Economic Development Specialist

About AdvantageHOPE

AdvantageHOPE works to strengthen the economic vitality and long-term prosperity of the District of Hope through business support, investment attraction, downtown revitalization, and community partnerships.

We are seeking a motivated, collaborative, and results-oriented Economic Development Specialist to advance local economic development priorities, support business growth, identify new opportunities, and deliver measurable results for the community.

About the Role

Working closely with AdvantageHOPE's Board of Directors, the District of Hope, local businesses, and

community partners, the Economic Development Specialist will lead and coordinate initiatives that support business attraction, retention and expansion, downtown revitalization, and implementation of economic development strategies.

The successful candidate will combine strategic planning, project management, research, stakeholder

engagement, and strong communication skills to move economic development initiatives forward.

Key Responsibilities

Economic Development Strategy and Workplan

• Assess the existing economic development workplan and recommend changes or additions as needed.

• Establish appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor progress toward annual objectives.

• Advance initiatives in the existing Economic Development Strategic Plan and Downtown Revitalization

Plan in collaboration with the District of Hope.

• Identify emerging economic opportunities, funding sources, partnerships, and strategic priorities.

Business Development and Community Engagement

• Build relationships with local businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, property owners, and community

partners.

• Support business retention, expansion, start-ups, and investment attraction.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen Hope's business environment and promote the community as a place

to live, work, invest, and do business.

• Research economic trends, gather relevant data, and develop information and promotional materials to

support economic development.

Reporting and Accountability

• Quarterly reports: Prepare and submit written reports to the District of Hope within 30 days after each

quarter-end, outlining workplan progress, KPI results, completed activities, emerging opportunities,

challenges, variances and explanations, upcoming priorities, and recommendations.

• Annual performance report: prepare an annual report for the District of Hope summarizing

accomplishments, results, performance measures and recommendations as per fiscal year.

• Board meetings: Attend monthly AdvantageHOPE Board meetings from September through May to

present activities, progress, and emerging priorities.• Annual General Meeting: Deliver an economic development year-in-review presentation at the AGM

in June.

Project Management and Partnerships

• Coordinate economic development projects, timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder relationships.

• Identify and pursue relevant grants, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships.

• Represent AdvantageHOPE at meetings, business events, and relevant regional economic development

activities.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• A degree in economics, business administration, commerce, economic development, planning, or a

related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in economic development, business support, community development, project management, or a related discipline.

• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports and

presentations.

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, engage stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and work independently.

• Experience with strategic planning, KPIs, grant applications, or municipal partnerships is an asset.

• Knowledge of Hope and the surrounding region, or experience in a rural or small-community economic development setting, is an asset.

• A valid driver's licence and access to reliable transportation for local and regional travel.

Working Arrangement and Compensation

This is a full-time hybrid position based in Hope, BC, combining remote work with in-person engagement, meetings, and community activities. Occasional evening or weekend work and regional travel may be required.

The salary range is $70,000–$90,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in advancing economic development in Hope to:

Email: adhopejobs@gmail.com

Application deadline: November 6, 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

AdvantageHOPE welcomes applications from qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.