JOB SUMMARY:

Under direction of the Managing Director for the Office of Innovation and Placemaking Initiatives, assist with the City’s economic development efforts including the creation of the Richardson Economic Development Strategic Plan, overseeing the City’s educational and networking events such as the IQ® Brew, and other on-going economic development activities. Provide research support for assigned and/or special projects of an advanced nature. Perform other related work as required. ===========================================================================

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Provide support for the Office of Innovation and Placemaking Initiatives. Assist in the planning and execution of planning and economic development activities, including the creation of an Economic Development Strategic Plan. Help coordinate educational and networking events that support Richardson’s business community. Provide research support for assigned and/or special projects of an advanced nature. Search files, assemble information, compile statistics, and perform data and statistical analysis. Provide technical and/or administrative support for a variety of departmental functions. Communicate with Richardson’s business stakeholders. Prioritize workload effectively. Make effective decisions without constant supervision. Interact professionally and effectively with the public, city department heads and other city employees. Operate personal computer for word processing, presentations, database creation, management assignments, and e-mail. Operate other modern office equipment. Communicate courteously and effectively with other city employees, officials, and the public, in person, in writing, and by telephone. File and retrieve documents from a variety of locations. Lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds of supplies or working materials. Sit for extended periods of time while doing word processing or other data entry. Stand and/or walk for extended periods of time while working on special projects or assignments. ===========================================================================

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May attend department and/or staff meetings, council work sessions and/or council meetings, or other professional functions. May need to visit off-site locations in conducting research or working on assignments.

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REQUIRED EDUCATION, DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR LICENSES:

Must be in the process of acquiring a Bachelor or Master’s degree in political science, public administration, business administration, economic development, entrepreneurship or related field. Must possess and maintain a Texas Class C driver’s license.

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EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

Must be able to follow verbal and/or written instructions effectively. Must be able to work independently in the absence of specific instructions or supervision. Must be able to operate personal computer with various software packages, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must have abilities to: use tact and diplomacy in interactions and maintain effective working relationships with others