Economic Development Director

Hiring range: $139,000 - $154,000

Salary will be determined based on certifications, qualifications, and direct/relatable experience.

• 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.

• 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 façade 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.
• Considerable knowledge of principles, practices and processes involved in economic development.
• Considerable knowledge of general management and business organizational procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of the assets of the community and federal, state, and local laws pertaining to economic development.
• Knowledge of economic, social, and technological resources available in the economic development field.
• General knowledge of zoning and permitting process in the Town.
• Skills in data collection and analysis.
• Ability to develop and maintain budgets and grant programs.
• Ability to exercise judgment and maintain confidentiality and to work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms, including public presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with business owners or representatives, industry and business executives, public officials at the local, state and federal levels, community leaders and organizations, other department heads, elected officials and other employees.
• Assists in negotiating development agreements with clients after determining project parameters, including analyzing and interpreting fiscal and economic impacts and presenting to Town leadership.
• Makes written, PowerPoint, and verbal presentations to Town management, Town Board, the general public and outside groups, agencies, and organizations, including professional association, brokers, developers, trade shows, conferences, and others.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate sounds judgement with a track record of project management.
• Knowledge of workforce development and related resources.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, examine and work with maps, charts, and detailed materials, use a computer, inspect sites, and to read extensively.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in economic development, business, or related field supplemented by training in economic development and considerable professional experience in business or economic development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess at least seven years of progressively responsible experience managing projects and programs in economic development, business assistance, commercial development, real estate, public/private finance, workforce development, budget preparation, and economic development tools and incentives.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License
• Certification as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and International Economic Development Council (IEDC) credentials are preferred but not required.

Additional Information

• The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's skills and qualifications.

• Required: Please attach any certifications, degrees, etc. If you have issues attaching documents, you can email to -

• If you do not attach, you will be asked to provide copies upon being hired.