Director - Economic Development

Performs administrative and managerial work in directing the County's Economic Development programs and activities.  An employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing an Economic Development Program countywide. Emphasis is placed on policy and program development, communication, and implementation. Considerable judgment and initiative are required in developing and adapting policies and programs to county needs and resources, and in communicating policies and programs. Work is performed under general direction of the County Manager and is evaluated in terms of the overall effectiveness of the program. 

• Responsible for overseeing the Business Retention and Expansion Program and the Industrial Recruitment Program with an emphasis on creating quality employment opportunities for county citizens.
• Formulates major economic development policy recommendations and appears before the County Commissioners to present proposed new programs or changes in existing programs. 
• Serves as the primary economic development contact for Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina Economic Development Partnership, and other local, regional and state economic development organizations. 
• Serves as Alexander County’s representative on the Economic Developers Advisory Committee and attends monthly meetings as determined by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. 
• Coordinates, promotes, and implements the county’s Industrial Incentive Policy providing appropriate incentives for existing industries and prospective new industries.
• Works with new and existing businesses and industries providing information and assistance as required to promote retention and expansion of existing business and industry and location of new business and industry within the County.
• Research and prepare marketing materials which will assist in responding to inquiries about local economic development opportunities including information about utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, etc.
• Prepares and writes grant applications and administers grant awards related to economic development.
• Performs related work as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of economic development principles, practices, and techniques as they relate to recruiting new industries and retaining and expanding existing industries. 
• Considerable knowledge of the organization, functions, and programs of county government. 
• Considerable knowledge of administrative, managerial, and supervisory practices and techniques involved in directing management programs and services. 
• Ability to provide leadership and to supervise the planning, development, and establishment of new, modified, and/or improved economic development programs, services, and activities. 
• Ability to work with a variety of officials at different levels of government, under differing managerial controls. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental supervisors, managers, department heads, and State Officials. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Bachelors’ degree in economics, business administration or related field and seven years of progressively responsible leadership in economic development management; or 
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess a valid NC Driver's License.

Salary : $88,955 - $125,691