Economic Development Specialist

Economic Development Specialist

The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the Economic Development Specialist position within the Housing and Economic Development (CED) Department. The Economic Development Division is dedicated to driving long-term economic prosperity and economic resilience within the community.

The Economic Development Specialist plays a pivotal role in accomplishing the City's economic development objectives by understanding and promoting all division activities and serving as a proactive advocate for Asheville's commercial corridors. Operating under general direction, this position handles complex projects and performs professional and administrative functions in the coordination and management of economic development policies, procedures, and programs.

The Economic Development Specialist reports to the Economic Development Division Manager.

Work Schedule:

Generally Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.

- 5:00 p.m. Some evening and weekend work may be required, such as occasional attendance at evening meetings of the Asheville City Council, related community meetings, or infrequent overnight travel. Position requires attendance at in-person meetings off-site. Hybrid work options may be approved by the Department Director.

Initial review of applications will occur as received. This position will remain open until filled or until a sufficient number of applications are received.

Essential Functions:

• Acts as a central point of contact and dedicated ombudsman for "Main Street" businesses and startups, navigating regulations, resolving complex issues, and directing business owners to Local, State, and Federal resources.
• Serves as the active district liaison for commercial corridors, prioritizing direct engagement and business retention and expansion efforts by attending meetings with district groups, conducting targeted site visits, and documenting district needs.
• Works collaboratively to develop and maintain strategic partnerships with outside organizations and businesses to advance the City's economic development and business retention goals.
• Works with the Economic Development Coalition and the Division Manager to attend meetings between industry representatives and local officials, participate in site visits, and serve as a liaison during construction and expansion projects.
• Develops and uses a business issues matrix to systematically track and triage complex commercial corridor concerns in collaboration with departments such as Public Works and CAPE.
• Establishes and manages an inventory of vacant or underutilized commercial properties, actively connecting local entrepreneurs or displaced businesses with flexible space options.
• Acts as a primary point of contact to receive and share information in a post-disaster environment, listening to business owners to understand their needs and sharing those needs with local, regional, state, and federal officials.

Project Management and Cross-Functional Support:

• Leads or supports cross-functional teams in implementing economic development strategies, initiatives, special projects, and events, including focus areas such as commercial activation, economic recovery, and revitalization.
• Serves as an internal resource regarding economic development and business support initiatives, proactively collaborating with departments such as Planning and Urban Design, Development Services, Public Works, and Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) to streamline processes and coordinate economic development opportunities.
• Interfaces closely with Development Services and Planning and Urban Design to help streamline the City's permitting and regulatory navigation for local businesses.

Funding Strategy, Grant Support, and Research:

• Provides logistical and staff support to the Division Manager in seeking grant awards, including researching funding opportunities, writing strong proposals, and developing compelling project narratives.
• Conducts economic research and gathers relevant community data to support division projects, inform strategic planning and decision-making, and strengthen grant applications.
• Assists the Economic…