General Definition of Work
The Economic Development Project Manager supports the growth, diversification, and long-term economic vitality of the community by assisting with business recruitment, retention, and expansion initiatives. This role conducts research, manages development projects, engages with local businesses, and collaborates with public and private partners to strengthen the area’s economic landscape. Work is performed under the supervision of the Economic Development Director
Essential Functions/Duties
The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned. Percentages for each function are subject to fluctuations.
Management of retail, commercial, office and industrial projects as assigned
30Build strong relationships with local businesses to identify needs, challenges, and opportunities. Conduct regular outreach and site visits. Coordinate resources, programs, and incentives to support business growth. Leads Key Account Program.
30Collect, analyze, and interpret economic data to support decisions and strategy. Prepare reports, financial analysis, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. Maintain databases on commercial property
15Identifies and administers grant programs, including but not limited to arts grants and/or façade grants and/or other programs that promote economic development in Gastonia.
10Identifies, promotes and assists growth of partnership opportunities with community stakeholders, federal, regional and state organizations and departments that will support business development in Gastonia.
10Assists with additional citywide economic development duties as requested, including incentive packages, grant development & grant work, community & stakeholder meetings, and written memos and presentations to various groups including but not limited to City Council and/or related committees and advisory boards
5
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- General knowledge of real estate, business, and financial principles used for economic development.
- Experience with grant work, incentives and/or other financial programs. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain a solid working relationship with businesses, property owners, and the general public.
- Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
- This position will require flexibility to work various hours to complete assigned tasks.
- The position will require occasional attendance at evening City Council and/or related committee meetings.
Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Public Administration, Business, Urban Planning, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
- 3–5 years of experience in economic development, planning, public policy, business administration, or related fields.
Special Requirements
Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
This position involves light to medium work requiring the employee to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and less force frequently to move objects. Physical activity related to this position may include reaching, walking, fingering, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Sufficient visual acuity is required to prepare and analyze data and figures, do accounting functions, and use a computer terminal. An employee in this position may, on occasion, be exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
CHECKLIST FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS, VISUAL ACUITY, AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The Physical Activity Of This Position Includes
Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.
Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of the fingertips.
Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts.
Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
The Physical Requirements Of This Position
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Office Environment Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
The visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision:
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following. (Check all of the following which apply): preparing and analyzing data and figures; computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, operation of machines (including inspection); assembly or fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.
The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position:
The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions; Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.
Drug Screening And Criminal Background Check Required.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.
The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective, and unique identity.
The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/H
High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Dental
Vision
Life
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Pension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)
401(k)
457
Short-term/Long-term Disability
Dependent Care Plan
Employee Assistance Program
On-Site Health Clinic
Employee Educational Assistance Program
Sick Leave (12 days per year)
Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per year
Holidays (11 days per year)
Personal Day (1 day per year)
A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at City of Gastonia Employee Benefits Handbook
01
Have you taken Basic Economic Development at the UNC School of Government or an equivalent course?
02
Describe the relationship between residential growth and commercial retail development?
03
How would you approach Downtown development?
04
What tools are used to retain existing businesses?
