Associate Economic Development Specialist

The City of Cambridge is a diverse and vibrant community that people of different ethnic, racial, religious, national, and other backgrounds call home. We take pride in our city’s diversity and strive to create a workplace that is reflective of the community we serve. The city is also deeply committed to creating an environment in which all our employees are treated equitably and feel included. We seek to hire, develop, and advance individuals who value antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI), and are committed to embedding ADEI best practices and tenets in all aspects of our work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary responsibilities include:

• Provide one-on-one counseling with entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in starting or growing their businesses.
• Support division activities to build and support specialized industries and new economies, including but not limited to food, cannabis, biotechnology, clean energy, and other growing and emerging industries.
• Assist in the management of the Division’s work on citywide and commercial district efforts, such as the Boosting Business Blocks Grant, Commercial District Assessments, and other Retail Strategic Plan projects.
• Participate in other division initiatives, such as federal or grant projects, including the American Rescue Plan Act programs, and perform other duties as required.
• Develop initiatives aimed at supporting our commercial districts and compile data that supports our understanding of Cambridge economic trends.
• Conduct and present research on the Cambridge economy including vacancy data, industry trends, transportation, employment, and other local and economic data.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Strong community engagement experience, especially involving stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and with diverse interests and opinions; demonstrated ability to relate to the public and co-workers in a positive manner.
• Experience gathering, managing, and presenting data.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 4 years of experience in planning, public policy, public administration, or similar professional experience. A Master's degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience. An Associate’s degree in a related field with 6 years of experience in public or non-profit administration or similar professional experience will also be considered.

• Ability to prioritize workloads, multitask and meet deadlines while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management skills; strong organizational and time management skills.
• Overall computer proficiency including general office applications (Microsoft Office suite) and advanced applications (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, CRM).
• A desire to study challenging and current issues in economic and community development.
• Ability to develop, research, analyze, interpret, and communicate written program guidance, requirements, and regulations.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse range of Department staff, other City employees, volunteer board/committee members, elected officials, and members of the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and oral.
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

• Knowledge of Cambridge community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work requires the ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to read and analyze large quantities of information. Must have sufficient mobility to get back and forth from the office. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT : Work is conducted primarily in a standard office environment which includes fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, computers, and other standard office equipment, but may also involve meetings in other offices or facilities. This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City's Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Management Allowance, $2700 year
• Vacation and Sick leave eligible
• City employee transportation benefits (T-Pass reimbursement, Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle)
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 3 Personal days
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Sick Incentive Pay Eligible