Outreach Manager

Full Job Description

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) seeks an Outreach Manager for rural community engagement and outreach.

This position will provide program and outreach support on behalf of the GOEO Center for Rural Development (CRD).

This is a flexible position offering in-person and remote work options for state of Utah residents. This position covers Juab, Millard, Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne and Tooele counties.

A person living in one of these counties is preferred.

GOEO offers a myriad of programs, services and initiatives that support rural economic growth and prosperity.

Specifically, the Center for Rural Development oversees, administers, and promotes several grant programs, including the Rural County Grant program, the Rural Communities Opportunity Grant, the Rural Economic Development Incentive (REDI) program, and the Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Finance (EDTIF) program.

This position also supports business retention, expansion and recruitment efforts in central Utah.

The Outreach Manager position will be assigned to work closely with rural Association of Governments, and rural counties and cities, and other partners in maximizing the CRD’s rural programs and tools.

The person selected for this position will become familiar with the economic challenges and opportunities of rural counties and cities and identify ways the state can support rural development.

Additionally, the Outreach Manager will conduct regular visits with rural city and county stakeholders, including counties, cities, towns, chambers of commerce, Utah Inland Port Authority, World Trade Center Utah, EDC Utah, industry associations, small business development centers, and other strategic partners.

Principal Duties

• Actively recruits new businesses, industry, and investment to central Utah while supporting the expansion and retention of existing firms

• Develop short and long term economic plans to enhance local quality of life and economic well-being

• Act as a liaison between local government, state agencies, institutes of higher education, chambers of commerce, developers, and utility providers

• Promotes the region through marketing initiatives, site packages, and demographic reports to attract investment

• Become proficient with the GOEO’s rural toolkit and have the ability to execute programs skillfully

• Provide outreach and training of rural programs to rural partners

• Establish working relationships with rural county commissioners, county councils, city mayors, city councils, chambers of commerce, economic development directors, AOG leaders, SBDC directors, higher education partners, private business owners, workforce development offices, and other key stakeholders

• Manage and leverage state resources and tools to support rural areas of the state

• Participate in region-specific outreach meetings, including economic advisory board meetings, chamber of commerce events, economic development conferences, AOG meetings, etc.

• Review grant and tax credit applications and other financial documents

• Utilize customer relationship management (CRM) software to track key performance indicators, contact information, and other program information

• Facilitate and/or participate in webinars and other meetings with stakeholders

• Serve on various committees and help plan special events, trainings and conferences related to economic/business development

• Primarily office-based with field work involving site visits, often in various weather conditions

• Requires attendance at evening meetings, public forums, and travel for conferences or prospect visits

• Travel weekly within the seven county service area, occasional travel across the state

Ideal Candidate

• Work experience in the field of economic development and/or community development

• Experience administering government programs and a solid understanding of workforce and economic development principles

• Ability to research and administer grants and loans from state, federal, and private sources for infrastructure and economic development projects

• Several years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, community planning, or redevelopment

• Possess understanding and skills to deploy economic development principles

• Able to support communities through the RFI process and win economic development projects

• Skilled problem solver with a can-do attitude

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, negotiation, leadership, and analytical skills are essential

• Familiarity with government regulations, grant writing, and financial analysis.

• Ability to establish meaningful relationships with key stakeholders

• Ability to protect sensitive information - such as trade secrets, employer hiring plans, community strategic plans - from unauthorized disclosure

• Familiar with Utah’s rural communities

• Economic/business/marketing degree or equivalent work experience

• Special preference will be given to individuals residing in central Utah

Why You Should Join Our Team

GOEO is a fast-­paced, dynamic office staffed with a hard-working, passionate team with diverse experiences and expertise. We strive to match your interests and strengths with our office needs.

Working in this office will give you direct, hands-­on experience. This job will grow your professional skills and capabilities. The State of Utah offers a highly competitive benefits package.

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The Agency

The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) champions Gov. Cox’s commitment to providing economic opportunity for all Utahns. The office supports Utah entrepreneurs and businesses.

We work to retain and recruit companies and bring more high-paying jobs to Utah.

In addition, we work with industries, Utah regions, communities, and nonprofits to implement strategic economic development plans and reinforce Utah’s already diverse, prosperous economy.

We utilize federal and state resources and private sector contracts to cultivate economic prosperity for all Utahns.