DESCRIPTION
BENEFITS
GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK
As the Director of Monroe Economic Development, a department of the city government responsible for overseeing and executing the economic development efforts of the City of Monroe, will lead and shape the growth, prosperity, and economic well-being of one of the most attractive, fastest growing, full-service cities in the southern piedmont region of North Carolina. Responsible for providing strategic leadership, building partnerships, and executing initiatives that align with the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan. Champions and implements a leading economic development strategy. Fosters an exceptional entrepreneurial ecosystem that brings together Monroe’s visionary entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors. Attracts new investment to diversify and strengthen Monroe’s economy, positioning it as a leading destination for businesses and industries seeking quality growth and innovation, with a specific focus on real estate investment, business, and retail recruitment. Builds and supports talent development and retention. Advocates for policies and initiatives that foster a livable community, with a focus on affordability, sustainability, and the overall well-being of residents. Develops and manages an organizational budget and financial incentives program. Establishes and maintains an agile and results-driven organizational structure to achieve strategic goals. Supervises assigned staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS
Essential Functions
Provide Strategic Leadership: Champion and implement a leading economic development strategy that leverages Monroe’s unique advantages, making it an even more attractive city for businesses, quality real estate developers, entrepreneurs, workforce talent, and investors. Provide visionary leadership to guide the organization's overall direction, ensuring the execution of innovative programs and initiatives that align with Monroe’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. Collaborate with the city officials, city manager, city departments, community stakeholders, corporations, and other relevant organizations to forge dynamic partnerships and achieve the shared economic development objectives. Continuously evaluate and optimize organizational processes, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accountability in executing the strategic plan.
Foster an Exceptional Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Collaborate with all stakeholders to foster an exceptional entrepreneurial ecosystem that brings together Monroe’s visionary entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors. Create a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration, risk-taking, and breakthrough innovations, positioning Monroe as a hub of entrepreneurship and technological advancement. Implement initiatives to attract and retain top talent, support startups, and foster an entrepreneurial culture that drives economic growth.
Perform Investment Attraction and Diversification: Attract new investment to diversify and strengthen Monroe’s economy, positioning it as a leading destination for businesses and industries seeking growth and innovation. Recruit new quality real estate developments on key sites. Recruit a variety of retailers for both the downtown area and corridor redevelopment. Develop and execute bold marketing campaigns and targeted outreach strategies to showcase Monroe’s unique advantages and attract investment from regional, national, and international sources. Cultivate relationships with investors, corporations, and industry leaders, showcasing the city's potential for growth, fostering economic prosperity, and building a robust network of strategic partnerships.
Build and Support Talent Development and Retention: Build and support a talented workforce of ambitious, forward-thinking professionals who are eager to contribute to Monroe's economic growth. Collaborate with educational institutions, training providers, and industry partners to align workforce development initiatives with the evolving needs of businesses and industries in Monroe. Foster a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and entrepreneurial thinking to attract and retain high-caliber talent.
Support Inclusive Growth and Community Empowerment: Champion underrepresented entrepreneurs and underserved communities by providing targeted resources, access to capital, and mentorship programs. Collaborate with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to cultivate a business environment that celebrates and harnesses the strength of community.
Promote Place Branding and Cultural Enrichment: Promote Monroe as a family-friendly lifestyle destination, leveraging its unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and thriving economy. Support intentional place-making efforts that create vibrant public spaces, celebrate local arts and culture, and enhance the city's appeal to residents, visitors, and businesses. Collaborate with community stakeholders and organizations to amplify Monroe's brand as one of the most attractive full-service cities in the southern piedmont region, positioning it as a magnet for talent, innovation, and economic opportunities.
Manage Budget: Develop and submit an annual department budget for approval. Ensure appropriate linkages exist between budget goals, funding limitations, and service levels adopted to meet specific organizational goals. Conduct monthly monitoring of budget expenditures against budget allocation. Execute procurement documents as authorized. Maintain fiscal responsibility for budget execution and accountability.
