Parkes Shire Council

Economic Development Specialist

• Be part of Parkes' exciting journey with the development of the Special Activation Precinct (SAP) and Parkes Bypass.
• Join us in shaping the growth and future of our community
• Enjoy a competitive salary circa $94,000 - $109,000 plus super and a host of great benefits
• Enjoy a supportive workplace culture that promotes continuous learning and career development

About the Opportunity

Are you passionate about driving economic growth and supporting local businesses? 

Parkes Shire Council is seeking an Economic Development Specialist to play a key role in fostering business, industry, and workforce development across the region. 

In this dynamic role, you will:

• Develop and implement economic development strategies and initiatives, including the CBD Vibrancy Strategy and Destination Management Plan.
• Build strong relationships with local businesses, industry groups, and government partners. 
• Provide a concierge service for businesses engaging with Council, supporting investment and growth opportunities. 
• Manage Council's business database, business newsletter, and Local Business Survey to inform strategic decision-making. 
• Leverage State and Federal funding opportunities to support economic development projects. 
• Maintain and enhance the Invest Parkes website and promote the region as a place to invest and do business. 
• Deliver events, activations, and programs that boost business skills development in the community. 

We're looking for someone with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for regional economic development. 

More information about the role can be found in the Economic Development Specialist Position Description.

About You

To excel in this role you will bring:

• Degree qualification/s in Business, Economics, Communications, Marketing, Project Management or other related discipline
• Demonstrated understanding of challenges, opportunities and issues affecting local business and industry.
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities and manage multiple projects.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships, negotiate outcomes, resolve conflict and provide clear advice. 
• Strong written communication skills and demonstrated ability to prepare a wide range of communication materials, including reports, correspondence, submissions, policies, procedures and other corporate documents. 
• Excellent standard of IT literacy and advanced computer and software skills, including proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of applications. 
• Current and maintained NSW Drivers Licence.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Australian Certified Economic Developer (ACEcD).
• Knowledge of the role, functions, and responsibilities of Local Government. 
• Previous experience in a Local Government context.
• IAP2 Certificate in Engagement.

Benefits

The appointment will be in accordance with the Local Government (State) Award and Parkes Shire Council's policies and conditions of employment. 

The role has been evaluated as being Grade 16 of the Council's salary structure and offers a competitive salary circa $94,000 - $109,000 (depending on skills and experience) plus super and salary packaging options to increase your take-home pay.

Benefits of working at Council include:

• Fortnightly Rostered Day Off (RDO)
• Four weeks of Annual Leave per year
• Access to Long Service Leave after five years
• Access to salary packaging options through Salary Packaging Australia (SPA)
• Wellness Programs and Health and Wellbeing initiatives including two (2) Health and Wellness days off per year.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Relocation assistance includes 40% reimbursement of removalist costs upon commencement and a further 40% reimbursement after 18 months of service. 
• Relaxed regional lifestyle
• Work/Life balance
• And more!

In addition, we value work-life balance and offer opportunities for training and professional development.  We encourage and support our employees in further developing their knowledge, skills, and capabilities through tuition fee support and study days for employees studying towards tertiary or vocational qualifications.

Parkes Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences, as we believe in building an inclusive work environment that reflects the community we serve.

About Parkes Shire Council

Since its establishment in January 1981, Parkes Shire Council has earned a reputation as an innovative, progressive organisation with a proven ability to deliver outstanding outcomes for our community.  As a two-time winner of the AR Bluett Memorial Award - the state's oldest and most prestigious local government award - we take pride in our culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Embracing a LEAN philosophy across our organisation and operations, we're constantly looking at how we can do things better in order to maximise the value we deliver.  We are committed to developing and retaining a skilled, energetic and professional workforce to ensure that we continue to provide the best possible services, facilities and infrastructure to our community. 

We strive to provide a flexible, safe and inclusive work environment for our people, and are proud to have achieved formal accreditation under ISO 45001, the internationally recognised standard in Occupational Health and Safety.

If you're seeking a challenging and rewarding career, a range of lifestyle benefits, and an opportunity to contribute to a high-performing organisation, then we're the right place for you.

For more information, please visit our website: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and join a team that values safety, innovation, and community, we'd love to hear from you. Apply Now!