Performs complex administrative, technical, project, and program coordination in support of the City’s Economic Development (ED) Department. Work includes supporting new business recruitment, existing industry retention and expansion (BRE), data and analytics, project management, marketing support, property and site inventory management, grant assistance, and coordination with internal and external partners.
Work requires a strong combination of organization, accuracy, follow-through, customer service, and analytical skill, performed under the general supervision of the Economic Development Director with daily direction from both the Director and the Existing Industry Manager.1. Business Recruitment & Lead Management
- Serve as the primary coordinator for all recruitment leads, including inquiries from site selectors, brokers, regional/state partners, and direct business prospects.
- Maintain and update the lead pipeline tracking system; track status, required actions, deadlines, and communications.
- Prepare prospect packets, including community profiles, workforce data, utility information, tax incentives, and property details.
- Conduct preliminary research on prospective companies, industry trends, project feasibility, and site requirements.
- Coordinate with Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Utilities, and Fire to assemble cross-departmental site evaluations.
- Manage confidentiality protocols for sensitive business recruitment information.
2. Existing Industry Support (BRE Program Coordination)
- Serve as the operational lead for the City’s Existing Industry Retention & Expansion (BRE) Program.
- Schedule and coordinate BRE visits, prepare visit packets, update company profiles, and track follow-up needs.
- Maintain detailed records of company contacts, expansions, workforce changes, facility updates, and risk indicators.
- Track and escalate employer concerns to the Existing Industry Manager for resolution (workforce issues, permitting delays, infrastructure needs).
3. Research, Data & Analytics
- Collect, analyze, and update data sets including:
- Labor force and workforce trends
- Demographics
- Industry clusters
- Commuter patterns
- Local business inventory
- Benchmark cities
- Industrial and commercial tax base
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual ED performance dashboards.
- Maintain relationships with regional data sources (NC Commerce, Centralina, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Census, EMSI/Lightcast, etc.).
- Develop spreadsheets, charts, maps, and tables for reports, briefs, Council updates, and grant submissions.
4. Marketing, Communications & Branding Support
- Assist with ED storytelling, project summaries, annual reports, marketing collateral, and presentation materials.
- Update property brochures, “Why Monroe?” pieces, workforce flyers, and sector-specific handouts.
- Update website content, property listings, announcements, and success stories.
- Assist with photography, event documentation, and short-form video as needed.
- Coordinate digital posts, newsletters, and special campaigns in partnership with Communications.
5. Property, Site & Project Coordination
- Maintain the City’s active inventory of industrial, commercial, and office sites/buildings.
- Coordinate with brokers, property owners, utilities, and GIS on site details and updates.
- Help prepare Requests for Information (RFIs), including utilities, zoning, access, and infrastructure, incentives, and workforce data.
- Maintain organized digital folders for each property and prospect.
6. Incentives, Grants & Compliance Support
- Assist with gathering documentation for local incentive program requests and compliance reporting.
- Maintain tracking of job creation, capital investment, and performance measures for active incentive agreements.
- Assist with assembling grant applications by collecting demographic, workforce, and economic data.
- Assist with the preparation of incentive compliance reports, including job creation and capital investment verification.
- Maintain grant reporting timelines and ensure deliverables are submitted on time.
7. Department Operations, Scheduling & Administrative Support
- Serve as primary coordinator for ED calendars, meetings, site visits, tours, events, receptions, and partner gatherings.
- Manage vendor quotes, supplies, travel logistics, reimbursements, and procurement tasks.
- Prepare agendas, minutes, and follow-up action lists for ED team and partner meetings.
- Organize departmental files, digital archives, and project documentation.
- Support budget tracking, purchase orders, and invoice processing.
8. Relationship Management & External Coordination
- Support relationships with:
• Monroe-Union County EDC
• Union County Chamber
• State/Regional ED partners
• Educational institutions
• Utility partners (Duke, Piedmont Natural Gas, Spectrum, etc.)
• Site selectors & brokers - Respond promptly and professionally to partner requests, inquiries, and questions.
9. Event, Tour & Community Engagement Support
- Coordinate ED role in events such as:
- Existing Industry Appreciation events
- Groundbreakings & ribbon cuttings
- Workforce development activities
- Business roundtables
- Community and employer partnerships
- Prepare run-of-show documents, name badges, agendas, signage, and materials.
- Provide on-site coordination to ensure events run smoothly.
10. Performs related tasks as required.
- Strong knowledge of economic development principles, business processes, industry sectors, and local government operations.
- Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects with strict attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare professional reports, summaries, and presentations.
- Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel, data tools, dashboards, and research platforms.
- Ability to interpret maps, zoning codes, utility infrastructure information, and demographic data.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners, businesses, community groups, and stakeholders.
- Ability to maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Skill in organizing meetings, coordinating logistics, and preparing agendas and follow-ups.
- Strong technical proficiency in Microsoft Office, GIS basics, CRM/lead-tracking, and project management tools.
- Marketing and design awareness; ability to support light design tasks or collaborate with Communications.
- Must be able to take direction from multiple leaders, manage frequent follow-ups, and deliver to exact standards.
- Accuracy, confidentiality, and responsiveness.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & TRAINING- Associate Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred in business administration, economic development, public administration, planning, marketing, analytics, or related field.
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative, project coordination, business support, or economic development experience in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.
- Experience supporting an executive, department head, or technical program strongly preferred.
- Experience in economic development, business recruitment, BRE, marketing, planning, or local government is highly desirable.
- Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
- Ability to work evenings, early mornings, or weekends for events, tours, or deadlines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding active projects and business matters.
- Completion of IEDC training or other ED coursework is a plus.
