Economic Development Director

The salary range is $105,654.00 - $158,481.00. The expected hiring range is $132,000-158,481. The salary will be determined based on experience and qualifications.Detailed Work Activities:Develop and manage annual economic development priorities and a practical work plan aligned with Board goals, adopted plans, available resources, staff capacity, and market opportunities.Lead implementation of the Town's economic development strategy with emphasis on clear priorities, measurable outcomes, and coordinated execution.Maintain relationships with major employers, existing businesses, developers, property owners, brokers, entrepreneurs, and economic development partners.Develop a structured business retention and expansion approach appropriate for a small department, including employer outreach, issue tracking, follow-up, and partner referrals.Support business recruitment, redevelopment, investment activity, employer support, site readiness, and infrastructure-related economic development needs.Serve as a supportive partner on Town plans, projects, and initiatives that affect economic development.Supervise and provide strategic direction to the position responsible for Main Street, downtown development, and small business development.Use data, project tracking, and partner coordination to support decision-making, communicate results, and improve accountability.Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a strategic but hands-on professional who enjoys building something meaningful. The Town is looking for someone who can balance vision with execution, communicate clearly, build trust, and lead with persistence.The successful candidate will be comfortable with complexity, patient with the time it takes to see results, and motivated by steady progress. They should be able to work in a small-department environment, leverage partners effectively, and stay focused on the highest-impact opportunities. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Bachelor's degree in economic development, public administration, urban planning, business administration, real estate development, public policy, or a closely related field.Considerable professional experience in municipal economic development, business recruitment and retention, redevelopment, commercial real estate development, downtown revitalization, or strategic community development.Experience working in or with local government is strongly preferred, including coordination with elected officials, appointed boards, Town departments, developers, business owners, property owners, and regional or state economic development partners.Experience developing or implementing economic development work plans, project pipelines, business engagement strategies, redevelopment initiatives, or performance reporting systems is preferred.Experience supervising staff, managing consultants, or leading cross-departmental project teams is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.Special RequirementsValid North Carolina driver's license, or ability to obtain one within the timeframe established by the Town.Certification through the North Carolina Economic Development Association, International Economic Development Council, or another relevant professional organization is preferred. If not certified at hire, certification is desired within three years of appointment.Attendance at occasional evening meetings, public meetings, business events, partner meetings, and community events is required. Apply