Economic Development Specialist

Position: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Position summary

The economic development specialist position will function as the buildings and sites coordinator. The sites and buildings coordinator will manage and maintain the state's database of available industrial and commercial sites and buildings, ensuring that site selection consultants, businesses, and community partners have access to accurate and up-to-date information. This position plays a key role in supporting business recruitment, expansion, and community development efforts through effective data management, gis mapping, and providing technical assistance to community and real estate partners

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Preferred qualification

Technical skills

* proficiency with gis software (arcgis pro, arcgis online, google earth pro, or similar platforms).

* experience working with cad drawings, kmz/kml files, and spatial data formats.

* familiarity with database management systems and spatial data analysis.

* understanding of construction, site development, and real estate marketing principles.

* working knowledge of zoning, utilities, industrial development regulations, and transportation infrastructure data.

* drone operation and aerial mapping experience preferred but not required.

Soft skills

* strong communication and collaboration skills across internal and external cross-functional teams.

* ability to build relationships and provide technical support to partners across the state.

* analytical mindset with attention to detail and data accuracy.

* proactive, problem-solving approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Job responsibilities and expected results

* arkansas site selection center database management

* gis, mapping, and technical support

* community site development support

* partner engagement

* business development support

Key business processes/duties

Arkansas site selection center database management

* maintain and regularly update the state's sites and buildings database (arkansas site selection center), ensuring all listings include accurate data, photographs, site plans, and gis information.

* monitor data quality and implement improvements for data accuracy and usability.

* coordinate with local economic development partners to ensure statewide coverage and consistent data standards.

* provide training and technical assistance on the arkansas site selection center.

Gis, mapping, and technical support

* utilize geographic information systems (gis) to create, update, and analyze maps and spatial data related to industrial and commercial properties.

* integrate gis layers (utilities, zoning, transportation, floodplains, demographics, etc.) to create reports and maps that support business attraction projects.

* work with cad drawings, kmz/kml files, and other spatial data formats to accurately represent property layouts, infrastructure, and site boundaries.

* support site data visualization and mapping needs for internal and external users.

* use drone imagery (if applicable) to enhance site visuals and data accuracy; drone operation experience preferred but not required.

Community site development support

* assist communities in identifying, evaluating, and developing potential industrial and commercial sites for future business investment.

* conduct site visits and coordinate with local partners to assess infrastructure, access, utilities, and development readiness.

* provide guidance on site development, site readiness standards, and best practices for marketing available sites.

* collaborate with local economic developers, utilities, and other partners to help advance site development projects across the state, including support on the arkansas site development grant program.

Partner engagement

* serve as a primary contact and resource for community partners regarding property listings, gis tools, and site data management.

* provide training, technical assistance, and guidance on how to input and maintain site information in the arkansas site selection center database.

* build and maintain strong relationships with local economic developers, real estate professionals, and construction and engineering firms, and other…