Manage and Lead Personnel: Establish and maintain an agile and results-driven organizational structure that supports the effective implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Recruit and hire top talent to assist the Director in achieving ambitious organizational goals. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the organization. Manage and monitor the work performance of the organization. Supervise a professional staff by setting priorities; delegating work assignments, projects, and programs; monitoring workflow; and evaluating work performance. Provide policy guidance and interpretation to staff. Ensure compliance with employment policy and practices in recruiting, hiring, disciplining, evaluating, and managing personnel. Provide for staff training and professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Job Requirements
Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, urban planning, or a related field.
A track record of at least 10 years of experience in senior management and leadership success in driving economic development, preferably with experience in real estate and innovative, entrepreneurial environments.
Must possess a valid North Carolina Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in economics, finance, planning, real estate, public administration, or a related field.
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification, North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED), or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
Performance Requirements
Knowledge of:
Federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards governing the delivery of Economic Development services.
Economic development issues, principles, and techniques, including state and federal policies and programs, capital improvements programming, applicable regulations and regulatory devices, associated data sources and information systems.
Redevelopment laws and processes, local government revenue sources, and tax increment financing.
Real estate development, planning principles, urban design, and retail attraction.
Principles and practices of budget development, administration, and accountability, including funding sources impacting program and service development.
Management principles and practices necessary to plan, analyze, develop, direct, and evaluate programs, administrative polices, and organizational structures.
Human Resources laws and practices.
Ability to:
Attract investment, cultivate partnerships, and achieve tangible results in economic growth.
Recruit developers from outside of market who can provide unique approaches to real estate development and redevelopment.
Execute initiatives and activities to facilitate local business attraction, expansion, and retention, including economic development, recruitment, and support work to broaden the City's retail and commercial base.
Demonstrate a strong strategic mindset with a forward-thinking approach, staying abreast of emerging trends and best practices in economic development.
Successfully work with boards of advisors, elected, and appointed municipal officials.
Demonstrate charismatic and persuasive communication skills, capable of inspiring stakeholders, investors, and the community.
Bring a demonstrated passion for making a positive impact, driving inclusive growth, and empowering communities.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the board of advisors, city manager, city officials, city departments, community stakeholders, corporations, and other relevant organizations.
Establish appropriate financial and administrative structures and controls.
Manage multiple projects and perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
Successfully manage high-profile projects through collaboration, consensus, and creativity.
Demonstrate the highest level of creative thinking, complex analysis, and reasoning to originate and develop innovative programs.
Consult on issues, presenting complex information, explaining analysis and rationale, and making recommendations with the requirement to exercise persuasion to obtain cooperation, consensus, or approval of action to be taken.
Communicate at a superior level verbally and in writing, including the capacity to communicate complex ideas compellingly to a variety of audiences.
Effectively manage communications involving a high degree of difficulty (i.e., contentious, confidential, sensitive, or political) with very diverse, very important contacts both inside and outside of the organization.
Use discretion, persuasion, conciliation, dispute resolution, and mediation or negotiation skills when dealing with complex situations.
Exercise integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
Expertly conduct research, locate relevant information, and critically evaluate the research findings.
Translate technical data, financial documents, and accounting records into an easily understood format.
At an advanced level, write policies, contracts, speeches, formal presentations, and/or technical and legal documents and correspondence.
Operate general office equipment to include scanner, printer, copier, smartphone, and computer with Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Working Conditions
Primary Work Location: Professional office environment.
Protective Equipment Required: None.
Environmental/Health and Safety Factors: Relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
Physical Demands: Continuously requires fine dexterity, vision, hearing, and talking. Frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, and handling. Occasionally requires kneeling and twisting. Sedentary strength demands include exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time.
Mental Demands: Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and working closely with others as part of a team. Occasionally requires tedious or exacting work, and a noisy/distracting environment.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
The City of Monroe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.
Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Apply online at www.monroenc.org and select Employment Opportunities.
The City of Monroe is an EOE/AA/Drug Free Workplace Employer.
