Economic Development Corporation President - Catawba County

Western Piedmont COG; Conover (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental insurance

Disability insurance

Life/AD&D insurance

Retirement (SEP) 8%

Mileage reimbursement or company car

Professional dues & memberships

Paid holidays & annual leave

Sick leave

Job summary

Western Piedmont COG seeks an experienced leader to serve as EDC President for Catawba County. The role focuses on attracting investment, supporting existing industry, and coordinating with local, state, and federal officials to foster job growth and sustainable economic health.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary strategist with a proven record of building trust with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to communicate complex development issues effectively.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of substantial experience in planning, economic and/or community development, business or related field or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Experience managing projects and people in a nonprofit, public agency or private company.
• Direct experience developing close working relationships with governmental groups at the local, state and federal level, and constituents/stakeholders which might include elected officials, board of directors, employees and other business and community support organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement a strategic, visionary plan to attract investment and create jobs in Catawba County.
• Develop and nurture relationships with local, state, and federal officials, business leaders, and community partners.
• Communicate complex economic development issues clearly and advocate for strategic investments.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Relationship building

Communication skills

Economic development knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in economic development or business

CEcD Certification

Job description

Are You the Next EDC President?

Catawba County (pop. 168,000) is recognized as a regional center for advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, technology, and education. Historically known for its furniture manufacturing and textile industries, the county is now home to world-class manufacturers, a growing technology sector, and significant data center investments. The county's central location, strong transportation network, and skilled workforce continue to attract new industry and support economic growth throughout the region.

The next EDC President will play an integral role in attracting new industry, supporting existing industry, and working with local, state, and federal officials to support clear and thoughtful decision-making. The goals are the same as most economic development corporations: maximize opportunities for job growth, tax base generation, and long-term economic health, but the ingredients present in this region are unique.

To work in Catawba County is to quickly hear about "the secret sauce" that has led to our success in economic development, but it's really not that secret. It's a long-term history of cooperation and collaboration built on institutional and individual trust. The result is a region that was able to recover from the devastating job losses in the first decade of the twenty-first century through thoughtful planning and a willingness to make targeted investments to maximize community benefit. To continue this success, we are searching for an EDC president who can carry on the legacy of creating and sustaining a bold shared vision, and the industry know-how to work at all levels and sizes of local, state, and federal government.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a forward-thinking leader who can articulate and execute a compelling vision for Catawba County's future, possess the ability to anticipate economic trends, identify emerging opportunities, and develop strategies that strengthen the county's competitive position while maintaining alignment with community values and priorities.
• Be comfortable leading through both opportunity and change, bringing strategic focus, sound judgment, and a results-oriented mindset to the organization.
• Have the ability to develop trust-based relationships across a diverse group of stakeholders, including local elected officials, corporate executives and business leaders, educational and workforce development partners, state, regional, and federal agencies, utility providers and infrastructure partners, and civic leaders.
• Demonstrate the ability to clearly communicate complex economic development issues.
• Advocate effectively for strategic investments and initiatives.
• Tell the Catawba County story in compelling and authentic ways.

The ideal candidate is a visionary strategist, trusted relationship builder, skilled communicator, and proven executive who can leverage Catawba County's strengths to attract investment, create opportunity, and lead the community's economic development efforts into the future.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a related economic development or business field
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)
• 10 years of substantial experience in planning, economic and/or community development, business or related field or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Experience managing projects and people in a nonprofit, public agency or private company.
• Direct experience developing close working relationships with governmental groups at the local, state and federal level, and constituents/stakeholders which might include elected officials, board of directors, employees and other business and community support organizations.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: The salary will be competitive relative to industry norms for similar agencies and responsibilities. The position is exempt.

Benefits: Medical & dental insurance, short- and long-term disability, life/AD&D insurance, 8% retirement (SEP plan), mileage reimbursement or use of company vehicle for business-related travel, payment of professional dues & memberships, paid holidays, annual leave, sick leave.