The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Description
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.
Typical Tasks
- 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.
Qualifications
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 with an acceptable driving record
- 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.
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands
Sedentary work, may require lifting up to 10 lbs occasionally.
Working Conditions
This position generally requires work indoors/office setting.
Our Core Values
INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY
Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.
What We Offer
The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
- Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
- Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
- Free on-site city gym access
- Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
- 6-weeks paid parental leave
- Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
- Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
- Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
- Tuition assistance benefits
Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department.
All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.
Health Insurance - The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.
Dental Insurance - Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.
Life Insurance - The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.
Retirement
- NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
- Deferred Compensation – The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.
Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*):
- Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
- Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
- Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
- Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).
- Part-Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro-rated basis.
Miscellaneous
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Short & Long Term Disability
- Cancer & Critical Illness
- Accident Insurance
- Whole Life Insurance
- Credit Union membership
Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.
**This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.**
01
I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form to demonstrate my qualifications for this job. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
02
Do you have a valid Drivers License?
03
Which best describes your highest level of education in economics, business administration, public policy, urban or regional planning, public administration, or a related field?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Vocational/Technical Training or Certificate
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctorate Degree
- None - N/A
04
Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in questions #4, #5 and #6. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
05
The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.
06
How many 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 do you have?
- I have no experience
- less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 2 years
- 2 years to less than 4 years
- 4 years to less than 6 years
- 6 years to less than 8 years
- 8 years to less than 10 years
- 10 years to less than 15 years
- 15 years or more
07
What is your familiarity with NCGS 158-7.1 and its application to local economic development activities?
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
08
What is your experience level in administering and managing economic development-related project budgets, grant applications, and incentive agreements?
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Required Question
