Economic Development Specialist

Franklin, County of (NC) • Full-time • Louisburg, NC • $74.92k - $82.41k / year • 1w ago

General Statement of Duties

An employee in this class is responsible for supporting the economic development, recruitment, coordination, and implementation of businesses to promote industrial & commercial growth in the County and help the County to achieve its Mission, Vision, Value and Goals. The employee is responsible for coordinating with local and other governmental officials, community leaders, business, and industrial representatives for the purpose of promoting and supporting industrial & commercial growth. Duties include assisting in the formulation of policies and programs and site development which build the capacity of the County to achieve its economic development objectives; the development of data, statistics, oral presentations, and marketing which portray the economic potential of the County; identification and recruitment of prospective industries; supporting expansion of existing industries and maintaining proper records, reports, and public information for the program. Work requires considerable planning and timely execution of the work. Work involves strong public relations and marketing approaches. Work is supervised by the Economic Development Director and is evaluated through conferences, reports, and work progress of industries recruited to the County, and support provided in the retention and expansion of existing industries.

Duties and Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Experience with data tools and analysis related to demographics, economic trends, employment, and labor statistics preferred.
Experience in commercial/economic development and community development in a non-profit, government, banking, or development capacity.
Site development knowledge preferred.
Local Government experience preferred.
Previous experience in real estate sales and acquisitions, real estate finance, or related field preferred but not required.
Understanding of data related to economic development and ability to present information.
Candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and effectively work with public and elected officials and negotiate complex transactions.
Must be proficient in spreadsheet analysis (Microsoft Excel) and proficient in word processing (Microsoft Word).
Knowledge of Microsoft Access, Canva, One Note and Microsoft Publisher is a plus.
Must be self-motivated, able to work independently with minimal supervision, innovative, and committed.
General knowledge of planning and public utilities preferred.
Leadership, team building, and negotiations skills.
Availability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends; local travel and some out-of-town travel required.
Ability and willingness to attend and provide information at meetings on evenings and weekends.
Excellent verbal communication skills including public speaking.
Excellent writing skills and proficiency in preparing written reports and business correspondence.
Serves as coordinator for potential industries and businesses considering new locations in the County; shows industrial sites and arranges meetings between industry representatives and local officials; qualifies sites and coordinates negotiations with property owners; serves as a liaison during plant or facility constructions and expansions.
Connects business owners and prospects with financing or grant opportunities through banks and other economic development support organizations.
Prepares comprehensive presentations and reports on County economic development efforts to the Board of County Commissioners and other entities as requested.
Participates in conferences, training sessions, meetings related to economic development including regularly scheduled Economic Development meetings and supporting meetings of the Committee of 100, a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity supporting economic development.
Assists industrial, commercial property and business owners in utilizing County and State programs for workforce development and training.
Facilitates marketing and activities that support economic development including maintaining website updates as needed and other marketing tools such as social media platforms.
Assist in maintenance of database of commercial, industrial buildings and sites. Manages critical information desired by development prospects such as economic data, demographic data, permit tracking and other information necessary for economic development trends and evaluations.
Serves as a liaison with other departments such as Planning and Inspections, Public Utilities, and other departments as appropriate to facilitate and coordinate economic development opportunities.
Serves as an advocate for businesses to identify and resolve economic development impediments

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in business, planning, economics, or related field and considerable experience in industrial or economic development and experience in community development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirement
Willing to serve on a variety of committees that provide information, insight, and contacts for further economic development for the County and Region as well as the State.
Requires possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
In County Residency Preferred.

***Salary depends on experience and/or education. ***This job classification will be eligible for a $500 (taxable) Hiring Incentive. Policy Requirements Apply***