Job Posting: Community Economic Development ConsultantPosition Title

Community Economic Development Consultant

Location

Flexible / Remote with regular travel to community locations as required

Employment Type

Full-Time Contract (or Part-Time/Project-Based, depending on organizational needs)

Reports To

Director of Economic Development / Executive Director / Community Leadership Team

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Community Economic Development Consultant to support communities, local governments, Indigenous organizations, regional development agencies, and other stakeholders in designing and implementing sustainable economic development initiatives.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with community leaders, businesses, government agencies, and residents to identify economic opportunities, attract investment, strengthen local capacity, and develop strategies that promote long-term economic growth and community wellbeing.

This role requires a combination of strategic planning expertise, stakeholder engagement skills, economic analysis capabilities, project management experience, and a strong understanding of community development principles.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Economic Development Planning

- Lead the development of community economic development strategies and action plans.
- Conduct economic assessments, market analyses, and feasibility studies.
- Identify local economic strengths, opportunities, constraints, and competitive advantages.
- Develop recommendations for business attraction, retention, expansion, and diversification.
- Support communities in establishing long-term economic development goals and performance measures.

Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation
- Facilitate workshops, public consultations, focus groups, and strategic planning sessions.
- Engage community members, local businesses, elected officials, and institutional partners.
- Build collaborative partnerships among public, private, non-profit, and community organizations.
- Present findings and recommendations to leadership teams, councils, boards, and community groups.
- Foster inclusive participation and ensure diverse community voices are represented.

Economic Analysis and Research
- Collect, analyze, and interpret demographic, economic, labour market, and industry data.
- Prepare economic profiles, community assessments, and sector analyses.
- Monitor regional, national, and global economic trends affecting local communities.
- Identify emerging industries and economic opportunities.
- Develop economic impact assessments and business cases.

Business and Investment Development




- Assist communities in attracting investment and new business opportunities.
- Support local entrepreneurs and small business development initiatives.
- Identify funding sources, grants, and economic development programs.
- Prepare investment attraction materials and promotional content.
- Support business retention and expansion efforts.

Project Management
- Manage multiple consulting assignments simultaneously.
- Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
- Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and external consultants as required.
- Prepare progress reports and project documentation.

Funding and Grant Support
- Research funding opportunities from government, foundations, and development organizations.
- Prepare grant applications and funding proposals.
- Assist clients with reporting and compliance requirements.
- Develop funding strategies to support economic development initiatives.

Capacity Building
- Provide training, coaching, and mentorship to community leaders and economic development practitioners.
- Develop tools, templates, and resources to strengthen local capacity.
- Support communities in implementing economic development strategies and monitoring outcomes.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing and best-practice learning opportunities.

QualificationsRequired Education
- Bachelor's degree in:
- Economics
- Community Development
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Geography
- Related field

Preferred Education
- Master's degree in Economic Development, Planning, Public Policy, Business, or related discipline.

Required Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in economic development, community development, planning, consulting, or a related field.
- Experience preparing strategic plans and economic development strategies.
- Demonstrated success managing stakeholder engagement processes.
- Experience conducting economic and demographic research and analysis.
- Experience preparing reports, grant applications, and business cases.
- Proven project management experience.

Knowledge and SkillsTechnical Skills
- Economic development planning
- Community engagement and facilitation




- Economic and demographic analysis
- Market research
- Strategic planning
- Grant writing
- Project management
- Investment attraction
- Business development
- Data visualization and reporting

Professional Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Robust presentation and facilitation abilities
- Relationship-building and stakeholder management
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Analytical and research capabilities
- Organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Software Proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- GIS software (preferred)
- Data analysis and visualization tools
- Survey and engagement platforms
- Project management software

Preferred Qualifications
- Certification in Economic Development (CEcD) or equivalent.
- Experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations.
- Understanding of municipal governance and regional development.
- Familiarity with government funding programs and economic development policies.
- Experience working in rural, regional, or remote communities.
- Strong network within economic development, government, or business sectors.

Key Performance Indicators The Community Economic Development Consultant will be evaluated based on:
- Quality and effectiveness of economic development plans.
- Successful completion of consulting projects.
- Client satisfaction and stakeholder engagement outcomes.
- Funding secured through grants and partnerships.
- Implementation progress of recommended initiatives.
- Development of sustainable community capacity and economic outcomes.

Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Flexible work arrangements.
- Travel reimbursement.
- Health and wellness benefits (if applicable).
- Opportunity to contribute to meaningful community impact and economic growth.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit

- Cover Letter
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Writing Sample (economic development strategy, report, or related work)
- References

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Chance Statement

We are committed to creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities and workplaces. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Pay: From $95,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Community Economic Development Consultant (Kangaroo Point)
🏢 Kyle Dearing Consulting
📍 Kangaroo Point