Economic Development Specialist

Overview

The Economic Development Specialist supports Stanly County’s business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts by serving as the primary point of contact for existing businesses, assisting with recruitment efforts, and providing research, marketing, and RFI support.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for existing businesses and for RFI support.
• Assist in business attraction, retention, and expansion initiatives.
• Conduct a minimum of five industry site visits per month.
• Participate in local, regional, and state committees as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain materials for business recruitment and marketing packets.
• Provide site location assistance to prospective businesses and meet with prospective business representatives.
• Screen and handle economic development inquiries via telephone and in person.
• Provide assistance to the Economic Development Director and coordinate program-specific activities and projects.
• Conduct research on county statistics and demographics for internal and external use.
• Schedule, set up, attend meetings, take minutes, and coordinate catering as needed.
• Coordinate and implement economic development projects, including RFI preparation.
• Create flyers, marketing materials, and maintain/up‑date the department website.
• Compose, edit, and coordinate the preparation of reports or other printed materials and maintain databases to monitor information.
• Manage deadlines, workflow, and coordinate activities efficiently.

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, planning, communications, marketing, or a related field and at least two (2) years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Considerable knowledge of business development and attraction principles, retention strategies, project coordination, marketing practices, and modern office procedures.
• Strong research skills and ability to compile clear, concise written reports, studies, and memoranda.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with employees, local and state agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to independently make routine administrative decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and county policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Fluency in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with industry representatives, public officials, supervisors, employees, and the general public.
• Competency in county rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Willingness to travel occasionally for work and flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends, as needed.