Economic Development Manager

International Economic Development Council; Cornelius (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Cornelius seeks an innovative Economic Development Manager to lead initiatives strengthening the local economy and bringing the Downtown Master Plan to life. The role requires building collaborative relationships with business owners, developers, and government partners to drive sustainable growth from vision to implementation.

Ideal candidates will have 5–7 years in economic development, downtown development, or related fields, with a Bachelor's degree and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree preferred.

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 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

Written communication

Public outreach

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

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

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Job description

Application period ends 08/28/2026Shaping the Future of Downtown Cornelius

The Town of Cornelius is seeking an innovative, strategic, and collaborative Economic Development Manager to lead initiatives that strengthen our local economy, support business growth, and bring our Downtown Master Plan to life.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced economic development professional to make a lasting impact in one of the Charlotte region's most vibrant communities. The successful candidate will work directly with Town leadership, business owners, developers, community organizations, and regional partners to implement transformative projects that enhance downtown vitality and drive sustainable economic growth.

As the Economic Development Manager, you will:

• Lead implementation of the Town's 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 (via product development, marketing, etc.) 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-including Administration, Planning, Parks, and Public Works-to implement strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, strategic thinker, and project manager who enjoys working collaboratively while moving complex initiatives from vision to implementation.

Successful candidates will possess:

• Strong knowledge of downtown revitalization and economic development principles and practices.
• Experience with business recruitment, retention, redevelopment, and community partnerships.
• Knowledge of North Carolina economic development practices, planning processes, and funding opportunities; AICP certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with Main Street America principles and downtown revitalization programs.
• Understanding of grants, public financing tools, capital improvement planning, and project management.
• Excellent research, analytical, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Ability to build partnerships with elected officials, developers, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and residents.
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat Professional.

Minimum 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Main Street Program administration experience.
• Economic development certification (such as NC Certified Economic Developer) or related professional certifications.

Why Join the Town of Cornelius?

Located on the shores of Lake Norman just north of Charlotte, Cornelius is a dynamic community that values thoughtful planning, vibrant businesses, and exceptional quality of life. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside dedicated, long-tenured leadership and community partners to shape the future of Cornelius' jurisdiction-wide economic development and downtown Cornelius for generations to come.

If you're passionate about creating thriving economic development and downtowns, supporting local businesses, and leading meaningful community development initiatives, we'd love to hear from you.

The Town of Cornelius is an Equal Opportunity Employer.