Rural Services Specialist

Description

State of Idaho Department of Commerce

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date. 

This position is being recruited for our Boise office. Flexibility may be considered for candidates in other regions of the state on a remote or in an established satellite office basis. As the lead economic development and marketing agency for the State of Idaho, the mission of the Idaho Department of Commerce is to foster a business-friendly environment to aid in quality job creation, support existing companies, strengthen communities, promote innovation, and market Idaho domestically and internationally.

Description:

The Rural Services Specialist works as a member of the Rural Services Team. They work closely with Idaho communities, stakeholders, and industries to identify opportunities and overcome barriers to growth in rural Idaho. They coordinate and collaborate with diverse public and private stakeholders with the goal of strengthening communities and improving the quality of life in rural Idaho.

The Rural Services Specialist will forge strong relationships with rural communities, businesses, officials, and other government & economic organizations to further develop strong ties and prosperity for rural Idaho.

The position requires strong networking, teamwork, and written/verbal communication skills as well as a high degree of business acumen. This position also requires an understanding of Idaho’s rural industries and business environments, and the ability to build strong relationships with clients, local economic development professionals, local officials, and state agency partners. 

Example of Duties:

• Builds relationships and gathers information through strategic & collaborative outreach with Idaho’s rural communities and stakeholders
• Provides information and acts as a referral center for rural programs and policies
• Implements the Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP) programs/activities and coordinates the IRP Board
• Develops, maintains, and implements programs and initiatives through Idaho’s Rural Impact strategy
• Conducts research for rural communities, and facilitates communication between rural residents and public/private organizations that provide services to rural communities
• Markets agency and partner programs/resources to rural businesses and communities across the state
• Provides rural stakeholders with data analytics requests, such as Lightcast, IBIS World, and Hoovers research
• Works as a part of a team in marketing, facilitating, reviewing, scoring, and tracking applications and grant expenditures (as applicable) for the statewide Economic Development Professionals and Idaho Gem Grant programs
• Works with the State Coordinator for the Idaho Main Street program
• Helps coordinate and for plan for the Northwest Community Development Institute (NWDCI)
• Assist with the review and nomination of counties and census tracts for HUBZone designations
• Facilitates and/or presents webinars/training to rural communities, businesses and stakeholders on community and economic development topics
• Organizes and attends conferences, events, and meetings to network with industry professionals, local elected officials, and other stakeholders to stay informed about trends and best practices for rural Idaho

Minimum Qualifications: 

Experience: 

• Working in a professional capacity with federal, state, or local economic development/assistance programs
• Organizing and conducting workshops and making presentations

Good knowledge of: 

• Economic development, business assistance and marketing concepts
• State and local economic development practices

MQ Specialties: 

Experience: 

• Evaluating and recommending appropriate business site locations and expansions
• Analyzing and implementing economic development marketing concepts

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience:

• Sales experience and business development skills
• Planning events and/or trade shows
• Gathering, analyzing, and presenting data

Good knowledge of:

• Placemaking and rural/regional land use planning and resource management
• Microsoft Office programs including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Some knowledge of:

• Grants/contracts management

Supplemental Information:

• All candidates must be willing to travel throughout Idaho and the United States up to 20% of the time
• Occasional after-hours community, stakeholder, and business calls/meetings may be required

Recruitment Contact:

Questions about the position or the application process can be directed to Claire Russell, Human Resource Business Partner II, at claire.russell@dhr.idaho.gov.

Benefits:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• One of the top 5 retirement systems in the Nation (PERSI) that offers a defined lifetime benefit at retirement
• 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
• Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
• Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
• Employee assistance program

Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.