Community Engagement and Business Development Specialist

Position Summary The Community Engagement and Business Development Specialist is a full-time position that supports the City Manager/Administrator and works collaboratively with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director, local businesses, the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Director, community organizations, and other partners. The position combines community engagement, business assistance, grant and funding research, event coordination, special projects, and administrative support. The employee will help advance City priorities, strengthen relationships with the business community, identify resources and funding opportunities, and represent the City professionally at meetings, events, and community activities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Work directly with the City Manager/Administrator on daily organizational priorities, administrative projects, research, coordination, follow-up, and special assignments. - Assist the City Manager/Administrator with implementation and tracking of City initiatives and special projects involving multiple departments, community partners, or outside agencies. - Attend meetings, community events, business meetings, and other functions as assigned and represent the City in a professional and positive manner. - Work collaboratively with the DDA Director to support downtown development, business retention, business recruitment, promotions, projects, and community initiatives. - Build and maintain working relationships with local businesses and serve as a resource for information regarding City programs, community opportunities, grants, funding, and available assistance. - Coordinate with the EDC Director and other economic-development partners to identify business development resources, grant programs, incentives, and funding opportunities that may benefit local businesses and the community. - Research federal, state, regional, foundation, and private grant and funding opportunities for City projects, DDA initiatives, community programs, and local business-development efforts. - Assist with grant preparation and administration, including gathering information, coordinating supporting documents, tracking deadlines, maintaining records, and assisting with required reports and follow-up. - Help plan, organize, promote, and coordinate City and community events, including seasonal activities, celebrations, business promotions, public-engagement activities, and other special events. - Coordinate with City departments, businesses, volunteers, organizations, vendors, sponsors, and community partners to ensure events and projects are effectively carried out. - Support public outreach and community engagement by helping communicate City programs, projects, events, services, and opportunities to residents and businesses. - Assist with updates and content for the City's website, social media, newsletters, notices, promotional materials, and other communication platforms as assigned. - Help identify sponsorships, partnerships, donations, and other resources that can support community events and City initiatives. - Maintain organized project files, grant information, contact lists, event records, calendars, deadlines, and other documentation necessary for effective follow-through. - Prepare correspondence, reports, meeting materials, presentations, summaries, and other documents for the City Manager/Administrator or related projects. - Perform other duties and special projects assigned by the City Manager/Administrator.