Economic Development Specialist

About the Role:

Reporting to the Executive Director and working with the VK team, you will drive economic development initiatives in business attraction, retention, and expansion to support businesses across Kamloops. This is a hands-on role where your work will have a direct impact on the growth and success of the city.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Lead initiatives that shape Kamloops’ economic future
• Work directly with businesses of all sizes and sectors
• Participate in national business attraction opportunities
• Engage with a collaborative, mission-driven team
• Enjoy a flexible work schedule with the optional four-day work week

What We’re Looking For:

We are looking for someone who is proactive, results-driven, and energized by building relationships and making things happen. Specifically:

• Proven experience creating, implementing, and driving economic development strategies, programs, and services
• Strong knowledge of local, regional, national, and international economic trends
• Confidence working with business owners, executives, developers, lenders, site selectors, and technical teams
• Experience managing social media platforms, analyzing metrics, and turning insights into action
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and digital
• Strong organizational skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, and align with organizational values

Key Responsibilities:

Business Attraction

• Identify and engage prospective businesses and key decision-makers
• Build and maintain networks locally and externally
• Represent Kamloops at national and international sales missions
• Deliver presentations, site tours, and marketing materials to encourage business growth

Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E)

• Conduct ongoing surveys to identify business needs and growth opportunities
• Develop programs and initiatives to reduce barriers to growth
• Support start-up resources, entrepreneurial intake, and the VK Advisors Program

Information & Resources

• Analyze data from Statistics Canada, BCStats, and other sources
• Maintain VK online resources and social media content
• Track metrics, prepare reports, and provide actionable insights

Other Responsibilities

• Attend industry conferences and trade shows
• Respond to economic development inquiries
• Collaborate with VK staff on work plans and program delivery
• Perform other related duties as required

Working Conditions:

• Travel, after-hours work, and occasional weekends as required
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods
• Site visits may require standing/walking and use of PPE
• Set-up/tear-down of event materials (up to 25 lbs).

Requirements:

• University degree in Commerce, Economics, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience
• Certification in Economic Development (Ec.D, C.EcD), marketing/advertising, or commercial real estate an asset
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required for local/regional travel.

Why Kamloops?
Kamloops is a growing city of over 100,000 people, ranked the 5th fastest-growing metro area in Canada. Enjoy the amenities of a larger centre while benefiting from an affordable, family-friendly lifestyle. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, easy access to Vancouver and Kelowna, and a strong sense of community, Kamloops is an ideal place to build your career, start a business, or raise a family.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $66,730.00-$78,569.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Kamloops, BC V2C 3J3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Do you have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required for local/regional travel?
• Do you have a university degree in Commerce, Economics, Business Administration or related field? Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Do you have a minimum of 1 year of related experience? Please describe how you feel your current experience relates.

Work Location: In person