Hybrid Existing Industry Specialist bei Union County, NC

About the Department

The Existing Industry Specialist, under general supervision, provides complex professional work providing direct program support for the Union County Economic Development Department (UCED). Role is responsible for managing the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program. Report to the Economic Development Director.

Position Duties

Leads and manages the UCED’s BRE program.

Supports the retention and expansion of existing business and industry in Union County and all its municipalities.

Identifies, secures, and administers grants to support business expansion, including those related to building improvements, utility infrastructure, and energy efficiency.

Assists businesses with energy-related needs, such as coordinating energy audits, rate reviews, infrastructure upgrades.

Serves as a liaison between established businesses at local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.

Maintains accurate records and documentation in the designated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

Plans and coordinates industry-focused events, seminars, and meetings; develops materials tailored to business needs.

Collaborates with other County departments and the UCED team to create articles, marketing content, and media related to existing industry.

Represents UCED professional in all workforce development initiatives, conferences, and events.

Participates actively in professional committees and organizations that support or promote the UCED’s BRE program.

Assists with or leads presentations to County Commissioners, advisory boards, community groups, agencies, consultants, and others as needed.

Travels to company locations to support business retention or expansion in Union County.

Provides professional, courteous, and responsive service to clients, partners, and County/ Municipal leadership.

Serves as UCED’s subject matter expert for general manufacturing.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in economics, planning, communications, marketing, or related field, and at least two (2) years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with significant coursework in a related field and substantial experience in sales, business management, or economic development. 

Licenses or Certifications:

Must have a valid Driver’s License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Special Requirements: 

Flexibility and willingness to work outside of normal business hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends, as needed.

Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in economics, planning, communications, marketing, or related field, and at least two (2) years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with significant coursework in a related field and substantial experience in sales, business management, or economic development.

Licenses or Certifications:

North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED)

University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI)

International Economic Development Certification (CcED)

Key Public Power Account Executive (KPPAE)

Special Requirements: 

Flexibility and willingness to work outside of normal business hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends, as needed.

Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

Strong understanding of modern economic development principles and practices.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

Experience with Salesforce or similar Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software.

Skilled in conducting in-depth research and applying predictive analytics.

Familiarity with Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and software. 

Ability to effectively communicate and present information to support BRE efforts. 

Competence in reading and interpreting financial documents, engineering plans, and technical drawings. 

Capable of working efficiently in a fast-paced environment with high attention to detail.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with local, county, and state officials, industry partners, and the public.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, calculators, telephones, copiers, facsimile machines, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. This is lightwork requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, some heavy work requiring the exertion of up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, grasping, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, use of measuring devices, operation of motor vehicles, drones or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. The employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a combination of general office environment and on-site visitation at local manufacturing and commercial facilities.