LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Job Description:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
• Minimum undergraduate degree in business, marketing, or related field
• Economic development experience or local government project management preferred
• Familiarity with commercial real estate and local government departments & processes
CORE DUTIES
• Serve as point of contact for business inquiries, leads and prospects
• Serve as executive director for the Blue Ridge Crossroads Economic Development Authority and the Pathway Park Regional Industrial Facilities Authority
• Accurately document, complete and respond to RFIs
• Assist with tracking and documenting prospects, leads and projects—become knowledgeable of Salesforce platform
• Obtain comprehensive knowledge of regional and state business environment, as well as all incentive programs related to economic development projects
• Manage projects from initial inquiry until closure/announcement
• Assist localities in creating yearly economic development goals
• Prospect company outreach when requested
• Identify and communicate locality economic needs and assist with addressing deficiencies
• Assist with planning and hosting regional tours for prospects and consultants
• Build positive relationships with stakeholders, VEDP, government agencies and other economic development allies
• Liaison for local administrative offices on all issues related to economic development
• Assist with organizing executive and investor committees, board meetings and other organizational gatherings
• Assist localities with grant writing and grant administration
• Other duties as assigned
REQUIRED SKILLS
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to gain trust and confidence with various stakeholders, organizational partners and site prospects
• Self-motivator with ability to approach job responsibilities from an entrepreneurial perspective
• Problem solving with strong memory and recall to serve as information source for team and partners
• Business acumen and customer service oriented
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, working on deadline-oriented projects with ability to prioritize projects autonomously
• Ability to analyze data and communicate its impact on the local and regional economies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient with standard office software programs
• Absolute team player with strong desire to learn and make a difference engaging multiple facets of the organization to accomplish the regional mission
