Executive Director of Economic Development

The Economic Development Director serves as a liaison between the Abbeville County
business community and county government. This position works closely with the Abbeville
County Economic Development Partnership to recruit industry and strengthen the local
economy. The Director actively promotes Abbeville County’s opportunities for economic
development, advocates for improvements in public infrastructure, and supports
community events and tourism. The position ensures that county ordinances meet the
needs of the business community and promotes public investment in community assets that
enhance the County’s competitiveness. The Director also manages the implementation of
strategic plans, identifies opportunities to foster community spirit and pride, and supports
initiatives that improve quality of life.

This position reports to the County Director and is responsible for developing and
implementing programs within organizational policies. Major activities are reported through
written reports and direct communication with stakeholders.

Essential Duties

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and
problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee
performance appraisals.

• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains
standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments;
answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.

• Develops and implements policies and programs explicitly directed at improving the
business climate through business finance incentives, marketing, community
development, entrepreneurship, business retention and expansion, workforce
development, technology transfer, real estate development, permitting, and others.

• Manage the acquisition and development of industrial sites and buildings available to
new industries.

• Recruit new businesses, ensure the stability and success of existing industries, assist
businesses that can expand locally, by mitigating risk to expand and diversify the
County’s tax base and create jobs.

• Plan and attend conferences, recruitment trips, and routine meetings with other
agencies and stakeholders.

• Assess the development needs of all industrial sites and buildings, and work with
architects and engineers to carry out the projects.

• Represent the County in negotiations with business and industries to encourage location
and expansion in the area.

• Confer with government officials to effect change in state or local policies or law to
encourage effective development.

• Cultivate civic, cultural, and economic growth of County by coordinating efforts of
government agencies, private, community groups, business, and industries.

• Assist in locating and packaging private and government financing for development.

• Create opportunities for local citizens by developing & enhancing local, individual skill
sets and diversifying/expanding the local leadership base.

• Develop, implement & sustain a widely-shared understanding & vision for the direction
of the community as a whole.

• Develop a Strategic Community Agenda through communication with local clubs &
organizations to create an environment in which they consider future initiatives and
community planning together.

• Enhance local spirit by improving the internal and external health of local community
organizations & institutions (churches, schools, newspapers).

• Secure funding for community development activities and quality of life enhancement
programs in order to ensure that Abbeville County has the necessary resources to turn
strategic plans into sustainable results.

• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Planning, Economics or related field.

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development,
business development or closely related field; or equivalent combination of education,
training, and experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving
history.

Physical Demands

• Performs sedentary work that involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking
or standing for brief periods of time: requires little or no dexterity.

 

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Abbeville County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified
persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA
accommodations with management.

 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed
by this employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to
perform any other related duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or supervisor.
Abbeville County reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related
duties at any time without prior notice.

 

To Apply, please submit resume to bmoon@abbevillecountysc.com