300 W. Crowell Street
Monroe, North Carolina, 28112
GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK
As the Director of Monroe Economic Development, a department of the city government responsible for overseeing and executing the economic development efforts of the City of Monroe, will lead and shape the growth, prosperity, and economic well-being of one of the most attractive, fastest growing, full-service cities in the southern piedmont region of North Carolina. Responsible for providing strategic leadership, building partnerships, and executing initiatives that align with the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan. Champions and implements a leading economic development strategy. Fosters an exceptional entrepreneurial ecosystem that brings together Monroe’s visionary entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors. Attracts new investment to diversify and strengthen Monroe’s economy, positioning it as a leading destination for businesses and industries seeking quality growth and innovation, with a specific focus on real estate investment, business, and retail recruitment. Builds and supports talent development and retention. Advocates for policies and initiatives that foster a livable community, with a focus on affordability, sustainability, and the overall well-being of residents. Develops and manages an organizational budget and financial incentives program. Establishes and maintains an agile and results-driven organizational structure to achieve strategic goals. Supervises assigned staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS
Essential Functions
Provide Strategic Leadership: Champion and implement a leading economic development strategy that leverages Monroe’s unique advantages, making it an even more attractive city for businesses, quality real estate developers, entrepreneurs, workforce talent, and investors. Provide visionary leadership to guide the organization's overall direction, ensuring the execution of innovative programs and initiatives that align with Monroe’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. Collaborate with the city officials, city manager, city departments, community stakeholders, corporations, and other relevant organizations to forge dynamic partnerships and achieve the shared economic development objectives. Continuously evaluate and optimize organizational processes, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accountability in executing the strategic plan.
Foster an Exceptional Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Collaborate with all stakeholders to foster an exceptional entrepreneurial ecosystem that brings together Monroe’s visionary entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors. Create a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration, risk-taking, and breakthrough innovations, positioning Monroe as a hub of entrepreneurship and technological advancement. Implement initiatives to attract and retain top talent, support startups, and foster an entrepreneurial culture that drives economic growth.
Perform Investment Attraction and Diversification: Attract new investment to diversify and strengthen Monroe’s economy, positioning it as a leading destination for businesses and industries seeking growth and innovation. Recruit new quality real estate developments on key sites. Recruit a variety of retailers for both the downtown area and corridor redevelopment. Develop and execute bold marketing campaigns and targeted outreach strategies to showcase Monroe’s unique advantages and attract investment from regional, national, and international sources. Cultivate relationships with investors, corporations, and industry leaders, showcasing the city's potential for growth, fostering economic prosperity, and building a robust network of strategic partnerships.
Build and Support Talent Development and Retention: Build and support a talented workforce of ambitious, forward-thinking professionals who are eager to contribute to Monroe's economic growth. Collaborate with educational institutions, training providers, and industry partners to align workforce development initiatives with the evolving needs of businesses and industries in Monroe. Foster a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and entrepreneurial thinking to attract and retain high-caliber talent.
Support Inclusive Growth and Community Empowerment: Champion underrepresented entrepreneurs and underserved communities by providing targeted resources, access to capital, and mentorship programs. Collaborate with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to cultivate a business environment that celebrates and harnesses the strength of community.
Promote Place Branding and Cultural Enrichment: Promote Monroe as a family-friendly lifestyle destination, leveraging its unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and thriving economy. Support intentional place-making efforts that create vibrant public spaces, celebrate local arts and culture, and enhance the city's appeal to residents, visitors, and businesses. Collaborate with community stakeholders and organizations to amplify Monroe's brand as one of the most attractive full-service cities in the southern piedmont region, positioning it as a magnet for talent, innovation, and economic opportunities.
Manage Budget: Develop and submit an annual department budget for approval. Ensure appropriate linkages exist between budget goals, funding limitations, and service levels adopted to meet specific organizational goals. Conduct monthly monitoring of budget expenditures against budget allocation. Execute procurement documents as authorized. Maintain fiscal responsibility for budget execution and accountability.
