Director of Economic Development

Franklin County, in Rocky Mount VA is accepting applications for a Director of Economic Development.
Franklin County, known for its scenic beauty and diverse economy, is located between Philpott and Smith Mountain Lakes along the Blue Ridge Mountains and is approximately 10 miles south of Roanoke, VA.
The essential function of this key position within the organization is to perform and manage the tasks and responsibilities necessary to successfully implement the County's Economic Development program.
*GENERAL DEFINITION * The essential function of the position is to focus on developing and strengthening the local economy by creating jobs and taxable business investment.
The director is skilled in relationship-building, marketing, and product and program development.
The position formulates economic development strategy, long range goals, and program of work, as well as guides execution.
*ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP* Serves under the general direction of the County Administrator or his/her designee.
Productive working relationships with other County departments are important.
Supervision of department personnel may be assigned.
*TYPICAL TASKS* Relationship Building * Manages the work of the department and staff; * Builds collaborative relationships with business leaders, organizations, developers, community groups, and government agencies to develop new economic development partnerships and programs; * Works to foster public-private partnerships within the community; * Represents the County at local, regional, and state economic development meetings and events; * Represents the County on multiple boards and commissions; * Informs other County departments on the goals and activities of the department; * Works with administration to secure support and funding for initiatives.
* Maintains strong working relationships with workforce development organizations and agencies.
Economic Development Strategy and Execution * Develops concepts, ideas, and plans for successfully achieving the County’s economic development objectives; * Continuously builds knowledge of programs and incentives that support business attraction, retention, and expansion; * Develops and administers marketing strategies with established objectives, goals, and methodology to drive business attraction, retention, and expansion; * Works with County administration on attracting business prospects to the County; * Develops and executes a formal program of business retention and expansion outreach to existing County businesses to offer support and assistance; * Responds to new and existing business prospects with professional and creative proposals and solutions; * Monitors, reports, and forecasts various economic and demographic trends; * Prepares and administers economic development performance agreements; * Informs other County departments on the goals and activities of the department.
Product and Program Development * Manages the planning and development of real estate product including seeking public/private sector initiatives.
Emphasis placed on the continued development of the Summit View Business Park; * Develops complex budgets and capital financing programs; * Leads and coordinates the pursuit of grant opportunities that support economic development-related capital improvement projects and for incentive inducements to new and expanding businesses.
* Perform other duties as may be assigned.
*ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES* * Extensive knowledge of economic development principles and programs, including business recruitment, retention and expansion, grants, and product development.
* Experience with local, state, and federal economic development programs and incentives; * General knowledge of workforce development programs and resources; * Ability to think creatively; * Experience in time management, project management, record keeping, budgeting, and supervisory skills; * General knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS); * Ability to read and comprehend plans and policies; * Ability to communicate both orally and in writing; * Strong presentation and persuasive skills; * Ability to provide efficient and effective customer service; * Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with property owners, developers, local, state, & federal officials and the public; * Ability to work as part of a team and to adapt work habits and procedures as necessary to accommodate the organization; * Ability to synthesize or integrate analysis of data or information to discover facts or develop knowledge that can improve policies, procedures, or methodologies; * Ability to utilize office software and email.
*TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE* Graduation from a four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, regional planning, or a closely related field.
Three to five years of local/regional/state government experience.
Graduation and certification from professional programs in economic development are beneficial.
*SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND RELATED OBLIGATIONS* Occasional work evenings, weekends, holidays, or flexible/irregular schedules.
Travel regionally and occasionally outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
A valid Virginia Motor Vehicle Operator's License required.
Applicant must have and maintain a driving record acceptable to Franklin County and its insurance carrier(s).
*PHYSICAL DEMANDS* Must be able to sit for periods of time while operating a computer and telephone.
Must be able to work outdoors performing site visits in challenging physical spaces and conditions; negotiate terrain with varying slopes and ground conditions; and occasionally work outside during inclement weather.
*WORK ENVIRONMENT* The work is primarily done indoors.
Occasional work is performed at indoor and outdoor facilities, events, and locations.
Work may be performed in crowded or noisy public facilities.
*AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE* Franklin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Franklin County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: $80,752.
00 - $104,743.
00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Employee assistance program * Flexible spending account * Health insurance * Health savings account * Life insurance * Paid time off * Retirement plan * Vision insurance Schedule: * Monday to Friday Work Location: In person