Economic Development & Funding Intern

The City of Marion is seeking a forward-thinking, detail-oriented student to serve as its first Economic Development & Funding Intern. This is a unique opportunity for a student interested in local government, finance, and strategic planning to work with the City’s Economic Development & Funding Manager to help seek innovative, realistic funding sources and opportunities as Marion defines its path. Students will be introduced to a broad scope of local government operations while being offered latitude to focus projects on their particular area(s) of interest and/or learning objectives. Marion is nestled in the foothills of western North Carolina and has been designated a “Main Street Community” by the N.C. Department of Commerce. Seated in the center of McDowell County and bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest, Marion offers a sense of community and stability amidst the natural beauty that surrounds us. Come join us “where Main Street meets the mountains!” The City is seeking student applicants to research economic development opportunities and funding sources; collect and analyze data; prepare reports; and assist with grant applications. Internships are available for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Interested students are welcome to apply early for Summer internships. Students seeking a full year internship are also welcome to apply.

Detailed Description of Duties:

An employee in this class assists the Economic Development & Funding Manager in seeking and securing economic development and funding opportunities for City operations, infrastructure repair and maintenance, projects, and services. Work involves data compilation to determine funding needs within the City, research of funding opportunities, comparative analyses to determine application feasibility, and assisting with submitting applications for funding. Skill in research, data analysis, and reporting is preferred. Work involves time management skills including, but not limited to, the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Considerable tact, collaboration, and attention to detail are required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Researches economic development and funding opportunities that align with the City’s needs and goals and comply with all federal, state, and local government funding statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Determines feasibility of obtaining funding from various sources and provides feasibility reports to Economic Development & Funding Manager.
• May prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintains highly detailed, organized records of research, data analysis, applications, and correspondence.
• Collaborates with City staff across departments to ensure funding sources align with needs and ability to utilize funding within specified time periods.
• Performs comparative analyses of other local government entities to determine market-based statistics.
• Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines:

Interested candidates will be assessed on the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Basic knowledge of accounting principles.
• Basic knowledge of methods and techniques of research, analysis, and report preparation.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of principles and procedures of fiscal record keeping and reporting.
• Considerable knowledge of computer operations as they relate to assigned tasks, including the use of various financial software applications and various spreadsheets.
• Ability to analyze, research, and interpret funding guidelines.
• Ability to research and analyze information and to propose programs and projects.
• Ability to develop, write, and implement project scopes, timelines, and budgets; ability to provide necessary documentation to support financing requirements.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with a variety of individuals and diverse groups, colleagues, city officials, community liaisons, and the general public.
• Ability to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

Preferred Education / Experience:

• Some college coursework from an accredited college or university in finance, economic development, fundraising, grants management, business management, project management, accounting, statistics, or a related field.

Requirement:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license, or any valid driver’s license with ability to obtain a North Carolina driver’s license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina.

How to Apply:

Applications may be obtained online at marionnc.org/Jobs. Email completed application, curriculum vitae or resume, and a cover letter to knolan@marionnc.org.