Economic Development Director

Economic Development Director

Hiring range : $125,000-$150,000 Salary will be determined based on certifications, qualifications, and direct / relatable experience. First review of applications will begin the week of June 2nd, 2025. This position may close without notice.

The Economic Development Director of Fuquay-Varina is responsible for strengthening and expanding the town's economic growth by overseeing marketing, planning, coordination, and execution of development initiatives. Acting as the primary contact for local, regional, and national businesses, this role works closely with town staff and partners to foster economic growth. The Director is responsible for implementing the town's economic development strategy, promoting business vitality, job creation, and investment. This position requires an innovative leader skilled in building relationships and communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, from professionals to the general public. The Director exemplifies professionalism, energy, and a strong work ethic. The Economic Development Director oversees the department's activities, including business recruitment, retention, expansion, budgeting, and the implementation of the economic development strategy. The role involves working with local partners, managing the Fuquay-Varina Economic Development Commission, and coordinating with Wake County and the State of North Carolina on business inquiries. The position requires independent judgment, professional expertise, and strong analytical skills to drive economic development.

Essential Duties and Tasks :

• Serves as central contact for businesses and works with Town staff and other groups to promote business and economic development with the Town.
• Markets the Town through various contacts and resources; calls on and responds to requests from businesses and site selection consultants; maintains confidentiality on site prospects.
• Develops and implements marketing strategies by developing plans for identification and pursuit of target industries, including preparation and distribution of digital and print marketing materials.
• Initiates, develops, and maintains programs to encourage business and industry to locate and retain their location in the Town; works with owners and staff of existing business to determine ways of supporting current businesses
• Attends meetings with other town staff including the Town's Development Service Departments providing information to developers and business considering development in the Town.
• Meets with civic organizations, developers, educational institutions, landowners and citizens to learn the resources and needs of the community and promote the merits of economic development; plans special events for marketing the Town.
• Collaborates with community partners, business owners, and the public to promote economic development.
• Delivers presentations regarding economic development activities; serves as media contact for economic development issues and stories.
• Serves as staff administrator of the Fuquay-Varina Economic Development Commission.
• Manages the Town's economic development incentive policy & program.
• Oversees Downtown Development Department and Downtown Development Manager and the administration of Main Street and faade grant programs.
• Networks and meets with strategic allies including the Wake County and municipal officials and staff, business groups, visitors' bureaus, business owners, realtors, bankers, state departments to maintain relationships and share information.
• Collaborates with business to create networking and education opportunities for local businesses.
• Works with Town Management and Town Staff to implement the various aspects of the Town's Economic Development Strategy.
• Gathers, maintains, and distributes key demographic data; markets Town sites; maintains information for the Economic Development web pages.
• Handles departmental administrative duties including responding to phone, email and in-office inquiries; plans and prepares budget, prepares purchase orders, and tracks expenditures.
• Performs related duties as required by Town Management.

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