Project Manager - Economic Development

General Definition of Work

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
• 30
  
  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.
• 30
  
  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
• 15
  
  Identifies and administers grant programs, including but not limited to arts grants and/or façade grants and/or other programs that promote economic development in Gastonia.
• 10
  
  Identifies, promotes and assists growth of partnership opportunities with community stakeholders, federal, regional and state organizations and departments that will support business development in Gastonia.
• 10
  
  Assists 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/or related committees and advisory boards
• 5

• 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.
• This position will require flexibility to work various hours to complete assigned tasks.
• The position will require occasional attendance at evening City Council and/or 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 related to this position may include reaching, walking, fingering, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Sufficient visual acuity is required to prepare and analyze data and figures, do accounting functions, and use a computer terminal.

An employee in this position may, on occasion, be exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

• Stooping:
  Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
• Kneeling:
  Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• 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, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Pushing:
  Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Lifting:
  Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position.
• Fingering:
  Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Grasping:
  Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Feel…