Location: Kamloops, British Columbia
Job Opportunity: Full-time, on site
Closing Date: Open until filled
Salary Range: $66,730 – $78,569
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.
Ready to make an impact?
For more information and to apply, visit: https://ca.indeed.com/job/economic-development-specialist-b76bcfaffced9b66. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.