Community Economic Development Specialist

Closing Date:

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, communications, business, or a related field;

• College level coursework involving community planning, economic development, and public policy;

• A minimum of two years of related work experience, including community economic development, public service, city planning and development, or other related field, is required. Internships, capstone projects, and post-degree experience may be counted;

• Valid driver's license or ability to get a valid Arkansas driver's license.

Preferred Education and/or Experience:

• Master's degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, communications, business, or a related field;

• Five years of work experience in community economic development, public service, city planning and development, and public speaking;

• Professional Community and Economic Developer Certification.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate Public Forms and lead small group discussions to gather public input and develop plans representative of the communities they are designed for;

• Lead or assist in presentations on relevant data and best practices to audiences that include department heads, elected officials, partner organizations, community stakeholders, and the public;

• Assist in developing information and resources to aid planning and economic development district staff in updating and improving Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS);

• Assist in developing strategic planning documents for local government bodies and community groups;

• Assist the Director of Community Economic Development in preparing any necessary reports and documentation;

• Conduct research on topics and legislation related to community economic development;

• Represent AEDI's community and economic development section as needed at private and public meetings;

• Support other AEDI sections and apply your specialties whenever possible on other projects as needed;

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain driver privileges of university vehicles;

• General knowledge of federal, state, and local government organization structures and legislation;

• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities and resource requirements, establish and monitor timelines, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision;

• Ability to effectively access and utilize information systems to complete assigned duties;

• Ability to develop and maintain professional, effective, and respectful working relationships with coworkers, partner organizations, clients, elected officials, and the public;

• Possess effective spoken and written communication skills, including preparing and delivering presentations and project-deliverable material;

• General knowledge of city planning, public administration, and economic development;

• Ability to seek out continuing education and professional development opportunities.

Additional Information:

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.