Project Manager - Economic Development

The Economic Development Project Manager supports the growth, diversification, and long-term economic vitality of the community by assisting with business recruitment, retention, and expansion initiatives. This role conducts research, manages development projects, engages with local businesses, and collaborates with public and private partners to strengthen the area’s economic landscape. Work is performed under the supervision of the Economic Development Director.

• Management of retail, commercial, office, and industrial projects as assigned.
• Build strong relationships with local businesses to identify needs, challenges, and opportunities; conduct regular outreach and site visits; coordinate resources, programs, and incentives to support business growth; leads Key Account Program.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret economic data to support decisions and strategy; prepare reports, financial analysis, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders; maintain databases on commercial property.
• Identify and administer grant programs, including but not limited to arts grants, façade grants, and other programs that promote economic development in Gastonia.
• Identify, promote and assist growth of partnership opportunities with community stakeholders, federal, regional and state organizations, and departments that will support business development in Gastonia.
• Assist with additional citywide economic development duties as requested, including incentive packages, grant development & grant work, community & stakeholder meetings, and written memos and presentations to various groups including but not limited to City Council and related committees and advisory boards.

• General knowledge of real estate, business, and financial principles used for economic development.
• Experience with grant work, incentives and/or other financial programs; ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain a solid working relationship with businesses, property owners, and the general public.
• Strong interpersonal and problem‑solving skills.
• Requires flexibility to work various hours to complete assigned tasks.
• May require occasional attendance at evening City Council and related committee meetings.

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Public Administration, Business, Urban Planning, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 3–5 years of experience in economic development, planning, public policy, business administration, or related fields.

Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.

This position involves light to medium work requiring the employee to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and less force frequently to move objects. Physical activity may include reaching, walking, fingering, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Sufficient visual acuity is required for data analysis, accounting functions, and computer use. The employee may, on occasion, be exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Important if it occurs frequently.

Kneeling: Bending legs at the knee to come to a rest on the knee(s).

Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, especially for long distances.

Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward or outward.

Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally. Requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.

Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers.

Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects by touching with skin, particularly fingertips.

Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; required to convey detailed or important spoken…