing/walking and use of PPE

·         Set-up/tear-down of event materials (up to 25 lbs).

Requirements:

·         University degree in Commerce, Economics, Business Administration, or related field (i.e. marketing/advertising, finance, commercial real estate)

·         Minimum 1 year of relevant experience

·         Certification in Economic Development (Ec.D, C.EcD) an asset

·         Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

·         Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required for local/regional travel.

Why Kamloops?
Kamloops is a growing city of over 100,000 people, one of the fastest-growing metro areas on the west coast. Enjoy the amenities of a larger centre while benefiting from an affordable, family-friendly lifestyle. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, easy access to Vancouver and Kelowna, and a strong sense of community, Kamloops is an ideal place to build your career, start a business, or raise a family.

We thank all diverse applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here:https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=aaa427a02e1ecfae

We thank all diverse applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.