Positions at this level function as specialists in an assigned area and work with little or no technical oversight.  Incumbents deal with complex and conflicting issues and/or portfolio management and provide specialized expertise in areas such as contract negotiation and/or execution, growth management, housing, public works, community services programs, trade and economic development, historic preservation, or archeological planning.  Within their assigned area, incumbents establish program priorities, develop policies and are designated in writing by the assistant director or equivalent to act as a spokesperson for the agency.

Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with government, businesses, industry, community organizations and/or government officials; 

Plans, develops, coordinates and manages a specialized program or programs;  

Coordinates the state's role in community, trade and economic development programs, e.g., develops, prepares, and monitors reports, proposals, grants and program budgets;  

Assists with drafting legislation, preparing or providing testimony at hearings;  

Develops policy positions related to a specialized program, service, or technical area(s);  

Provides technical assistance to clients in a specialized service area;  

Develops, negotiates, and monitors technical aspects of complex contracts with local governments, community organizations, and public and private entities;  

Represents agency at professional, local, state, regional, or national meetings;

Organizes or leads service delivery teams;  

Reviews internal/external requests for proposals, contracts, grants and loans consistent with departmental policies, procedures and programs and makes recommendations;  

Develops, coordinates and conducts workshops or seminars related to department programs;  

May exercise budgetary responsibility and/or responsibility for developing financial packages for a technical/specialized program(s); 

May supervise lower level staff.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position. 

Positions typically require a Bachelor’s degree and three years of professional experience in community, trade or economic development.