Field Economic Development Specialist

Mecklenburg County•Charlotte, NC

9d•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 across the county. It includes conducting business site visits, implementing displacement-mitigation initiatives, providing technical assistance, engaging stakeholders, conducting research, and planning events. Program initiatives include pop-up markets and a hotline, temporary wayfinding signage, transit business marketing campaigns, and temporary public art. The position also helps businesses maintain stability and grow through practical marketing strategies, operational guidance, and connections to existing small-business resources. The role is hybrid and includes both office and field work.

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 and management strategies, small-business outreach programming and marketing initiatives, ecosystem partnerships, entrepreneur and business support, and economic development fundamentals.
Knowledge of laws governing business activity, business and transportation practices and trends, and economic development, business planning, event planning, and transit development practices.
Demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet research.
Basic proficiency with ArcGIS programs.
Strong project management, customer service, data analysis, financial interpretation, and research skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, 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 and focus on customer needs and relationships.
Detail-oriented ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative information to assist entrepreneurs.
Comfort working in a hybrid office and field-work role.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Research, design, and implement a Displacement Mitigation Program using innovative solutions.
Develop project timelines for business areas affected by construction.
Visit businesses affected by construction to assess needs, share updates, and provide one-on-one technical assistance.
Research and develop solutions to the effects of transit development on small businesses.
Use GIS to visualize and maintain 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.
Maintain an emergency communication protocol to notify businesses of construction changes, road closures, or access disruptions.
Connect businesses with existing small-business programs offered by the Office of Economic Development.
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 topics including business continuity planning, digital marketing, and accessing resources.
Cultivate and manage relationships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, philanthropic partners, and small-business groups.
Manage client cases and maintain accurate records in a CRM system, as well as a database of key stakeholders.
Conduct outreach through presentations, information sessions, conferences, and workshops.
Maintain knowledge of economic development and transit policies, best practices, and industry trends; participate in training and professional development.
Participate in staff and project meetings and maintain organized records and timely documentation.
Use standard office equipment and travel in a County or personal vehicle to off-site meetings and client locations.
Develop and distribute outreach materials, flyers, and newsletters to provide timely 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 schedules, maintained access, and noise and dust mitigation.
Track and report program metrics, including businesses contacted, events held, signage installed, and referrals made.
Help businesses navigate permitting, licensing, and zoning questions related to infrastructure changes or development opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned in response to program needs and the work environment.