Manage and Lead Personnel: Establish and maintain an agile and results-driven organizational structure that supports the effective implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Recruit and hire top talent to assist the Director in achieving ambitious organizational goals. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the organization. Manage and monitor the work performance of the organization. Supervise a professional staff by setting priorities; delegating work assignments, projects, and programs; monitoring workflow; and evaluating work performance. Provide policy guidance and interpretation to staff. Ensure compliance with employment policy and practices in recruiting, hiring, disciplining, evaluating, and managing personnel. Provide for staff training and professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Job Requirements
Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, urban planning, or a related field.
A track record of at least 10 years of experience in senior management and leadership success in driving economic development, preferably with experience in real estate and innovative, entrepreneurial environments.
Must possess a valid North Carolina Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in economics, finance, planning, real estate, public administration, or a related field.
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification, North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED), or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
Performance Requirements
Knowledge of:
Federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards governing the delivery of Economic Development services.
Economic development issues, principles, and techniques, including state and federal policies and programs, capital improvements programming, applicable regulations and regulatory devices, associated data sources and information systems.
Redevelopment laws and processes, local government revenue sources, and tax increment financing.
Real estate development, planning principles, urban design, and retail attraction.
Principles and practices of budget development, administration, and accountability, including funding sources impacting program and service development.
Management principles and practices necessary to plan, analyze, develop, direct, and evaluate programs, administrative polices, and organizational structures.
Human Resources laws and practices.
Ability to:
Attract investment, cultivate partnerships, and achieve tangible results in economic growth.
Recruit developers from outside of market who can provide unique approaches to real estate development and redevelopment.
Execute initiatives and activities to facilitate local business attraction, expansion, and retention, including economic development, recruitment, and support work to broaden the City's retail and commercial base.
Demonstrate a strong strategic mindset with a forward-thinking approach, staying abreast of emerging trends and best practices in economic development.
Successfully work with boards of advisors, elected, and appointed municipal officials.
Demonstrate charismatic and persuasive communication skills, capable of inspiring stakeholders, investors, and the community.
Bring a demonstrated passion for making a positive impact, driving inclusive growth, and empowering communities.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the board of advisors, city manager, city officials, city departments, community stakeholders, corporations, and other relevant organizations.
Establish appropriate financial and administrative structures and controls.
Manage multiple projects and perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
Successfully manage high-profile projects through collaboration, consensus, and creativity.
Demonstrate the highest level of creative thinking, complex analysis, and reasoning to originate and develop innovative programs.
Consult on issues, presenting complex information, explaining analysis and rationale, and making recommendations with the requirement to exercise persuasion to obtain cooperation, consensus, or approval of action to be taken.
Communicate at a superior level verbally and in writing, including the capacity to communicate complex ideas compellingly to a variety of audiences.
Effectively manage communications involving a high degree of difficulty (i.e., contentious, confidential, sensitive, or political) with very diverse, very important contacts both inside and outside of the organization.
Use discretion, persuasion, conciliation, dispute resolution, and mediation or negotiation skills when dealing with complex situations.
Exercise integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
Expertly conduct research, locate relevant information, and critically evaluate the research findings.
Translate technical data, financial documents, and accounting records into an easily understood format.
At an advanced level, write policies, contracts, speeches, formal presentations, and/or technical and legal documents and correspondence.
Operate general office equipment to include scanner, printer, copier, smartphone, and computer with Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Working Conditions
Primary Work Location: Professional office environment.
Protective Equipment Required: None.
Environmental/Health and Safety Factors: Relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
Physical Demands: Continuously requires fine dexterity, vision, hearing, and talking. Frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, and handling. Occasionally requires kneeling and twisting. Sedentary strength demands include exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time.
Mental Demands: Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and working closely with others as part of a team. Occasionally requires tedious or exacting work, and a noisy/distracting environment.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
The City of Monroe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.
Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Apply online at www.monroenc.org and select Employment Opportunities.
The City of Monroe is an EOE/AA/Drug Free Workplace Employer.
The City of Monroe offers comprehensive benefits to our employees for benefit eligible positions.
300 W. Crowell Street
Monroe, North Carolina, 28112
