Economic Growth & Development Manager

Nash County Department of Economic Development; Nashville (NC); On-site; USD 81,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Nash County Department of Economic Development is seeking an Economic Development Manager to assist the Director in driving business growth and vitality across Nash County, North Carolina. The role focuses on recruitment, retention, and expansion of industries, plus coordination of marketing and promotional activities.

The position requires extensive public contact, strong communication, and collaboration with local and state officials, leaders, and business representatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Urban Studies/Regional Planning, Finance, Marketing, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development at the local, state, or regional level in the public, quasi-public, or private sector.
• NCCED certification or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Economic Development Director in implementing the County’s economic development strategy, priorities, programs, and annual work plan.
• Coordinates commercial and retail development activities, including identifying opportunities, working with property owners and developers, conducting site visits, facilitating introductions, and coordinating with local officials and partner agencies.
• Supports industrial recruitment and expansion efforts, including prospect responses, site tours, property research, data preparation, and coordination with businesses and project partners.
• Serves as a primary liaison to existing businesses and industries through the County’s BRE program; conducts business visits, identifies issues and opportunities, and coordinates resources.
• Manages assigned economic development projects, grants, incentives, agreements, and community initiatives from planning through completion.
• Leads department marketing and communications, including development of marketing strategies, promotional materials, website content, social media, digital campaigns, and real estate and business development marketing.
• Conducts and coordinates research related to demographics, labor force, workforce, real estate, industry trends, and other economic development data; prepares reports, presentations, maps, and customized information for business prospects and community partners.
• Plans and coordinates economic development events, meetings, tours, presentations, and community initiatives.
• Maintains effective working relationships with businesses, developers, property owners, elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, and economic development partners.
• Represents the department on committees, boards, and regional or statewide organizations as assigned by the Director.
• Assists with department budget development, goal setting, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
• Assists in ensuring compliance with applicable County policies, State and federal requirements, agreements, and procedures related to economic development programs.

Skills

Effective communication

Data analysis

Public relations

Leadership

Education

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

NCCED certification (preferred)

Job description

Nash County Department of Economic Development is seeking an Economic Development Manager to assist the Director in driving business growth and vitality across Nash County, North Carolina. The role focuses on recruitment, retention, and expansion of industries, plus coordination of marketing and promotional activities.

The position requires extensive public contact, strong communication, and collaboration with local and state officials, leaders, and business representatives.