Economic development officer

You would work on projects to bring businesses and facilities to an area and create jobs for local people.

It would be your responsibility to increase jobs and economic growth in your local area.

You’d work with the local community, the local councils and companies to plan and develop projects. You’d need to be determined and persuasive.

You’d find out what kind of employees and facilities a business is looking for and show how your area suits its needs. You’d explain planning regulations so the company can easily meet these requirements.

You would:

• Build partnerships with communities, business networks and local government

• Put in bids for local, national and European funding for projects

• Set up training schemes for local businesses and unemployed people

• Advise local businesses and community groups

• Promote the local area to attract new employers and increase tourism

• Work on neighbourhood renewal projects

• Organise business fairs and give presentations about your area

• Manage budgets

You could be involved in all of these activities or you might specialise in a particular one, such as attracting inward investment or bidding for funding.

• Institute of Economic Development - professional body for people working in economic development and regeneration

• Scottish Enterprise - Supports Scotland's economic growth

• Convention of Scottish Local Authorities - About Scottish local government

• Highlands and Islands Enterprise - Supports businesses to create a successful and competitive region