Field Economic Development Specialist
Salary Range: $73,364.25 - $110,046.37
This is an exempt (salaried) position. Please note: pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant's salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.
At Mecklenburg County, you'll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture, and technology to become the best version of you. We're counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Community Economic Development Specialist, under the supervision of the Director of Economic Development, will participate in the following activities: door to door business site visits across Mecklenburg County, implement displacement mitigation program to include pop-up markets reducing business displacement in key areas, along with implementing strategies to market at-risk businesses.
The Specialist will perform stakeholder engagement, small business support, interdepartmental collaboration, research, and event planning.
Mecklenburg County is seeking a highly responsible and responsible, self-motivated, and organized person to join the Office of Economic Development.We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who wants to assist in making Mecklenburg County a place where small businesses are supported and thrive.
General knowledge of business principles and management strategies; development of programming and marketing initiatives for small business outreach; experience in fostering partnerships and engagement with ecosystem partners and provide support for entrepreneurs and established businesses; and fundamentals of economic development are required.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position supports businesses and entrepreneurs impacted by transportation development and infrastructure construction by providing comprehensive guidance and programing throughout Mecklenburg County. The program manager will provide innovative solutions towards the displacement mitigation program including Pop-Up Markets & Hotline, Temporary Wayfinding Signage, Transit Business Marketing Campaign, and Temporary Public Art.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Utilize research and innovative solutions to create and implement a Displacement Mitigation Program.
- Develop Project timelines for affected businesses areas due to construction impacts.
- Conduct regular in-person visits to businesses affected by construction zones to assess needs, share updates, and provide one-on-one technical assistance.
- Use case study research and critical thinking to create solutions to major negative repercussions of substantial transit development on small businesses across the county.
- Utilize GIS to visualize and maintain a current database of businesses within project impact areas, tracking engagement history, needs, and outcomes.
- Proactively document and photograph site conditions, signage gaps, and access issues within project areas and communicate findings.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute pop-up markets and activation events along in key locations to drive foot traffic and revenue to affected businesses during construction.
- Develop and maintain an emergency communication protocol to rapidly notify businesses of unexpected construction changes, road closures, or access disruptions.
- Leverage existing small business programs to support displacement efforts offered by the Office of Economic Development's Small Business teams.
- Supports clients in achieving business stability and growth by providing practical, result-oriented marketing strategies and delivering technical assistance to enhance management practices and operational efficiency.
- Develop and coordinate workshops, programs, events, and ad-hoc initiatives on topics such as business continuity planning, digital marketing, and accessing resources.
- Cultivate and manage relationships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and philanthropic partners that support entrepreneurs and small businesses. Build connections with small business groups, maintaining accurate records of engagement activities.
- Manage assigned client cases and maintains up-to-date records using a customer relationship management (CRM) system.
- Conduct outreach and engagement with the business community and key stakeholders through public presentations, information sessions, conferences, and workshop facilitation. Assist in maintaining a database for all key stakeholders.
- Maintain knowledge of economic development and transit policies, best practices, and industry trends; participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance performance.
- Participate in regular staff and project meetings; maintain organized paper and electronic records; complete required forms and documentation in a timely manner.
- Utilize standard office equipment, including computers; may operate a County or personal vehicle to attend off-site meetings and visit client locations.
- Develop and distribute outreach materials, flyers, and newsletters to ensure all businesses receive timely project information.
- Coordinate the design, placement, and maintenance of wayfinding and business signage to ensure customers can easily locate businesses during and after construction.
- Serve as a contact for business complaints and concerns related to construction impacts, triaging issues and escalating as needed.
- Collaborate with contractors and project teams to advocate for business-friendly construction scheduling, access maintenance, and noise/dust mitigation.
- Track and report on program metrics including businesses contacted, events held, signage installed, and referrals made to ensure accountability and measure impact.
- Assist businesses in navigating permitting, licensing, or zoning questions that arise because of infrastructure changes or new development opportunities.
- Perform other duties as assigned in response to evolving program needs and a dynamic work environment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Ideal candidates have strong skills in project management, customer service, data analysis, financial interpretation, research, and a spirit of creativity. We're looking for an enthusiastic self-starter who can provide exceptional customer service and is detailed oriented in synthesizing qualitative and quantitative information for assisting entrepreneurs.
- Knowledge of the laws governing business activity.
- Knowledge of business and transportation practices and trends.
- Knowledge of economic, business planning, events planning, and transit development practices
- Demonstrated computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet research.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow employees, outside agency personnel, and the public.
- Basic proficiency in ARC GIS programs.
- Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
- Ability to focus on the needs of the customer, and on developing strong relationships with our customers.
- Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
- Comfortable in a hybrid office field work-based role
- Previous experience with pop-up markets.
- Previous experience with Salesforce.
- Knowledge of basic construction processes.
- Multilingual applicants preferred.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's Degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
2 to 4 years of work in community planning, real estate, or business retention.
Previous experience with Salesforce or a CRM system.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer Statement
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.