Economic Development Project Manager Position Available In Jackson, North Carolina

Economic Development Project Manager Jackson County, NC 401 Grindstaff Cove Road, Sylva, NC 28779 Position Overview This position supports and manages key economic development initiatives that drive business growth, workforce development and infrastructure investment in Jackson County. This position focuses on project management, business retention and expansion (BRE), site and infrastructure development, stakeholder engagement, and grant administration. The Project Manager works closely with businesses, community partners, and local, state, and federal agencies to implement strategies that enhance the county’s economic vitality. Grade 23 Duties and Responsibilities Project Management

• Lead and coordinate economic development projects, ensuring timely execution and alignment with county priorities. Business Retention & Expansion (BRE)
• Oversee Jackson County’s BRE Program, engaging with local businesses to assess challenges, identify growth opportunities, and connect them with available resources. Site & Infrastructure Development
• Assist with planning and developing business parks, industrial sites, and infrastructure improvements to support new and expanding industries. Grant & Funding Administration
• Research, secure, and manage grants and funding sources for infrastructure, workforce development, and business support programs. Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with businesses, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to advance economic initiatives. Workforce Development
• Support programs that align workforce skills with employer needs, ensuring a pipeline of talent for Jackson County’s industries. Marketing & Outreach
• Develop materials and strategies to promote Jackson County as a business-friendly destination, including digital and print media, presentations, and community engagement efforts. Data Collection & Reporting
• Maintain updated records on available sites, workforce statistics, and business trends to support decision-making and planning.

Performs other related job duties as assigned. Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in economic development, business administration, public administration, planning or related field required. Two or more years of experience in economic development, project management, business development, or a related field required. Prefer grant writing, data analysis and experience working with economic development organizations or government agencies. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Licenses or Certifications :

Possession of a valid, State of North Carolina driver license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment. Jackson County residency is preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of County and departmental policies and procedures. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs. Knowledge of principles, practices and processes involved in economic development. Knowledge of the principles of management, business, their organizational procedures, and financing. Knowledge of economic, social, and technological resources available in the economic development field. Knowledge of the assets of the community and federal, state, and local laws pertaining to economic development and planning. Knowledge of the local, regional, state and federal resources and agencies available to assist with various economic development activities. Knowledge of the application of information technology to the development of information and to the recruitment and retention of economic capital. Knowledge of marketing principles and practices. Skills in data collection and analysis, and establishment of data bases about pertinent County statistics and demographics. Skill in prioritizing and organizing work. Skill in oral and written communication. Ability to plan, organize, and effectively develop industrial leads for the County including building consensus among diverse groups. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with industry and business executives and owners or representatives, public officials at the local, state and federal levels, contractors, community leaders and organizations, other department heads, superiors and other employees. Ability to analyze situations accurately and make correct recommendations for each industrial contact. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, members of the general public and other groups involved in the activities of the County as they relate to the department. Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity Jackson County recognizes its continued success in meeting the needs of its citizens requires the full and active participation of talented and committed individuals, regardless of their gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or political affiliation. It is the policy of the County to foster, maintain, and promote equal opportunity by use of a systematic, consistent recruitment program, and to identify and attract the most qualified applicants for employment with the County. This policy is to be achieved by announcing all position vacancies, by evaluating all applicants using the same criteria, and by applying testing methods through the NC Career Works Office. Selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Jackson County provides a robust offering of employee benefits including: employer paid medical and dental benefits, participation in the Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System, paid leave (vacation, sick, and holiday), Employee Clinic, Wellness program, and supplemental benefit offerings.