Economic Development Board Fellowship: Project Coordinator

Name of Position: Economic Development Board Fellowship: Project Coordinator

Organization: County of Sonoma

Department: Economic Development Board

Location: Sonoma County, California

Address: 401 College Ave, Suite D, Santa Rosa, CA 95401-5148

Contact Person: Colette Thomas, Phone: (707) 565-7170, Email: edb@sonoma-county.org

Application Deadline: February 24th, 2012 (received by the EDB office) 5 p.m. PST

Interview Dates: March 2012 – April 2012

Applying Instruction: Email resume and cover letter to edb@sonoma-county.org

Compensation: Approx. $40,000

Estimated Duration: July 15, 2012 – June 30, 2013

Educational Level: Graduating Seniors and Recent Graduates

Qualifications: Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills; an interest in policy research and economic development; project management skills; and a commitment to public service. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree by July 15, 2012.

Job Activities: The Economic Development Project Coordinator will be responsible for developing and managing programs that support the local economic and employment bases. Work includes researching, surveying, and developing reports and databases on Sonoma County’s various economic sectors. The Project Coordinator will also be responsible for coordinating advisory groups and taskforces comprised of leaders from local businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and community groups. Current and past programs include: Economic Research, Hospitality Sector Research and Program Development (wine, tourism, food); Creative Cluster Research and Program Development, Health Policy, the Hispanic Community, Workforce Development, (see EDB website for examples of current programs).

Categories: Political Science/Politics, Economic Development, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Government, History, International Policy, Law, Management, Business, Public Administration, Public Policy, Research, Social Policy, Technology, Urban Policy.

Description: The Project Coordinator position at the Economic Development Board (EDB) offers a unique opportunity for recent college graduates to gain practical experience in policy research, program development, and management of policy advisory groups, taskforces, and local public/private partnerships. During their one year term, Sonoma County Economic Development Board Fellows make significant contributions, such as, researching sectors of the local economy and prepare reports and recommendations; analyzing and distilling a variety of economic and statistical data for local decision-makers; coordinating numerous advisory groups comprised of local businesspeople, government officials, education leaders, and community representatives; making presentations on economic policy issues to various groups, including the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, business trade groups, and community organizations. Coordinators will also find themselves heading project fundraising; preparing budgets and strategic plans for EDB projects; planning events such as industry workshops and conferences; and suggesting new, innovative approaches to addressing the EDB’s mission.

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board is a small, dynamic agency involved with a broad range of public policy issues and innovative programs. In 2012-2013, the Economic Development Project Coordinator will be responsible for developing policies/programs, writing reports and grants, and coordinating policy advisory groups that address one or more of the following topics:

  • Economic Research (reporting on the local economy, including sector analysis)

  • Hospitality Sector Research and Program Development (food, wine, tourism)

  • Health Policy

  • Youth Business Education

  • Workforce Development

  • Strategic Economic Planning for a Sustainable Sonoma County

  • Creative Cluster Research and Development

  • The Hispanic Community

This unique opportunity occurs just north of San Francisco, in the heart of California’s wine country. To apply for the one-year Sonoma County Economic Development Project Coordinator position at the Economic Development Board, please email a cover letter and resume to Colette Thomas at edb@sonoma-county.org, or call (707) 565-7170.
Note: At this time we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this program.

The application deadline is: Friday, February 24, 2012 5:00p.m. PST (received by the EDB offce)