This position is assigned administrative and management work designed to provide professional support to the Executive Director. In alignment with the county-wide economic development strategic plan, the Economic Development Manager will perform complex professional work related to marketing and research, project management, target sector strategy development and post-recruitment support.
This position will play a pivotal role in driving economic development by offering tailored assistance, facilitating partnerships and implementing strategies to promote business growth and success, support the Executive Director in planning, implementing and reviewing a variety of economic development initiatives, including business development, marketing and research, project management and workforce development, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed Work is performed under the general direction of the Executive Director. The normal work schedule includes Monday to Friday from 8AM-5PM and may occasionally require evening and weekend hours.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Business Attraction - Collaborate with the Executive Director to create business development strategies to attract new businesses to the area through proactive outreach, marketing campaigns and site selection assistance; conduct market research to identify target industries and companies that align with Cleveland County's economic development goals and priorities and assist with completing RFI reports for project leads and serve as a primary point of contact for prospective businesses, providing information and support to facilitate their relocation or expansion in Cleveland County.
Business Retention and Expansion - Collaborate with the Director of Existing Industry to develop and maintain strong relationships with existing businesses in Cleveland County to understand their needs, challenges and growth opportunities; provide personalized assistance and resources to help businesses overcome obstacles, expand operations and thrive in the local market and collaborate with internal and external partners to address issues impacting business retention and expansion, such as workforce development, infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
Workforce Development - Assist the Director of Existing Industry with the creation of workforce development and talent attraction-based content and communication materials, as well as provide expertise, presentations and support during new industry and expansion project meetings related to the topic of workforce development; research sector needs and labor market trends and recommend strategies to improve employer services in Cleveland County; assist large and small companies in recruiting, retaining and developing employees in addition to the development of talent pipelines and integration into the community and collaborate with local, regional and state workforce development, economic development and government partners to provide services, programs and resources to help strengthen the workforce for manufacturers in Cleveland County.
Strategic Planning and Implementation - Develop and implement strategic initiatives, programs and policies to support business growth and economic vitality in Cleveland County; analyze economic trends, market data and industry research to inform decision-making and identify emerging opportunities; monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of business services and initiatives, making adjustments as needed to achieve desired outcomes and assist with developing and maintaining a comprehensive inventory and database to track available properties, sites and buildings to aid in the creation of tailor-made proposals for companies.
Community Engagement and Partnerships - Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, chambers of commerce, educational institutions and industry associations; represent the organization at meetings, events, trade shows and conferences to promote economic development initiatives and foster collaboration and engage with community leaders and residents to ensure that economic development efforts are aligned with local priorities and values.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
A thorough understanding of economic development trends and best practices, as well as substantial existing knowledge of available resources, legal statutes and ordinances in North Carolina and Cleveland County related to business attraction, incentives and workforce development initiatives. Ability to foster and maintain collaborative partnerships with a variety of entities that impact economic development, including: NC Department of Commerce, Cleveland Community College and Foothills Workforce Development Board. Familiarity with workforce development training programs, including: Apprenticeships, On-the-Job Training, Work-Based Learning, Customized Training, Incumbent Worker Training Grants, the Small Business Center, etc. Must be an innovative and creative thinker and possess a collaborative work style and an unparalleled work ethic. Proficient knowledge of economic development principles, strategies and best practices in project management, data analysis, marketing, project financing and database management. Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. A strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex issues, develop actionable plans and drive results. Commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity and equity in economic development efforts. Proficiency in Windows operating system and Microsoft Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in business, Economics, Public Administration, Project Management, Marketing or related field and 3 years of increasingly responsible experience in the field of economic development or equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master's degree is preferred, but not required. Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) is preferred but not required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work frequently repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms; work has standard vision requirements; 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; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, using of measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a quiet location (e.g. library, private offices).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
None
APPLICATION PROCESS:
All applicants must complete and submit an online application form at www.clevelandcounty.com by the closing date.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Selection will be by structured interview. Applications will be reviewed to select the best qualified applicants for admission to a structured interview.
Cleveland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer