Human Resource Services
Alameda Skyline

Economic Development Analyst II

Recruitment #22-0270-01

Introduction

THIS IS A NEW ASSEMBLED EXAMINATION. The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year, but can be extended.

Supplemental Questionnaire: A properly completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each application. Applications and Supplemental Questionnaires must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing. Failure to submit the Supplemental Questionnaire will result in disqualification. Postmarks are not accepted. Applications will only be accepted online.

DESCRIPTION

Background
The East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) is a cross-sector membership organization with 30+ years of high-level leadership and collaborative history serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.  East Bay EDA has over 150 active organization members, including 28 cities/towns.  

As a regional economic development organization recognized by the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development, East Bay EDA represents a broad network of resources, information and services that connects business, government, special district and nonprofit leaders to enhance economic development and quality of life assets.  

East Bay EDA provides research, analysis, support and direct business services with guidance from its diverse leadership committees, members, partners, and other stakeholders and offers professional development training opportunities for its counties and member cities/towns representatives.

Governance & Work Focus
East Bay EDA is governed by a group of high-level, cross sector leaders who serve on its Executive Committee, which includes appointees from the East Bay Boards of Supervisors, the East Bay Mayors’ Conferences, from the Alameda and Contra Costa County City Manager Groups, from local city economic development leaders, representatives of special districts, “C” and “E” level business representatives, representatives for labor and small business, K-12 and post-secondary education representatives, representatives from environmental organizations, regional philanthropic and nonprofit organizations, and research institutions.

Much of East Bay EDA’s work is done in partnership with other local and regional leaders, networks and organizations and has historically included many different kinds of activities, initiatives, and projects.  East Bay EDA has worked on a variety of regional economic development issues, including business climate, education, housing, land use, transportation, workforce development, and other vital areas.  East Bay EDA approaches its work on these issues in a variety of ways, including hosting and/or partnering on in-person and virtual events, conducting original research on the regional economy and labor market, planning and organizing to tackle important and timely issues. 

About the Position
The Economic Development Analyst II is a senior level team member who is expected to perform work in support of East Bay EDA’s priorities with minimum supervision and considerable independent judgment.  The incumbent is expected to be a self-starter and to use creativity and resourcefulness in carrying out tasks. The incumbent is expected to help develop and accomplish goals in assigned areas and strengthen relationships with members and organizational partners.  The Incumbent is expected to serve as the lead staff for select Leadership Committees and may also serve as the lead manager for special projects or signature events.  

The incumbent is expected to have the skill set to utilize various data platforms, subscriptions, and tools for research and analysis purposes, and is responsible for creating and finalizing reports, communications and information packets for the organization.  Excellent organization, writing and editing skills and some design and other technical skills are necessary to perform this work.  

Because the work of East Bay EDA is multi-faceted with many audiences, planned work is often augmented or interrupted by other time-sensitive opportunities and projects supporting regional economic development. The incumbent must be able to frequently multi-task and re-prioritize.  

The incumbent is not expected to have high level expertise in all the desired areas of skills and experience, and will be supported by other team members, leadership and external partners. 

East Bay EDA’s team has been able to perform its work effectively and reach outstanding achievements through the leveraging of knowledge, networks and resources from its members and partners.   

Ideal Areas of Desired Skills & Experience 
• Experience working in diverse sectors: business, government, nonprofit, special district
• Experience working in complex environments, requiring frequent multi-tasking
• Strong written and oral communication skills, appropriate to diverse sectors
• Experience with regional micro/macro economic issues and networks
• Work with international business development and/or investment work
• Experience in conducting input/output analysis
• Familiarity with marketing software
• Experience in writing reports and/or articles and editing skills for publications
• Event planning and management experience
• Fundraising experience
• Meeting facilitation skills, including experience supporting boards and committees  
• Project/program management
• Presentation skills and public speaking experience
• Familiarity with public and private data platforms, subscription services, and other tools commonly used to conduct economic and labor market analyses and other types of economic research  

About the Work Environment
Although originally an advisory committee to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, East Bay EDA now has its own 501 (c) 3 status and serves both East Bay counties, while maintaining a fiscal and management relationship with Alameda County.  

The work of East Bay EDA is approached through a cross-sector lens, anchored in the belief that a diverse strategy is more inclusive, thoughtful and sustainable.  East Bay EDA uses processes and procedures that guide its fiscal management, personnel system and governance, however it works in an entrepreneurial environment, mindful of innovation and the creative use of resources to increase capacity and impact.  

