The City of Wilmington is looking for a Business & Economic Development Manager to lead the City’s efforts in attracting, retaining, and growing businesses while fostering a strong, resilient local economy.
The Business & Economic Development Manager plays a key role in advancing Wilmington’s economic vitality by promoting the City as a premier destination for investment, job creation, and sustainable growth. This position proactively engages with the business community and economic development partners to cultivate a dynamic, inclusive economy that supports entrepreneurship, innovation, and local investment.
Providing strategic leadership, the Manager develops and implements policies, programs, and partnerships that strengthen the City’s ability to attract new investment, support start-ups, and encourage business expansion—driving long-term prosperity for the Wilmington community.
Note: This position will remain open until filled with first application review taking place 2 weeks after posting date.
- Collaborate with City staff and economic development partners, including Wilmington Business Development, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, The Coalition, Wilmington Downtown, Inc., the NC Department of Commerce, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and other organizations, to support business growth, entrepreneurship, and local economic development.
- Build and strengthen relationships with business owners, community organizations, business associations, and other partners to expand awareness of and access to City programs, services, and opportunities.
- Support the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that encourage start-ups, promote innovation, and enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Wilmington’s small business community.
- Collaborate with Cape Fear Community College, New Hanover County Schools, and UNC-Wilmington on City workforce development and readiness.
- Provide information and guidance to local businesses on City procurement opportunities, with particular emphasis on purchasing goods, services, and capital improvement projects.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for identifying qualified local contractors and suppliers, and support efforts to increase local participation in City purchasing activities.
- Develop, maintain, and update a comprehensive local supplier database to help connect businesses with upcoming procurement and partnership opportunities.
- Administer and manage economic development-related project budgets, grant applications, and incentive agreements as permitted by NCGS 158-7.1, ensuring compliance and alignment with City priorities.
- Support, facilitate, and manage public-private partnerships and civic collaborations that support local business development, workforce readiness, and community investment.
- Produce annual reports to City leadership and elected officials on utilization by the city and the economic impact of small businesses in the area.
- Develop presentations, reports, and public communications using modern technology and social media tools, working closely with the City’s Communications Office to share success stories and highlight economic development initiatives with the broader community.
- Represent the City Manager’s Office at public meetings, on various committees, teams, and task forces, and serve as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including business and community partners.
- Respond to inquiries, concerns, and ideas from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders related to economic development initiatives, small business support, and community investment.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, public policy, urban or regional planning, public administration, or a related field, and eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development, community development, workforce development, business retention and recruitment, public-private partnerships, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Requirements
- Valid US Driver's License
- Familiarity with NCGS 158-7.1 and its application to local economic development activities.
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to develop programs, engage stakeholders, and make data-informed decisions.
- Experience working collaboratively with business owners, community organizations, and local or regional partners.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal economic development programs and related regulations.
- Proven ability to analyze data and economic trends to inform strategies and policy decisions.
- Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and performance tracking.
- Comprehensive understanding of the local and state economic and political landscape.
- Ability to identify, evaluate, and pursue opportunities for business growth and community investment.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities effectively.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Sedentary work, may require lifting up to 10 lbs occasionally.
Working Conditions
This position generally requires work indoors/office setting.
