Economic Development Director

Vance County • Henderson, NC

2d

About The Position

The Economic Development Director performs promotional and consultative work to develop and direct Vance County’s economic development program. The role consults with local officials, community leaders, and industry executives to promote industrial growth by supporting expansion and retention of existing businesses and attracting new industries and businesses to the County. The Director develops information and publications about the County’s economic potential, identifies prospective industries, and maintains program records, reports, and public information. The work requires substantial planning, timely execution, quick and accurate decisions, and independent judgment that accounts for financial, socioeconomic, legal, and regulatory considerations. The position works under the general direction of the County Manager and is evaluated through conferences, reports, and results.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Community Development, Public Administration, Economics, Marketing, or a closely related field.
• At least 4 years of progressively responsible, successful experience implementing economic development strategies and techniques, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of local government operations, policies, plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and similar programs.
• Knowledge of economic development principles, practices, and processes; management and business principles, organizational procedures, and financing; and economic, social, and technological resources in the economic development field.
• Knowledge of community assets and federal, state, and local laws pertaining to economic development and planning.
• Knowledge of local, regional, state, and federal resources and agencies that support economic development activities.
• Knowledge of applying information technology to information development and the recruitment and retention of economic capital.
• Knowledge of marketing principles and practices.
• Skill in collecting and analyzing data and establishing databases of relevant County statistics and demographics.
• Ability to plan and organize, develop industrial leads, and build consensus among diverse groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with business and industry representatives, public officials, contractors, community leaders and organizations, department heads, supervisors, and employees.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and make appropriate recommendations for industrial contacts.
• Ability to interact effectively and courteously with employees and the public, work well with others, and collaborate with coworkers.
• Ability to multitask and work within deadlines.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.

Nice To Haves

• CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) or other relevant professional economic development credentials and certifications.
• Local government experience.
• Experience in an economic development office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial contact for prospective industries and businesses considering a new location or expansion; show sites, arrange meetings with local officials, research land, coordinate property contacts, and act as liaison during construction.
• Investigate labor supply and utilities, and coordinate with groups to support an adequate, well-trained workforce for industrial businesses.
• Develop County economic development marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, booklets, website content, and advertisements.
• Build a network of contacts to identify potential parks and sites, monitor building projects, and work with local officials.
• Develop grant and funding sources for infrastructure improvements; research, write, contract for, procure, and administer grants.
• Work with and lobby the Department of Transportation on road and highway improvements, and track long-range transportation plans.
• Maintain contact with state industrial developers, community leaders, and business and industry representatives.
• Develop a business retention program; regularly visit County industries, identify expansion potential and problems, and follow up on requests.
• Maintain current records of sites and buildings and report changes to state industrial developers; maintain files and statistics on labor wages, demographics, the economic base, maps, profiles, utilities, retail sales, building permits, finances, and schools; report growth announcements and statistics to agencies.
• Supervise administrative staff, assign and guide work, monitor and evaluate performance, and potentially initiate disciplinary action; recommend final selections, salary increases, and dismissals to the County Manager.
• Prepare department budget recommendations and establish annual goals and objectives.
• Serve as a staff resource and technical consultant to the County Economic Development Commission and Board of Commissioners, and present information on infrastructure expansion to support new or expanding industry.
• Research and recommend strategies, serve on the Board, and promote the County’s Main Street program.
• Coordinate with local, regional, and state organizations, including Regional Partnership officials and the NC Department of Commerce; serve as liaison for city, county, and state agencies and organizations.
• Coordinate immigration, visa, and other issues for visiting staff and dignitaries of international companies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager