The Economic Development Specialist will support the Workforce & Economic Development (WED) team by providing technical assistance, research, and project coordination for the Economic Development Administaration (EDA) funded Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the Recompete Plan. This role will assist the WED Director and team with economic development initiatives, data analysis, grant administration, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to foster economic growth and workforce resilience in Kodiak and the surrounding region. As part of the WED team, the Economic Development Specialist will contribute to innovative strategies that drive workforce development, business growth, and long-term sustainability, making a lasting impact on Kodiak and it’s rural communities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Supports the organization’s mission and goals and quality standards. Embraces KANA’s culture of serving the whole person through our provision of services. Incorporates KANA’s core values of Courtesy, Caring, Respect, Sharing, and Pride in all activities and decisions.
- Upholds KANA’s Code of Ethics by conducting professional activities with honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, and good faith in a manner that reflects positively upon the organization.
- Assist in the development, updating, and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and Recompete Plan, ensuring alignment with community needs and federal requirements.
- Support research, data gathering, and analysis efforts to identify economic and workforce trends, opportunities, and challenges that inform strategic planning.
- Assist with stakeholder engagement activities, including facilitating meetings, conducting surveys, and synthesizing input from community members, industry leaders, and government officials.
- Help prepare reports, presentations, and materials to communicate project progress, key findings, and recommendations related to both CEDS and the Recompete Plan.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to inform and support the development of economic growth strategies and regional sustainability.
- Support the writing and development of grant reports and compliance documentation for federal and local partners.
- Assist in preparing and submitting future grant applications, including those for EDA Recompete or similar funding opportunities.
- Provide administrative, research, and coordination support to the WED team on a variety of economic development projects and initiatives.
- Assist with grant writing, reporting, and monitoring compliance for economic development programs and initiatives.
- Work with KANA’s Communications team to develop marketing and outreach materials to promote economic development activities and inform stakeholders about funding opportunities.
- Support the coordination and logistics of meetings, workshops, and public forums related to economic development.
- Assist with data collection and analysis for program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.
- Contribute to the timely communication of relevant funding opportunities to regional stakeholders in collaboration with the KANA Grants team.
- Provide support in building and maintaining relationships with Kodiak Tribes, outside partners, and contractors to ensure successful project outcomes.
Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not include any supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements
An Associate’s degree in economics, business administration, public administration, urban planning, or a related field is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting economic development, workforce development, grant administration, or a related field. Experience with grant management, reporting, and compliance is preferred. Additionally, experience working with Alaska Native communities or in rural economic development initiatives is a plus.
