Job Description

Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 37,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town's architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.



Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an Economic Development Analyst to join our Economic Development team and support the programs, partnerships, and research that drive Cochrane's business growth strategy.

This role is ideal for an analytical, community-minded professional who enjoys research, business engagement, stakeholder partnerships, and translating data into meaningful insights. The Economic Development Analyst helps strengthen Cochrane's business environment by supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and investment attraction initiatives.

If you are passionate about fostering local economic growth and contributing to a resilient, thriving community, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Why build your career with Cochrane?

Cochrane is experiencing rapid growth, creating exciting opportunities to influence the future of our local economy and support the businesses that make our community thrive. As the Economic Development Analyst, you'll directly contribute to the Town's economic vision by building partnerships, delivering strategic programs, and supporting initiatives that promote Cochrane as a destination for business, innovation, and investment.

As part of the Community Growth division, you'll work in a collaborative environment that values creativity, continuous improvement, and strong partner relationships. This position offers:

Opportunities to work on high-impact community and economic development initiatives. Direct collaboration with businesses, community groups, and regional partners. The chance to contribute to projects that support entrepreneurship, tourism, business retention, and investment attraction. Work that directly supports Cochrane's Strategic Plan, long-term growth, and community prosperity.

Cochrane fosters a positive, high-performing culture that emphasizes transparency, curiosity, and innovation. If you're ready to bring your skills and enthusiasm to a growing community committed to excellence, we'd love to have you join us.

What are some of the duties of the Economic Development Analyst?

Conduct research and analysis on market trends, industry opportunities, and local economic conditions. Support delivery of economic development initiatives such as Explore Cochrane, Innovate Cochrane, an the Cochrane Community Innovation Team (CCIT). Act as the first point of contact for business inquiries, connecting clients with information and resources. Coordinate key community programs and events including Small Business Week, Light Up, and shop-local initiatives. Maintain and update business intelligence tools, dashboards, and the Town's business directory. Provide support for business licensing administration and modernization efforts. Assist with grant applications, reporting, and partnership agreements. Prepare reports, presentations, and communications for Council, partners, and the public. Support research, data collection, and analysis for investment attraction, local business support, tourism development, and economic development strategies.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Education and Experience:

Required:

Degree in Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration, Project Management, Political Science, Marketing, or a related field. Two to five years of experience in economic development, business support, or a related field. Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

Experience in municipal or regional economic development, business retention and expansion (BR&E), investment attraction, or tourism. Background in marketing, community planning, or data analytics. Experience with economic development software, GIS, CRM systems, or business intelligence tools. Master's degree considered an asset. Membership with EDAC or IEDC preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

Required:

Excellent communication, public relations, and presentation skills. Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement abilities. Ability to translate data into meaningful insights to support decision-making. Knowledge of municipal governance and economic development practices. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort working with data visualization or business intelligence tools. Ability to manage multiple projects, adapt to changing priorities, and work in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrates curiosity, collaboration, and strong organizational skills.

Certifications, Licenses and/or Designations:

Required:

Ec.D. (Economic Developer) designation considered an asset. Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license.

Preferred:

Membership with the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) or International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Certification or training in community or regional development, business retention and expansion (BR&E), or marketing and communications. FOIP (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy) certification and/or training related to data management and confidentiality.

Cochrane is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all employees, which means that everyone is responsible for health and safety. This means that you must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of your colleagues, contractors, the public, and of course, yourself by following all relevant health and safety legislation and corporate policies.

Still interested? Here's how to apply:

Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit your resume, and a letter stating how your experience match the required qualifications, skills and abilities for this position. All qualified candidates will be requested to complete an online suitability survey. The hourly rate for this position is between $44.43/hr and 47.36/hr and is based on a 35-hour work week Applications for this position will be accepted until 9pm MST December 4,2025

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.



Land Acknowledgement



In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut'ina, the Iyaxe Nakoda Nations, the Metis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.