The Economic Development Specialist provides professional level support to the Economic Development Director (Director) through assisting, organizing, collaborating, and implementing projects and activities related to economic development and redevelopment planning, marketing and research, and implementing economic development activities in the Town's Strategic plans. General responsibilities may include:
- marketing and promoting business retention, expansion and recruitment opportunities;
- coordinating and promoting workforce development initiatives with regional workforce resources;
- developing productive relationships between the Town, the Carrboro Business Alliance, and other key community and regional organizations; and
- providing administrative support to the department.
Physical Conditions of WorkThis is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires feeling; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for taking photos and video and preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions. The work is typically performed in an office or in various locations during special events.- Plan, develop and update informational and marketing materials in coordination with the Town’s Communications and Engagement Department and other stakeholders for the purposes of tourist and business attraction and retention, including by not limited to websites, social media posts, blog entries, event flyers and program one-pagers.
- Assist the Director with project management and client/customer communications both verbal and written.
- Assist the Director with business recruitment efforts, including but not limited to, timely responses to RFIs and other inquiries and maintaining a database of available commercial land in the Town.
- Identifies, applies, and administers grant and financing programs that promote economic development in the Town, including, but not limited to the Town’s Business Revolving Loan Program.
- Conducting departmental administrative tasks, such as assisting with Advisory Board preparation, invoice entry, and contract processing.
- Develop and deliver presentations and reports to Town Council, advisory boards, community and civic groups and other relevant organizations to promote the work of the Town of Carrboro, the Economic Development Department, and other strategic initiatives.
- Represent the Town and the Economic Development Department on various nonprofit and regional boards and committees, such as the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Business Advisory Committee, as necessary.
- Assists with additional Townwide economic development and tourism duties as requested, including incentive packages, grant development & grant work, community & stakeholder meetings, and planning.
- All other duties as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree; any combination of education equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field and at least one (1) year of related experience in economic or downtown development or urban planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.Requires knowledge of Economic Development principles and practices; general knowledge of real estate, business, and financial principles used for economic development; grant work, incentives, and/or other financial programs; strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Considerable skills in marketing and promotion. Must have the ability to facilitate public meetings; complete coordination of ongoing projects and department initiatives; analyze data and record data; establish and maintain working relationships with businesses, property owners, and the general public.