Economic Development Manager

Job Description

The Economic Development Manager plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, attracting investments, and fostering business development within the community. This position involves strategizing, planning, and implementing initiatives to promote economic prosperity and sustainable development. The Economic Development Manager collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, community organizations, and residents, to create a favorable business environment and enhance the overall economic climate.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Economic Development Director.

Essential Tasks

• Identify and attract new businesses, industries, and investments to the community.

• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to support business retention and expansion efforts. Works closely with EDPNC and the Greensboro Chamber staff as part of the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance.

• Collaborate with other government agencies, Business High Point/ Chambers of Commerce, and other organizations to create a supportive business ecosystem.

• Assist in the development and implementation of incentive programs to attract new businesses and retain existing ones.

• Provide assistance and support to entrepreneurs and small businesses, including referrals to resources, grants, and funding opportunities.

• Engage with community stakeholders to understand their needs, concerns and priorities, and develop strategies to address them.

• Coordinate and participate in industry events, trade shows, and conferences to promote the community and attract investment. Assist in Social Media promotion of High Point Economic Development.

• Prepare reports, proposals, and recommendations for senior management, elected officials, and community leaders.

• Works with other city departments on client projects - getting client information on buildings, land use, transportation, and utilities.

• Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

• Two (2+) years of experience in economic development, business development or a related field.

• Familiarity with government policies, regulations, and programs related to economic development.

• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.

• Knowledge of using of GIS mapping and Dropbox and Box files preferred.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate.

• Strong knowledge of project management principles.

• Strong written and oral communication skills to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently, and on a team, manage projects, and meet deadlines.

• Valid North Carolina Driver's license.

Special Requirements

Physical Requirements

Hearing/Speaking - (Speaking

• Expressing or exchanging information by means of spoken word. Hearing

• Perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Employee must converse with City officials, employees, independent auditors, news media, etc. so it is necessary for this person to be able to communicate with people in person, over the telephone, and via video conference.

Visual Abilities - the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:

• Acuity, far - clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Both eyes 20/25 - R 20/30 - L 20/30 corrected.

• Acuity, near - clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see work-related business documents close at hand. Both eyes 20/25 corrected.

• Depth perception

• Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships.

• Field of Vision - the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focusedon one point. Must be able to see a wide span of area.

• Accommodation

• Must be able to adjust the eye lens to glance quickly.

Physical Strength - degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include:

• Sedentary Work

• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally; and/or

• A negligible amount of force constantly to handle or move materials related to the position; and

• Some walking or standing.

Type of Physical Demands

• Reaching

• Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.

• Handling

• Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s).

• Fingering

• Picking, pinching or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or arm.

Mental Activity/Requirements

Reasoning

• Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to work tasks, practical situations, theoretical scenarios, and requests made by City Managers, Council, Department Heads, employees, auditors, and the general public; to comprehend, make decisions and respond to a variety of situations in an expedient manner. Good judgement is essential.

Mathematics Ability

• Using arithmetic and/or statistics: Ability to direct and oversee the use of arithmetic and/or statistics in the preparation of a variety of financial reports and official debt statements.

Language Ability

The ability to speak, read and write the English Language are required for this position.

Environmental Conditions

Physical Surroundings

• The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions. Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.

Hazards

• No environmental hazards indicated for this classification.

Machinery/Tools/Work Aids/Other Equipment

• Computer, calculator, telephone, printer/fax/copy machine, stapler, files, ledgers, audit information, financial statements, ordinances, manuals, publications, revenue projections, statistical data, operating expenditures, expenditure projections, evaluations, records, correspondence, reference materials, statutes, regular office supplies.

Disclaimer

This job description may not be all-inclusive, as jobs evolve over time to meet the ever-changing needs of the City of High Point's workforce. This job description is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment to any individual. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodation will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which imposes undue hardships on the City of High Point. Candidates selected for employment must pass a background screening as well as a pre-employment physical to ensure medical clearance to perform the essential functions of the job prior to receiving a full offer of employment.

The City of High Point is an at-will employer and employees may be terminated or may terminate their employment at any time with or without reason for any reason not prohibited by law.