Field Economic Development Specialist

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

10d•$73,364 - $110,046•Hybrid

About The Position

The Field Economic Development Specialist works under the supervision of the Director of Economic Development in Mecklenburg County’s Office of Economic Development. The role supports small businesses and entrepreneurs affected by transportation development and infrastructure construction throughout the county. It includes business outreach and site visits, stakeholder engagement, small-business technical assistance, research, interdepartmental coordination, and event planning. The specialist helps develop and implement a Displacement Mitigation Program, including pop-up markets, a hotline, temporary wayfinding signage, a transit business marketing campaign, and temporary public art. The role also supports business stability and growth through practical marketing strategies, workshops, resource connections, and assistance navigating issues arising from infrastructure changes. The position requires maintaining business and stakeholder records, tracking program outcomes, and communicating construction impacts to businesses. It is a hybrid office and field-work-based role and may involve travel to off-site meetings and client locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Two to four years of work experience in community planning, real estate, or business retention.
Previous experience with Salesforce or another CRM system.
General knowledge of business principles, management strategies, and fundamentals of economic development.
Knowledge of laws governing business activity and of business, transportation, economic development, business planning, event planning, and transit development practices and trends.
Demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet research.
Basic proficiency in ARC GIS programs.
Strong project management, customer service, data analysis, financial interpretation, and research skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, outside agency personnel, and the public.
Ability to perform varied duties accurately and quickly under time-sensitive deadlines.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to focus on customer needs and develop strong customer relationships.
Ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative information to assist entrepreneurs.
Comfort working in a hybrid office and field-work-based role.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with pop-up markets.
Knowledge of basic construction processes.
Multilingual applicants are preferred.

Responsibilities

Research, develop, and implement a Displacement Mitigation Program using innovative solutions.
Develop project timelines for business areas affected by construction.
Visit affected businesses in person to assess needs, share updates, and provide one-on-one technical assistance.
Research and develop solutions to mitigate negative effects of transit development on small businesses.
Use GIS to maintain and visualize a current database of businesses in project impact areas, including engagement history, needs, and outcomes.
Document and photograph site conditions, signage gaps, and access issues, and communicate findings.
Plan and execute pop-up markets and activation events to increase foot traffic and revenue for affected businesses.
Develop and maintain an emergency communication protocol for unexpected construction changes, road closures, or access disruptions.
Leverage existing Office of Economic Development small-business programs to support displacement mitigation.
Provide marketing strategies and technical assistance to support business stability, growth, management practices, and operational efficiency.
Develop and coordinate workshops, programs, events, and initiatives on business continuity planning, digital marketing, and accessing resources.
Cultivate and manage relationships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, philanthropic partners, and small-business groups; maintain engagement records.
Manage assigned client cases and maintain records in a customer relationship management system.
Conduct outreach through presentations, information sessions, conferences, and workshops; assist with maintaining a stakeholder database.
Maintain knowledge of economic development and transit policies, practices, and industry trends, and participate in training and professional development.
Participate in staff and project meetings, maintain organized records, and complete required documentation on time.
Use standard office equipment and may operate a County or personal vehicle for off-site meetings and client visits.
Develop and distribute outreach materials, flyers, and newsletters about project information.
Coordinate the design, placement, and maintenance of wayfinding and business signage.
Serve as a contact for construction-related business complaints and concerns, triaging and escalating issues as needed.
Collaborate with contractors and project teams to advocate for business-friendly construction scheduling, maintained access, and noise and dust mitigation.
Track and report program metrics, including businesses contacted, events held, signage installed, and referrals made.
Assist businesses with permitting, licensing, or zoning questions related to infrastructure changes or new development opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned in response to program needs.