Description
The Economic Development Executive Director will plan, direct, and supervise the execution of the County’s plans for business recruitment, retention, and expansion. The position implements County Council’s vision for growth and development, meeting the needs of the community, and promoting a strong business climate to ensure a high-quality business friendly environment. Directing a team of nine professionals, managing a $4 million budget, the Executive Director ensures effective execution of initiatives, reporting directly to DCA-Finance and maintaining collaborative ties with the County Administrator and Council. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a passion for fostering sustainable economic growth.
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $134,576 - $176,280 (Salary based on qualifications/experience)
OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY
Duties And Responsibilities
- Plans, organizes, and directs the programs, operations, activities, budget, and employees of the Economic Development Department as set forth by County Council and the County Administrator.
- Develop and execute comprehensive economic development strategies aligned with Charleston County's goals and priorities.
- Identify opportunities for business attraction, retention, and expansion.
- Lead negotiations with prospective businesses and developers to secure incentive packages aligned with economic development goals.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and legal counsel to draft and finalize incentive agreements, contracts, and legal documents to prepare them for County Council approval.
- Oversee the administration of financial incentive programs (e.g., MCIP, FILOT, SSRC, CCED grants) to ensure compliance with guidelines and reporting requirements.
- Oversee the administration of SC Coordinating Council grants approved for Economic Development projects and accepted by Charleston County Council.
- Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations.
- Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to leverage resources and support economic development initiatives.
- Develop and manage the department's $4M budget, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and fiscal responsibility.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with elected officials, governmental agencies, and regulatory bodies.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business or Public Administration, Urban Planning, Economic Development, or a related field.
- Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) or Business (MBA) or similar field preferred but not required.
- Minimum of seven years or more of experience in economic development, business assistance, public facility or infrastructure development, commercial development, public/private finance, workforce development, fiscal planning, budget preparation, and economic tools and incentives.
- Certification as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and SC Economic Developers Association are a plus.
- Any equivalent combination which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Possess excellent interpersonal and oral/written communications skills.
- Work requires the ability to read complex legal documents, development agreements and contracts, executive business letters and communications, development-related documents, master plans, design guidelines, construction site plans, budget documents, business magazine, journals, newspapers, and technical reports, strategic or operational plans.
- Work requires the ability to write concise and professional communication with executive management, County Council, and business executives, preparing marketing documents, assisting with development agreements.
- Exercise tact, discretion, and sound judgment in addressing sensitive or confidential matters.
- Work is widely varied, involving analyzing and evaluating many complex and significant variables. Organization-wide policies, procedures, or precedents are developed and/or recommended.
- Demonstrate logical and creative thought processes to identify issues and develop solutions.
Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:
- Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
- Optional Life and Disability Insurance
- Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
- Annual and Sick Leave
- Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
- South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
- Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
- Optional Deferred Compensation Program
- Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
- Optional Federal Credit Union Membership
- Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Well-being Program
For more information, visit our benefits page.
