The Economic Development Manager supports the Director of Economic Development in driving business growth and vitality across Nash County, North Carolina. This position focuses on business recruitment (industrial, commercial, and retail), retention and expansion of existing industries, and coordination of marketing and promotional activities.

An employee in this class works closely with local, state, and other governmental officials, community leaders, businesses, and industrial representatives to promote industrial and commercial growth in the County. The role requires extensive public contact, demanding tact, courtesy, strong public relations skills, and effective marketing approaches. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Economic Development Director and is evaluated through conferences, reports, progress on recruited businesses, and effectiveness in supporting retention and expansion of existing industries.

Assists and coordinates business development in Nash County by communicating with stakeholders, conducting site tours of real estate properties, and arranging meetings between business prospects and local officials/partner agencies, with primary emphasis on retail and small business opportunities while supporting industrial prospects and existing industry.
Develops and manages marketing and public relations activities for the department, including creating and maintaining the Nash County Economic Development brand and messaging; producing promotional materials for real estate sites and development programs; and overseeing all social media platforms, advertising campaigns, and the department website.
Coordinates the preparation and submission of proposals for funding economic development activities, responses to requests for information from business prospects, and inquiries related to various partner agencies and real estate opportunities.
Supports the department’s research efforts by utilizing labor market data, geographic information systems, and other resources; this includes compiling data reports, developing customized maps, and preparing targeted workforce information.
Formalizes and implements the County’s Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program, including conducting surveys of existing businesses and industries to identify key issues, needs, and concerns affecting growth and development.
Meets annual goals for BRE visits, program implementation, and other objectives outlined in the Nash County Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Assists with monitoring and managing inducement, grant, and purchase agreements, working independently and in collaboration with the Director, County Attorney, Finance Office, and Tax Office.
Supports the Director in establishing annual goals, priorities, and budget for the department.
Plans, coordinates, implements, and/or facilitates special events, projects, and community initiatives.
Assists in ensuring department compliance with all applicable State and County laws, regulations, and procedural requirements related to economic development.
Participates on various committees, boards, and organizations as designated by the Director to advance department outreach; provides community tours and attends meetings as assigned.
Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of the County’s marketable assets, taxation policies, land use policies, local incentives, environmental regulations, and related permitting processes.
Thorough knowledge of theories and practices in business development fields, including economics, demographics, planning, finance, fundraising, marketing, real estate, and grant administration.
Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, county and town ordinances, and county department policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the functional interrelationships among the County and other governmental agencies.
Knowledge of computer operating systems, internet research, and skill in gathering data from various research databases.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral, written, and presentation formats.
Ability to analyze data and situations accurately, provide sound recommendations, and deliver precise information for industrial and business projects.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with business owners, executives, public officials (local, state, and federal), contractors, community leaders, organizations, department heads, superiors, and employees.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Urban Studies/Regional Planning, Finance, Marketing, or a closely related field directly applicable to economic development.

Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development at the local, state, or regional level in the public, quasi-public, or private sector. An equivalent combination of education and direct experience may substitute for the stated minimum requirements.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
NCCED (North Carolina Certified Economic Developer) certification or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe is preferred.

Nash County

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Economic Development Manager