Economic Development Director

About the role

The Economic Development Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of economic development within the County, including site selection, workforce development, and grant management.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for prospective industries and businesses exploring location or expansion opportunities; coordinates site visits, arranges meetings with local officials, researches available properties, and facilitates communication throughout construction or facility development.
• Develops and implements marketing materials to promote economic development in the County and the City, including brochures, flyers, booklets, advertisements, website updates, videos, and related outreach tools.
• Maintains regular communication and positive working relationships with state economic development officials, community leaders, and representatives from businesses, agribusinesses and industries of all sizes.
• Prepares annual budget recommendations for the department and establishes yearly goals and performance objectives.
• Serves as the chief staff officer to the County Economic Development Commission.
• Supports initiatives to strengthen the local economy, including agricultural development efforts, and assists with implementation of action items within the Farmland Preservation Plan.
• Collaborates with the City of Roxboro to share information related to utilities as a recruitment asset and provides input to guide future utility planning and expansion.
• Attends meetings of local and regional economic development organizations and partner groups to support coordinated growth and development efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning or related discipline.
• Six (6) years of economic development or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Prior certification as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED) is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Experience with grant writing and administration.
• Knowledge of economic development strategies and best practices.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

Person County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• NC State Retirement System
• EMPOWER 401K & 457
• Paid Leave (Annual, Sick, Parental)
• Volunteer Leave
• Wellness Day
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Certification Incentive
• Direct Deposit

Pay

The starting salary will be determined with consideration given to both the candidate's educational background and relevant work experience.

Schedule

This is an exempt position working 37.5 hours weekly/1950 hours annually.