Are you looking for a workplace where your contributions are truly valued and your professional growth is supported? At Grey Highlands, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that appreciates the dedication and professionalism of our staff.
As a member of our team, you'll have the unique opportunity to work alongside inspirational community leaders and collaborate with passionate colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Together, we are shaping the future of Grey Highlands, making a meaningful impact on our community.
We offer an enriching and fast-paced role that will immerse you in the exciting development of Grey Highlands. If you're ready to take on new challenges and contribute to our ongoing success, we would love to hear from you
What We Offer:
At Grey Highlands, we believe in taking care of our employees. Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you join our team:
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Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy employer-paid extended health and dental care, life insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for full-time staff.
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Pension Plan: All employees are eligible for our contributory pension plan (OMERS), ensuring your future is secure.
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Paid Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacation days and personal days to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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Professional Growth: We offer numerous training and development opportunities to help you advance in your career and achieve your professional goals.
The Municipality of Grey Highlands is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. We celebrate and welcome the diversity of all employees.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
Due to a vacancy, the Municipality of Grey Highlands is pleased to invite applications for the position of Economic and Community Development Officer.
Under the direction of the Director of Community Services, this position promotes the economic well-being and long-term prosperity of the Municipality, recognizing that a socially vibrant and environmentally healthy community is vital to a resilient local economy in Grey Highlands.
This position leads strategic economic development initiatives that support business retention and expansion, investment attraction, tourism growth, and community revitalization. The Officer collaborates with local businesses, community partners, Council, and internal departments to advance the Municipality’s vision to [re]IMAGINE Grey Highlands and deliver Council’s strategic priorities.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Engage local businesses, industries, residents, and stakeholders to identify opportunities, needs, and challenges within the Municipality.- Support the development and implementation of initiatives related to workforce development, attainable housing, broadband advocacy, and rural economic resilience.
- Coordinate with industry stakeholders and business organizations to support a consistent, Municipality-wide approach.
- Oversee the implementation and administration of the Municipality’s Community Improvement Plan and coordinate the multidisciplinary staff working group.
- Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of community events that support economic development objectives, including building media relationships and sponsor support.
- Prepare and maintain promotional materials, including the community profile, to ensure a coordinated, professional, and accurate representation of the Municipality and community profile.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for small business owners, entrepreneurs, early-stage start-ups, and partners by providing guidance, responding to inquiries, and maintaining relationships to advance the Municipality’s economic development strategies.
- Conduct research projects related to business and community development to support and enhance the Municipality’s strategic objectives.
- Lead the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Municipality’s Economic Development Strategy and related Council priorities.
- Coordinate tourism growth and destination development initiatives in collaboration with regional tourism organizations, local businesses, event organizers, and marketing partners.
- Support downtown revitalization and beautification initiatives that enhance community vibrancy, economic activity, and investment attraction.
- Review economic and community development practices, policies, and procedures, and recommend improvements to the Director for Council’s consideration.
- Attend Council, business, and community group meetings as required.
- Lead business retention and expansion initiatives, including outreach, stakeholder engagement, data collection, and economic trend analysis to identify local opportunities and challenges.
- Prepare staff reports and provide updates to Council on economic development strategies, programs, policies, and initiatives, as directed.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Municipal and County policies, procedures, and by-laws, the Municipal Act, and other relevant legislation.
- Maintain awareness of Municipal operations, procedures, and policies to ensure responsive customer service for the public and stakeholders.
- Liaise with internal staff and external economic development organizations to coordinate responses to the public and support an integrated approach to Municipal services.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Council, staff, and the public, including:
Responsible for asset management as it relates to the department by providing up-dated information and documentation on new, disposed and updated conditions of assets to Director.- Complying with all office procedures.
- Attending meetings, as required.
- Participating in resolution of service delivery issues.
- Communicating ideas, suggestions, and procedural changes which may assist the organization.
- Assisting where and when needed during staff shortages and/or emergency situations.
- Responding to public inquiries in a timely manner.
- Providing exceptional customer service.
Responsible, as an employee, for health & safety under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA). This includes, but is not limited to:
Working safely within the law and safe work practices/procedures (understanding and following standard operating procedures, wearing personal protective equipment, using SDS information, ensuring all guards are in place, when applicable)- Immediately reporting unsafe acts, conditions, or contraventions of the OHSA to a supervisor, the JHSC, or a Health & Safety representative.
- Maintaining a clean, orderly work area and avoiding any unsafe or disruptive behavior in the workplace.
- Completing all assigned health and safety training and taking the health and safety of themselves and others seriously by following workplace safety policies, procedures, and instructions.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Education and Experience:
- A post-secondary education in a related field such as economic development, commerce, planning;
or equivalent experience.
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience related to economic or community development,
preferably within the public sector.
- Certification (or working towards) Economic Development Certification with the Economic
Developers Association of Canada.
Work Requires:
- Working knowledge of municipal government functions and procedures.
- Keeping up to date on policies, by-laws, and other related legislation necessary for the performance of duties.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills.
- Self-motivated, proactive, energetic, and goal-oriented with superior interpersonal, customer service and public engagement skills.
- Ability to develop clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
- Skilled in planning, organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines.
- Social media skills and website maintenance experience is an asset.
- Graphic design skills and working knowledge of Adobe Suite of programs would be considered an asset.
- Understanding the need for accuracy and attention to detail in the performance of
the position’s duties.
- Understanding the need for, and providing, exceptional customer service when responding to telephone, email, and visitor inquiries.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, good judgment, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
- Ability to multi-task and handle ongoing interruptions.
- Valid “G” Driver’s License.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work occurs in an office environment with a high degree of public and interdepartmental contact. The role requires long periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on computer screens. Occasional lifting of boxes up to 20 kg may be required. Hours of work are generally scheduled within the core operating hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week). Occasional overtime may be required during peak periods, subject to operational needs.
CONTACTS
Communication with internal and external individuals is regular in this position. Internally, this includes municipal employees, supervisors, managers, and members of Council.
Externally, this includes the public, consultants, suppliers, and government representatives.
Candidates for the above position are invited to submit resumes referencing “Economic and Community Development Officer” prior to 3:00 PM on Thursday, June 4, 2026 to Jackie Groves, Human Resources Manager, 206 Toronto St. South, PO Box 409, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0 [email protected]
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all applicants. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted. For more information, please visit greyhighlands.ca