East Bay EDA’s work often expands beyond the traditional weekday schedule, and participating in early morning and evening events, conferences and trade shows at the Economic Development Analyst II level is not infrequent.  

The Economic Development Analyst II is expected to work as a supportive part of the East Bay EDA team, providing assistance to others as needed, sharing knowledge, and providing training in specific skills sets, as appropriate.  The incumbent is expected to demonstrate professionalism and respect towards team members, East Bay EDA leadership and organizational members, leading to the development of trustful relationships and a strong sense of dependability.     

All team members of East Bay EDA are expected to embrace continuous learning and develop from experiences and constructive feedback.  Professional development opportunities are made available and built into the East Bay EDA budget.  

Typical Responsibilities of the Economic Development Analyst II Position
• Serves as lead staff for one or more East Bay EDA committees, plans meeting agendas, secures subject matter experts for presentations, researches and identifies supporting information and documents, takes meeting notes, and prepares Leadership Committee Chair/Co-Chairs for conducting meetings and follow-up.
• Researches, analyzes and secures economic data and newsworthy articles for electronic newsletters, social media and website postings for members, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Manages events and special projects, including relationships with external consultant(s) in preparation of East Bay EDA’s events, research projects or other tasks as appropriate and required.   
• Prepares information for trade shows, investors, conferences, site selection requests, international delegations, mayoral presentations and business meetings as needed.
• Organizes and prepares presentations for business groups, industry associations, member organizations, and various elected and appointed public bodies on relevant topics and initiatives.  
• Participates in representing East Bay EDA as a presenter, active member of local advisory boards, active member of industry-specific advisory committees, or regional committee member.
• Assists the Executive Director in proposal writing and evaluation reports for support funds from government, philanthropic and corporate resources.
• Manages and/or supports various East Bay EDA signature events both in-person and in other formats.
• Coordinates and supports East Bay EDA's membership development, engagement, and retention efforts and strategies. 
• Assists the Executive Director with tasks related to supporting East Bay EDA’s Executive Committee and its Officers.
• Assists the Executive Director with budget planning, revenue and expenditure tracking, and revenue acquisition as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Economic Development Analyst II:

Either I

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience in the class of Economic Development Analyst I in the Alameda County classified service.

Or II

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a related field of economics or city regional planning preferred. The completion of a Basic Economic Development Course (or other courses of similar content and depth) and attendance at least one CALED Annual Conferences (or other courses of similar content and depth.

Or III

The equivalent of three years of progressively responsible full-time professional level experience in economic or community development, program administration, research or a closely related field; a Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for one year of experience.

And

A recommendation for selection by an Independent Review Board that conducts an oral and written examination will be required of all candidates.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Considerable Knowledge of:

• The principles, practices and issues of economic and community development including industrial retention, development and recruitment, strategic planning, resource development and marketing.
• Federal, state and local economic development/business resource programs.
• Resources and practices utilized in urban, regional economic development programs.
• The preparation, review and dissemination of technical reports (technical writing skills).
• Statistical and analytical techniques applicable to economic and demographic data.

Working Knowledge of:

• Fiscal and budgetary practices and funding sources.
• Principles of administration, organization and management.
• Techniques used in group dynamics, negotiation and consensus building.
• Computers and software (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel & Outlook and Adobe Acrobat).
• Use of the internet to conduct research, access data, reports and related news.
• The principles and techniques of report writing and organizational and operational analysis.

Desired Knowledge of:

• Federal, state and local environmental agencies and their role with other agencies and the business community.
• How to utilize website editing and publication software like Microsoft FrontPage, Expression Web or Dreamweaver to maintain and create webpages or websites on the internet.
• How to utilize a database program like Microsoft Access to import, format, analyze, create queries, link to, manage and update information.
• How to design, use an RFP and manage a contract with consultants and service providers.
• How to develop and implement a regional economic development program, including proactive outreach and communications, marketing strategies and collateral materials.
• Research and prepare complex economic development proposals.

Ability to:

• Analyze technical, legal and financial documents and interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, laws and ordinances.
• Organize work, set priorities and exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines and use creative ways to resolve issues.
• Work effectively with public officials, business leaders, financial institutions, citizen groups and department managers in interdepartmental and diverse team environments.
• Effectively communicate technical information, verbally and in writing, to the business community, news media and through public presentations.
• Establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude and work effectively with internal and external customers, in a highly visible position.
• Maintain assignment flexibility and be able to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Learn new software programs and communications systems.
• Utilize letters, newsletters and the internet to communicate effectively with staff, members, business clients and prospects.

