At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to boost digital connectivity and strengthen the Devon economy.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Council dedicated to community development.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Opportunity for impactful work in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rural communities by enhancing their digital access.
- Qualifications: Experience in economic development or digital connectivity, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to join the Place and Sector Development Team as a Senior Economic Development Officer. As a member of the team you will play a vital role in strengthening the Devon economy by improving digital connectivity across the County.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for broadband and mobile connectivity initiatives, ensuring alignment with the Council's wider Strategic Plan and economic development priorities.
- Oversee performance management and delivery of broadband contracts, monitoring delivery against targets, reporting and evaluating outcomes, risk management, and identifying opportunities to improve effectiveness, value for money and impact.
- Develop and maintain strong senior level partnerships with network suppliers, government departments, regulators and key delivery partners.
- Lead government lobbying and engagement, representing the Council's interests on national broadband and mobile connectivity priorities.
- Support Members, rural communities and hard-to-reach communities in responding to ongoing connectivity challenges.
- Facilitate delivery of voucher schemes to support broadband and mobile connectivity.
- Offer flexible working arrangements such as hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, sharing the Council’s commitment to this.
- Ensure the role is performed with confidence and fluency in English.
Required Experience and Attributes
- Experience in economic development, infrastructure delivery or digital connectivity, ideally within the public sector.
- Proven ability to operate at a senior level, working confidently with Members, senior officers, suppliers and key external stakeholders.
- Experience of programme or project management, including oversight of capital funding and performance reporting.
- Strong partnership working, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Robust understanding of the challenges facing rural digital connectivity, and ability to translate national policy into effective local delivery.
- Results-focused approach, using data, evidence and evaluation to drive improvement and demonstrate impact.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an inclusive and safe environment. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
Other Information
We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.
Economic Development Officer in Exeter employer: Devon County Council
Join a forward-thinking Council dedicated to enhancing the Devon economy through innovative digital connectivity initiatives. As a Senior Economic Development Officer, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values flexibility, inclusivity, and professional growth, while making a tangible impact in rural communities. With opportunities for hybrid working and a commitment to diversity, this role offers a rewarding environment for those passionate about driving economic development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Economic Development Officer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the economic development scene. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your achievements in economic development and digital connectivity. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, we want you to wow them with your experience and results-driven approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations you admire and express your interest in working with them. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity can lead to amazing outcomes. Plus, applying through our website gives you a direct line to us!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in digital connectivity and economic development. We want you to be able to discuss how you can contribute to the Devon economy confidently. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the candidate they’ve been looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Economic Development Officer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in economic development and digital connectivity. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Partnerships:Since building strong partnerships is key for this role, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in the past. We love seeing how you’ve navigated relationships with suppliers and government bodies!
Be Results-Focused:Use data and evidence to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We’re looking for a results-driven approach, so include any metrics or outcomes that showcase your success in improving connectivity or managing projects.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in economic development and digital connectivity. Familiarise yourself with the Council's Strategic Plan and how your role fits into it. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience in economic development and project management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed partnerships and delivered results, especially in challenging environments like rural areas.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current projects or challenges they face in digital connectivity. This shows your genuine interest and can help you stand out as a proactive candidate.
✨Highlight Your Values
Since the Council values diversity and inclusion, be prepared to discuss how you promote these principles in your work. Share any experiences where you've worked with diverse communities or tackled inequality, as this aligns with their commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
