Help wanted: Director of Lenoir County Economic Development & Vice President for the North Carolina Global Transpark Economic Development Region
Director of Lenoir County Economic Development & Vice President for the North Carolina Global Transpark Economic Development Region.
HIRING SALARY: $66,073.38 - $84,579.51
Lenoir County is a member of the North Carolina Global Transpark Economic Development Region (NCGTPEDR) which includes the counties of Greene and Wayne, as well as the North Carolina Global Transpark. The NCGTPEDR was established to create a regional approach to economic development, bringing several entities into a partnership to attract and retain business in Eastern North Carolina. This position affords the opportunity to serve in a dual role, focused both on county and regional economic development efforts.
As the Director of Lenoir County Economic Development, this position will serve in a highly responsible role to support both local and regional economic development, recruitment, retention and coordination through the implementation of programs to promote industrial & commercial growth in Lenoir County. Lenoir County possesses the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs east of I-95 and is committed to becoming the Manufacturing Center of Eastern North Carolina. This position will work closely with the Board of Commissioners and County Administration to develop a strategic plan to maximize the economic development potential of Lenoir County.
As the Vice-President for the NCGTPEDR, this position would operate under the guidance of the President of the NCGTPEDR and be heavily involved in regional economic development activities.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
o Serves as liaison for the county for potential/existing industries and businesses considering expanding or new locations in the County; shows industrial sites and arranges meetings between industry representatives and local officials; qualifies sites and coordinates negotiations with property owners; serves as a liaison during plant or facility constructions and expansions.
o Research and or initiate any opportunities for assistance/incentives to potential/existing industry through grant, loan and tax programs offered by the local government, State of North Carolina and/or federal agencies/programs.
o Prepares comprehensive presentations and reports on County economic development efforts to the Board of County Commissioners and other entities as requested.
o Participates in conferences, training sessions, meetings related to economic development including regularly scheduled Economic Development meetings and supporting meetings of the Committee of 100, a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity supporting economic development.
o Assists industrial, commercial property and business owners in utilizing County, State and Federal programs for workforce development and training.
o Assist in maintenance of database of commercial, industrial buildings and sites. Assist in collecting critical information desired by development prospects such as economic data, demographic data, permit tracking and other information necessary for economic development trends and evaluations.
o Serves as a liaison for the county and region with local, regional, state, and federal partners and other county and municipal departments such as Planning and Inspections, Public Utilities, and other departments as appropriate to facilitate and coordinate economic development opportunities.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK
o Develops programs to retain and promote current industry and business to the Region; receives inquiries from business representatives, manufacturers and others interested in establishing or expanding operations in County, and provides information relating to suitability of Counties within the region for expressed needs; assists industrial realtors in providing information about clients; arranges and/or conducts tours of County facilities and real estate available for industrial use.
o Assists existing industries and businesses within the region with problems and concerns pertaining to infrastructure support and manpower availability, contacting County, state and federal agencies to provide available assistance as appropriate.
o Assist with the collection of demographic, geographical and economic data about the region; investigates labor supply, transportation, utilities, machinery, financing and other requirements for establishment of new industry; photographs available sites and/or facilities; prepares and continually updates technical reports, brochures, news releases; etc., used in publicizing the advantages of locating in County.
o Serves as coordinator for, or participant in, community and regional economic development committees and boards, providing input and advice based on expertise and/or observations; participates in activities of such groups as appropriate to promote interests of County.
o Troubleshoots issues for existing industry. This includes immediate and successful resolution on behalf of the industry. May include working with and coordinating with a variety of organizations, agencies, officials, and personnel.
o Implements ongoing and regular visitations to industries and businesses in the county, prepare weekly goal for tracking and measurement. This includes monitoring potential risk of closings, management changes, job increase/decrease, investments, and future expansion plans. Maintain database on all existing industries for the county.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
o Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques used in business solicitation andbindustrial promotion.
o Considerable knowledge of the resources available to assist industries at the county, state and federal levels.
o Considerable knowledge of general management and business organization principles and practices.
o Availability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends; local travel and some out-of-town travel required.
o Excellent verbal communication skills including public speaking.
o Excellent writing skills and proficiency in preparing written reports and business correspondence.
o Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment and discretion in establishing, applying and
interpreting policies and procedures.
o Ability to gather, analyze and interpret industrial and economic data and to make sound recommendations based on the information.
o Ability to develop effective promotional material for the County.
o Ability to use common office machines, including popular computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet and file maintenance programs.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in business, planning, economics or related field and experience in industrial or economic development and community development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must obtain the North Carolina Certified Economic Developers certification with three years of employment.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants must apply on-line at www.lenoircountync.gov under Employment and Employment Opportunities. Incomplete applications will not be processed. This agency utilizes the structured
interview process.
