Lenoir County, North Carolina is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Director of Economic Development & Vice President for the NC Global Transpark Economic Development Region. Lenoir County is centrally located in Eastern North Carolina with a population of almost 60,000 citizens.

Lenoir County is home to a strong manufacturing base, innovative schools, and a robust agribusiness community. This position will conduct a wide variety of highly complex, economic development activities relating to commercial business recruitment, retention and expansion; redevelopment and revitalization of existing commercial areas throughout the County and small business development. The Director of Economic Development is instrumental in promoting Lenoir County as a great place to live, work and conduct business.

HIRING SALARY: $66,073.38 - $84,579.51

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK:

o Develops programs to retain and promote current industry and business to the Region; receives inquiries from business representatives, manufacturers and others interested in establishing or expanding operations in County, and provides information relating to suitability of Counties within the region for expressed needs; assists industrial realtors in providing information about clients; arranges and/or conducts tours of County facilities and real estate available for industrial use.

o Assists existing industries and businesses within the region with problems and concerns pertaining to infrastructure support and manpower availability, contacting County, state and federal agencies to provide available assistance as appropriate.

o Assist with the collection of demographic, geographical and economic data about the region; investigates labor supply, transportation, utilities, machinery, financing and other requirements for establishment of new industry; photographs available sites and/or facilities; prepares and continually updates technical reports, brochures, news releases; etc., used in publicizing the advantages of locating in County.

o Serves as coordinator for, or participant in, community and regional economic development committees and boards, providing input and advice based on expertise and/or observations; participates in activities of such groups as appropriate to promote interests of County.

o Troubleshoots issues for existing industry. This includes immediate and successful resolution on behalf of the industry. May include working with and coordinating with a variety of organizations, agencies, officials, and personnel.

o Implements ongoing and regular visitations to industries and businesses in the county, prepare weekly goal for tracking and measurement. This includes monitoring potential risk of closings, management changes, job increase/decrease, investments, and future expansion plans. Maintain database on all existing industries for the county.

KNOWLEGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

o Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques used in business solicitation and industrial promotion.

o Considerable knowledge of the resources available to assist industries at the county, state and federal levels.

o Considerable knowledge of general management and business organization principles and practices.

o Availability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends; local travel and some out-of-town travel required.

o Excellent verbal communication skills including public speaking.

o Excellent writing skills and proficiency in preparing written reports and business correspondence.

o Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment and discretion in establishing, applying and interpreting policies and procedures.

o Ability to gather, analyze and interpret industrial and economic data and to make sound recommendations based on the information.

o Ability to develop effective promotional material for the County.

o Ability to use common office machines, including popular computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet and file maintenance programs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in business, planning, economics or related field and experience in industrial or economic development and community development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must obtain the North Carolina Certified Economic Developers certification with three years of employment.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants must apply on-line at www.lenoircountync.gov under Employment and Employment Opportunities. Incomplete applications will not be processed. This agency utilizes the structured interview process.