ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

General Definition of Work

The primary duties of the Economic Development Coordinator are developing, directing, and administering the economic development functions for the County of Camden, North Carolina. The primary goal of this position is to develop and execute strategies to enhance the economic vitality of Camden County and to implement and oversee programs and initiatives established by the County Manager and the Board of Commissioners that will attract new businesses, retain existing business, strengthen the commercial corridors and Commerce Park, and support growth and development of existing businesses to promote a stronger economic base and a diverse mix of business.

Essential Functions

  • Determine, with the County Manager, the annual and future objectives and performance measures to accomplish the Board of Commissioners economic development goals, Assist in preparing, monitoring, and implementing the operating and project budgets. Advise the County Manager and as appropriate the Board of Commissioners on economic development projects and strategies consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and other related planning documents. Provides written updates to the Board of Commissioners. Provides information and/or make presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the general public on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
  • Skill in building consensus, in collaborative problem-solving, and in conflict resolution.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive economic development issues.
  • Knowledge of public records and open meeting laws in North Carolina.
  • Thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to land use planning, zoning, subdivision ordinances, community development, and local governments.
  • Design programs and projects that develop strategies and methods for economic development intended to attract and retain commercial business within the County.
  • Develop a strategic plan of retail business growth, retention and redevelopment.
  • Work closely and independently to build relationships with both Chambers of Commerce, College of the Albemarle, workforce development, and other agencies to support existing businesses and to identify opportunities and strategies to attract new businesses.
  • Act as a resource for new and existing businesses which may include evaluating the plan reviews and building permit process.
  • Develop marketing and promotion programs for the County, and implement these programs to the extent financially feasible, including programs for both business and residential marketing. In conjunction with the Tourism Director, responsible for marketing and tourism activities such as theme and image branding, logos, marketing brochures and displays, visual or electronic activities that promote Camden County for economic development goals and objectives.
  • Conduct market research, analyses and surveys to identify alternate programs and strategies to promote the economic development program.
  • Develop and actively promotes business incentive based programs. Provides assistance to businesses desiring to locate in Camden County, as well as existing businesses seeking to renovate or expand.
  • Create, develop, and maintain an inventory of specific development sites within the County that are most appropriate for commercial development, including updating and maintaining the information on the County’s website. Maintains up to date files and statistics on demographics, tax base, maps, profiles, utilities, retail sales, and building permits.
  • Evaluate the potential financial impact of new businesses; identify, develop and recommend appropriate incentive packages when appropriate and answers public inquiries, and responds to request for information such as market data, tax structure and economic incentive possibilities and procedures.
  • Assist in the formulation and implementation of tax increment financing plans and other economic incentives.
  • Attend trade shows and meets with site consultants to promote the business development of Camden County.
  • Meet with existing businesses to help promote good working relationships between the business community and the County.
  • Researches and coordinates grants and funding sources to support infrastructure improvements and economic development opportunities.
  • Staff liaison to Economic Development Commission.
  • Conduct other related work as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, this individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. This person must have relevant educational and professional experience to provide a solid understanding of business relations, financial matters, and community relations that impact the development of strategies that meet Camden County’s strategic goals. This position requires independent effort and ongoing discretionary assessment and decision making to produce tangible results. The requirements listed below are representative of the Knowledge, Skills, and abilities required at this time of hire or for the continuation of employment.

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, public administration, urban planning or related field.
  • Master’s Degree and CEcD, EDFP or AICP Certification preferred.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of economic development or municipal government experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
  • Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with the public and colleagues.
  • Ability to take control of situations, verbalizing activities in a responsible manner.
  • Ability to prioritize projects in order to best effectuate the County’s strategic goals.
  • Ability to use market research methodologies and public relations principles and practices.
  • Ability to comprehend, retain and apply County, State, and Federal policies and legislation.

Physical Requirements                                                                                                                            

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

Must possess and retain a valid driver’s license.

Salary/Benefits

The pay offered for this full-time position depends on qualifications. Position includes full benefits, as well as participation in the NC Retirement System. Actual starting salary is negotiable, and will be dependent upon qualifications, experience, and professional achievement.

How to Apply

  • Use the applications for Camden County; be sure to include a resume and cover letter with salary requirements. Hard Copies (faxed, mailed, hand-delivered) of resumes or cover letters will be declined.
  • Applicants must state Economic Development on application when applying.
  • The selected finalist will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check, reference check, and drug/alcohol 
  • This position is open until filled; however first review of applications will begin on August 1st Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Human Resources at 252-338-6363 extension 314.

Contact Human Resources

Beverly Fonville Human Resources Post Office Box 190 330 US Highway 158 East Camden, NC 27921 252-338-6363 ext. 315
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