EXAMINATION COMPONENTS

THE EXAMINATION WILL CONSIST OF the following steps:

  1. A review of candidates' applications to verify possession of minimum requirements. Those candidates who possess the minimum requirements for the class will move on to the next step in the examination process;
  2. A review of candidates’ Supplemental Questionnaires to select the best qualified applicants to continue in the process;
  3. An oral interview which will be weighted as 100% of the candidate's final examination score. The oral interview may contain situational exercises.  

** CANDIDATES MUST ATTAIN A QUALIFYING RATING ON EACH PORTION OF THIS EXAMINATION. **  

We reserve the right to make changes to the announced examination components. Alameda County utilizes a Civil Service Selection System founded on merit. Such a system is competitive and based on broad recruitment efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to test in an examination process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position.

Many of our recruitments are targeted and specific to the needs of a current vacant position, in which case, the eligible list may be exclusively used for that current vacant position. Other recruitments may be more broadly used for both current and future vacancies, or for other alternate jobs with comparable scopes of work. To learn more about our recruitment and selection process, please visit the “What You Need to Know” section of our website, www.acgov.org/hrs

Selection Plan

Applicants will be informed via e-mail with reasonable notice in advance of any examination process which will require their attendance. The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the Agency:

TENTATIVE SELECTION PLAN:

Deadline for Filing:    

5:00PM, Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Review of Minimum Qualifications:

November 1, 2022

Screening for Best Qualified:

November 15 2022

Civil Service Oral Examination**:

*December 11, 2022

*Updated 11/30/22

**If designated a combined oral examination/hiring interview, in addition to establishing an eligibility list, may serve as the final selection interview for vacancies in this classification.

*WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PLAN*

Alameda County and the Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination and/or selection process to accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Alameda County’s Reasonable Accommodation Policy and applicable statues. To request an accommodation due to a disability/medical condition during this or other phases of the examination/selection process, please contact the assigned Human Resources Representative listed on the job announcement before the last date of filing. Alameda County requires applicants to provide supporting documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation. In order to qualify for a reasonable accommodation, applicants must have a disability/medical condition pursuant to the ADA, FEHA and applicable statues.

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

  • Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
  • Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
  • Vision or Vision Reimbursement
  • Share the Savings
  • Basic Life Insurance 
  • Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
  • County Allowance Credit
  • Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
  • Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

  • Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
  • Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

  • 11 paid holidays
  • Floating Holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave accrual
  • Vacation purchase program
  • Management Paid Leave**
  • Catastrophic Sick Leave
  • Group Auto/Home Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits Program
  • Guaranteed Ride Home
  • Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
  • Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
  • Child Care Resources
  • 1st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.

Conclusion

All notices related to County recruitments for which you have applied will be sent/delivered via email. Notices will be sent from Noreply@jobaps.com.  Please add @jobaps.com and Noreply@jobaps.com as accepted addresses to any email blocking or spam filtering program you may use. If you do not do this, your email blocking or spam filtering program may block receipt of the notices regarding your application for recruitments. You are also strongly advised to regularly log into your County of Alameda online application account to check for notices that may have been sent to you. All email notices that will be sent to you will also be kept in your personal online application account. You will be able to view all of your notices in your online application account by clicking on the 'My applications' button on the Current Job Openings page and clicking on the link 'last notice sent' for the respective recruitment.

 

Please take the steps recommended above to ensure you do not miss any notices about a recruitment for which you have applied. The County of Alameda is not responsible for notices that are not read, received or accessed by any applicant for a County recruitment.

 

NOTE: All notices are generated through an automated email notification system. Replies to the email box NoReply@jobaps.com are routed to an unmonitored mailbox. If you have questions, please go to our website at www.acgov.org/hrs. You may also contact the Human Resources Analyst listed on the job announcement for the recruitment for which you have applied.

  

Sam Gee, HR Division Manager

Human Resource Services, County of Alameda

Samson.Gee@acgov.org

 

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Alameda County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law.  Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.  Employees are required to report to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Alameda County has a diverse workforce, that is representative of the communities we serve, and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance and business need. Alameda County does not discriminate in employment on the basis of, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors protected under federal, state and local law. Alameda County celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive, and welcoming workplace environment.