An economic development manager is a professional who works with various organizations and authorities to develop and implement various strategies meant to help foster economic development. This person may work with companies that wish to improve their economic outlook. He or she may also work with different levels of government officials like city mayors, to improve the economy of the area in line with the aims, goals and objectives of that area.
In order to illustrate the function of an economic development manager, consider one who has been hired by the mayor of a city to assist in the economic development of that city. The economic development manager will plan and coordinate a comprehensive program that is targeted toward the city’s economic development. Such a program will include a revision of the client’s existing policies with a view to finding out areas for improvement. The same goes for organizations; the economic development manager will review the company’s policies so as to find out the areas that need to be addressed.
When the economic development manager has identified the areas of concentration, he or she will meet with the relevant authorities to inform them of the planned strategy and also to get their approval and support. If the strategy is approved, the manager will prepare different forms of information dissemination materials. These may include items like informational brochures and a Web site that may belong to the entire organization, or strictly for the development project.
The economic development manager must campaign for investors to establish businesses in the case of the city. This may also include soliciting for the opening of businesses branches in the city. Such a move will lead to more job openings and more economic development for the area. The business development manager will also make the process of establishing businesses as hassle-free as possible by helping such businesses obtain the necessary local permit approvals.
Part of the duties of the economic development manager may include the improvement of tourism in the city to help attract visitors and consequently improve the economic development of the area. Such a move may include promoting the city as a desirable tourist destination through the use of advertising mediums like TV, billboards and major newspapers. The manager must also present mandatory reports that contain precise statistical data and representation to the relevant parties. The economic development manager also has to apply relevant legislation concerning economic development while creating strategies for clients.
