Business and Tourism Development Coordinator

This strategic role fosters the growth and success of all business and tourism-related activities in the Town. Performs intermediate professional work providing support resources and guidance to local entrepreneurs and business owners. Promotes economic development and enriches business diversity in our area. Areas of responsibility include providing support resources and guidance to local visitor-facing business owners promoting tourism development and enriching the visitor experience in Leland. Specific responsibilities include program management entrepreneurial support services and property inventory management to stimulate business growth and economic vitality. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Economic and Community Development Director.

Essential Job Functions

(Core Essential Job Functions align with the Towns adopted Economic Development Strategic Plan and 2030 Strategic Plan )

• Designs implements and manages a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program and initiatives aimed at supporting business development including site identification expansion solutions and financial assistance opportunities.
• Implements a strategic plan for the management of tourism development in a cross-departmental collaborative approach with the goal of enhancing visitor experiences awareness and support for the Towns activities projects and services that promote placemaking throughout Leland.
• Develops financial support strategies for entrepreneurial enterprises startups and new companies locating in Leland.
• Maintains local and regional market information and a listing of available properties suited for retail and commercial businesses.
• Serves as the initial contact for potential and existing businesses and organizations involved directly and indirectly with tourism in Leland.
• Facilitates the redevelopment and investment in the Gateway District implementing downtown redevelopment strategies to create districts or nodes that promote a mix of commercial office and institutional businesses.
• Supports the research and administration of grants and tax incentive programs to benefit the economic development and tourism initiatives of the Town.
• Prepares and presents a variety of periodic reports plans and studies regarding small business and visitor trends program outcomes and economic impact.
• Attends tourism-related events and expands networking opportunities to increase business engagement and promotion of business development services provided by the Town.
• Assists in the development of a marketing program that promotes Lelands market opportunities.
• Attends public meetings and internal operational meetings to stay abreast of Town activities and initiatives and relays relevant information to support staff.
• Attends conferences and trainings to stay informed of current best practices in business development entrepreneurial-led development tourism urban renewal and marketing strategies.
• Promotes and demonstrates organizational culture core values and leadership philosophies consistent with or complementary to Town administration.
• Adheres to policies and procedures established by the Town.

• Bachelors degree preferably in business administration marketing communications or related field and considerable experience (3-5 years) in business development and entrepreneurial support services or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of an appropriate drivers license valid in the State of North Carolina.
• Flexibility for evening and/or weekend work to accommodate business meetings and events.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of all phases of business retention and expansion programs small business development and entrepreneurial ventures and their administration.
• Ability to effectively use strategic planning leadership skills community assets financial acumen industry knowledge and relationships and marketing and urban renewal practices.
• Thorough knowledge of oral written and digital communication techniques and methods including the appropriate use of social media.
• Ability to plan develop and manage a variety of special events.
• Ability to work within strict deadlines and prioritize responsibilities as necessary.
• Ability to express ideas effectively and professionally both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates supervisors elected officials media organizations business and industry professionals and the public.
• Skill in the use of related software applications.
• Ability to conduct detailed analytical evaluations and studies and to prepare related reports and recommendations.
• Ability to operate standard office and computer equipment.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 15 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting frequently requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger handle or feel and occasionally requires standing walking stooping kneeling and reaching with hands and arms; work has standard vision requirements; 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; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderate noise location (e.g. business office with computer printers/copiers light traffic).

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Town is interested in hiring qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. However we are not able to sponsor visas.