Economic Development Specialist Onboarding Checklist

Economic Development Specialist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Economic Development Specialist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Business onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Economic Development Specialist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Economic Development Specialist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Economic Development Specialist Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new Economic Development Specialist should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its mission, vision, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The specialist should be given a thorough overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to ethics, confidentiality, and data protection. This task is usually performed by the Human Resources department or a designated onboarding specialist.

3. Introduction to key stakeholders: The new specialist should be introduced to key stakeholders within the company, such as senior management, department heads, and colleagues from related departments. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist.

4. Review of industry trends and market analysis: The specialist should be provided with relevant industry reports, market analysis, and economic trends to familiarize themselves with the current state of the business environment. This task is usually performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by the research or strategy department.

5. Training on economic development strategies and tools: The specialist should receive training on various economic development strategies, tools, and methodologies used in the industry. This may include training on conducting feasibility studies, analyzing economic impact, and developing business retention and expansion programs. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by a designated training department.

6. Introduction to existing economic development projects: The specialist should be provided with an overview of any ongoing economic development projects within the company, including their objectives, progress, and key stakeholders. This task is usually performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by the project management team.

7. Familiarization with local, regional, and national economic development initiatives: The specialist should be introduced to relevant economic development initiatives at the local, regional, and national levels, including government programs, grants, and incentives. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by the government relations or public affairs department.

8. Review of existing partnerships and collaborations: The specialist should be informed about existing partnerships and collaborations that the company has established with other organizations, such as government agencies, industry associations, and community groups. This task is usually performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by the business development or partnerships department.

9. Introduction to data collection and analysis tools: The specialist should receive training on data collection and analysis tools used in economic development, such as statistical software, survey tools, and economic modeling software. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by the data analysis or research department.

10. Shadowing experienced Economic Development Specialists: The new specialist should have the opportunity to shadow experienced colleagues in order to observe and learn from their day-to-day activities, client interactions, and project management techniques. This task is usually arranged by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, in coordination with experienced team members.

11. Introduction to the company’s CRM system: The specialist should be trained on the company’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, which is used to track and manage client interactions, project progress, and data analysis. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by the IT or CRM department.

12. Review of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks: The specialist should be provided with an overview of the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern economic development activities, such as zoning regulations, tax incentives, and environmental impact assessments. This task is usually performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by the legal or compliance department.

13. Introduction to the company’s budgeting and financial processes: The specialist should receive training on the company’s budgeting and financial processes, including how to develop project budgets, track expenses, and report financial performance. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by the finance or accounting department.

14. Networking opportunities: The specialist should be encouraged to participate in networking events, industry conferences, and professional associations to expand their professional network and stay updated on industry trends. This task is usually supported by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by the business development or marketing department.

15. Performance expectations and goal setting: The specialist should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations and be involved in setting their own goals and objectives. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, in collaboration with the specialist themselves.

16. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The specialist should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as training programs, workshops, and certifications, to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of economic development. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, or by the training or professional development department.

17. Regular performance evaluations and feedback: The specialist should have regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions with their supervisor or manager to assess their progress, address any challenges, and identify areas for improvement. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, in coordination with the Human Resources department.

18. Integration into the company culture: The specialist should be integrated into the company culture through team-building activities, social events, and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from different departments. This task is typically supported by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, in coordination with the Human Resources or employee engagement department.

19. Introduction to company resources and support services: The specialist should be provided with information about the various resources and support services available within the company, such as IT support, administrative assistance, and research assistance. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, in coordination with the relevant support departments.

20. Introduction to health and safety protocols: The specialist should receive training on the company’s health and safety protocols, including emergency procedures, workplace hazards, and safety equipment. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager of the specialist, in coordination with the Health and Safety department

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Economic Development Specialist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Economic Development Specialist up to speed and working well in your Business team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.