Economic Development Director

Town of Clayton•202 S Lombard St. Clayton, NC

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The Town of Clayton is seeking applicants for an Economic Development Director for the Economic Development Department. The Town of Clayton employs more than 340 full-time staff in areas including police, fire, and electric utilities. The Town of Clayton also offers a range of PT positions including positions in Parks & Rec, Library, and Cultural Arts. The Town of Clayton is the fastest growing town in Johnston County, which is the fastest growing county in the State of North Carolina. The vision for the Town of Clayton includes a thriving town where growth contributes to the quality of life enjoyed by long-time residents and newcomers alike; easy access but with an atmosphere that feels smaller than it is; a system of parks and greenways that connect people and places; neighborhoods with a variety of quality living options; a town that offers opportunities for people to live, create, shop and eat; a bustling and historic downtown, and businesses that are successful, growing, and investing in the community.

Requirements

Significant knowledge of principles, practices and processes involved in economic development.
Considerable knowledge of the principles of management, business, their organizational procedures, and financing.
Considerable knowledge of marketing and event coordination.
Considerable knowledge in government affairs and advancing advocacy efforts with other agencies and levels of government.
Considerable knowledge of the federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to economic development, planning, nonprofit organizations and grants.
Knowledge of public and private budgeting, financing, accounting, and related issues.
Knowledge of land use planning, commercial real estate and development.
Skill in analyzing, interpreting and communication demographic and econometric data, as well as experience with data collection and analysis for the purpose of program evaluation.
Significant skill and experience in collaborative conflict resolution, customer service excellence and volunteer management.
Considerable ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms, including public presentations and media engagements.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with business executives and owners or representatives, public officials at the local and state levels, contractors, community leaders and organizations, other department heads, and other employees.
Significant ability to analyze situations accurately and make recommendations independently.
Significant ability to multi-task, set and follow effective work priorities and meet established deadlines.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment as needed.
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Economic Development, Political Science or a related major field.
7-10 years of experience in economic development, downtown development and/or community development, preferably in local government or nonprofits.
Minimum of three years management or supervisory experience required.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Business or Public Administration
An IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), North Carolina Certified Economic Developer, Economic Development Finance Professional Certification.
Masters in Public or Business Administration.

Responsibilities

Leads the efforts of the Town, at the direction of Town Council and Executive Management, to grow and retain jobs, increase the tax base, develop economic opportunities for the Town’s residents and improve the overall economic vitality of the Town.
Manages staff in charge of economic development marketing and promotional activities for the Town, in close collaboration with other Town Departments and external stakeholders.
Serves as the point of contact and liaison between existing businesses, industrial and commercial developers, commercial real estate, business and economic development organizations and works collaboratively with these groups and elected officials to help move these projects forward.
Serves as a catalyst for key projects across the town that serve the long-term economic interests of the Town’s residents and businesses, such as transportation, government affairs, real estate redevelopment and workforce development.
Manage, monitor, supervise department staff which includes training, work assignments, performance evaluations, development, and disciplinary action(s).
Work on special projects, including high-priority economic development projects, to move forward initiatives of Town Council and the Executive Team.
Meet with and respond to inquiries from prospective developers and/or review plans associated with new retail, commercial, or industrial development.
Oversee the Town’s government affairs efforts and liaise with the Town’s lobbyist, Executive Team, Town Council, and others as needed.
Conduct direct outreach to existing businesses for either general or project-specific purposes.
Develop and implement the department’s budget.
Plan, organize and attend trade shows and conferences for the purpose of recruiting new businesses to Clayton.
Meet with and participate in activities to advocate for the policy and capital priorities for the Town of Clayton, including meetings with elected officials, their staff, and other key agency staff.
Contribute and participate in interdepartmental strategy meetings about long-range policy, plans, and capital expenditures.
Represent the Town on national, state, regional and local boards and committees.
Attend related events and meetings.