Downtown Economic Development Lead

Cornelius; Cornelius (NC); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Cornelius, NC, is seeking an innovative Economic Development Manager to lead initiatives strengthening the local economy, supporting business growth, and bringing the Downtown Master Plan to life.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to collaborate with town leadership, business owners, developers, and regional partners to drive transformative projects that enhance downtown vitality and sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, downtown development, community development, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the Downtown Master Plan and comprehensive economic development strategy.
• Foster relationships with business owners, developers, property owners, investors, community organizations, and government partners.
• Support business retention, expansion, recruitment, and redevelopment initiatives.
• Coordinate downtown revitalization efforts including streetscape enhancements, public art, placemaking, branding, and marketing initiatives.
• Develop, prepare, and administer grant applications to secure funding for economic development and redevelopment projects.
• Manage and support downtown marketing efforts, special events, beautification projects, and community engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate the promotion of downtown, events, and economic development activities, etc. as appropriate.
• Serve as the Town's Main Street Program Manager should Cornelius receive NC Main Street designation.
• Identify and advance priority economic development sites and redevelopment opportunities.
• Collect, analyze, and present economic data, market trends, and development opportunities.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Town Board, advisory boards, stakeholders, and community groups.
• Collaborate across Town departments—to implement strategic initiatives.

Skills

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Project management

Downtown revitalization

Business recruitment/retention

Community partnerships

Grants/funding knowledge

Analytical skills

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning/Public Administration/Business Administration/Marketing/Economics/related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Acrobat Professional

Job description

The Town of Cornelius, NC, is seeking an innovative Economic Development Manager to lead initiatives strengthening the local economy, supporting business growth, and bringing the Downtown Master Plan to life.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to collaborate with town leadership, business owners, developers, and regional partners to drive transformative projects that enhance downtown vitality and sustainable growth.