Community & Economic Development Director

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK: 

Performs complex professional work developing and directing community and economic development activities of the county; does related work as required.  This role supports existing business and industry; recruits new business and industry; conducts market research; serves as liaison between business, industry, local, regional, state and federal regulatory agencies. This role will work in a diverse array of community development areas, including: consumer food access and food security, justice-involved populations, educational attainment, healthcare access, workforce development, and poverty reduction. Director oversees two staff- the Economic Development Specialist and the Community Development Manager. Work is performed under general supervision of the County Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Implements tourism strategic plan.
• Serves as primary contact for potential industries and businesses considering new locations or expansions in Warren County.

• Coordinates activities and services with other agencies associated with economic development.
• Develops marketing tools for County’s economic development efforts.
• Develops and administers a program of researching, collecting and furnishing information and materials on the county's industrial location factors to business firms and companies seeking to locate in the County.

• Oversees the planning, acquisition and construction of industrial parks and shell buildings.
• Visits industries and hears and assists with operational concerns and opportunities.
• Maintains good relations between the County and the business community with other business and industrial promotion agencies and with the media and general public.

• Develop and distribute information through a variety of media outlets
• Conduct research, compile and analyze data as needed for all departments (related to economic & community development)
• Write and administer grants related to community development initiatives
• Analyze and interpret state and federal policy
• Oversee departmental transportation projects
• Oversee county marketing efforts in residential and workforce recruitment efforts
• Oversee performance measurement for the Community and Economic Development Office
• Develop surveys and research tools as needed pertaining to community and economic development 
• Directs the administrative functions and operations of the Commission, including personnel administration, budget preparation, and expenditure approval, purchasing, etc.
• Delivers presentation regarding economic development activities.
• Prepares comprehensive reports as required.
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Values rural communities and is community-oriented with great inter-personal skills; eager to serve the greater public, including a diversity of backgrounds and lifestyles; pragmatic and logical, but also excited by innovation and thinking outside of the box. Knowledge of the local community and region is preferred; comprehensive knowledge of modern principles and practices of economic development; comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public and business administration; knowledgeable of budgeting and financial planning; ability to attract industry and business for the county; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, associates and the general public; ability to manage, supervise, and coordinate the work of office and technical staff; ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility; ability to prepare clear and comprehensive financial and administrative reports; ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; must be a team player willing to take on tasks aligned with the strategic vision of Warren County and the Community and Economic Development Office; punctual and reliable; effective communicator with both public speaking skills and written skills; can work independently with minimal direction.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Preference is for a candidate to have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public administration, community development, business, planning, or social sciences, and have at least four years of work experience related to this role. There is a strong desire for an advanced degree in any of those areas. There is a desire for a candidate that has previously worked in local government. Economic development experience is preferred. Experience related to developing and implementing affordable housing and community development programs is desired. Open to considering other combinations of education and experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 75 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina; considerable knowledge of word processing and the Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of social media platforms is preferred. Knowledge of Salesforce, Jobs EQ, and WordPress is preferred. Knowledge of GIS is preferred. Residency within the 9th Judicial District (Warren, Vance, Granville, and Franklin counties) is strongly preferred.

ly preferred.