Economic Development SpecialistROWE Professional Services Company is an employee-owned, full-service professional consulting firm specializing in civil engineering, surveying, aerial photography/mapping, LiDAR, landscape architecture, planning, and land development. At ROWE, our core values include safety, quality, people, service, and growth. We are seeking an Economic Development Specialist to join our proactive team of ethical, talented, passionate professionals and leaders at our Grand Rapids, MI office. The Economic Development Specialist supports ROWE clients in identifying, securing, and managing funding for infrastructure and community development projects. This role blends financial strategy, grant writing, regulatory knowledge, and client relationship management to help communities move projects from concept to construction.
Key Responsibilities:
Collaborate with engineers, planners, and clients to develop comprehensive funding strategies for community development projects.
Identify federal, state, and local grant/loan opportunities (e.g., SRF, USDA-RD, Safety, TAP, Bridge, TEDF, CDBG, EPA programs, etc.).Assist in preparing funding feasibility analyses, rate impact studies, and capital improvement funding plans.
Support business development efforts and proposal preparation.
Lead preparation of grant and loan applications, including narratives, budgets, schedules, and benefit analyses.
Coordinate required technical documentation with internal design teams.
Track legislative and program changes that affect client funding options.
Work with project managers to align project scopes and schedules with funding requirements.
Maintain funding opportunity databases and internal best practices.
Job Requirements:- Degree in Public Administration, Finance, Planning, Business, Professional/Technical Writing or related field.5+ years of experience in grant administration, municipal finance, economic development, or A/E consulting.
- Direct experience with infrastructure funding programs preferred.
- Certified Grant Administrator or related economic development credentials preferred
- Strong technical writing experience preferred
- Knowledgeable of federal/state procurement and compliance
- Ability to translate engineering concepts into fundable community benefits
- Relationship-building and presentation skills
- Project management and deadline coordination
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work remotely and in person effectivelyROWE offers a highly competitive wage and benefits package which includes:
- Overtime pay at time and a half.
- BCBS medical insurance options with industry-low co-shares.
- Dental, vision, and employer-paid life insurance plan.
- A generous PTO program and paid holidays.
- Flex time scheduling and telework opportunities.
- Traditional and Roth 401(k) options with 4% company match, auto-enroll and target-based funds.
ROWE is truly dedicated to providing a collaborative workspace, rewarding projects, and a business culture that is reputable, ethically minded, and growth driven. With offices in Flint, Lapeer, Farmington Hills, Grand Rapids, Mt. Pleasant, Grayling, Oscoda, MI, and Myrtle Beach, SC, we have lots of opportunity to grow.
WE BUILD CAREERS!
