About Us - The award-winning Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce leads and mobilizes the business community to drive regional economic growth in southeastern North Carolina. Our programs and events provide extraordinary opportunities for our members to grow their business networks and gain new insights on the ever-changing challenges facing business leaders today.
What We Want - We are seeking an experienced economic development professional who is a relationship-builder, advocate, and project manager. They must be passionate about helping small businesses succeed and strengthening the local economy. The ideal candidate will work closely with business owners, community partners, investors, government leaders, and workforce organizations to identify the needs of small businesses, assure access to resources and information as well as increase the availability of a skilled workforce needed to grow a vibrant and sustainable economy in the greater Wilmington area.
Successful candidates will bring knowledge and proven work in the field of economic development, project management skills, and the ability to build partnerships, manage multiple initiatives, and turn ideas into results.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement and maintain a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program that includes confidential interviews with small business owners to assess the local business climate, identify opportunities and challenges, connect businesses with appropriate resources and partners, and use data insights to guide Chamber, city, and county efforts to retain and grow investment and jobs.
- Serve as a connector to local resource partners including Wilmington Business Development, Wilmington Downtown, Inc., Cape Fear Community College's Small Business Center, Customized Training Program, and other organizations that support business growth and workforce development.
- Serve as a resource for research, data, and business intelligence by providing economic trends, wage and talent benchmarks, workforce data, and other information to existing and prospective businesses using platforms such as Lightcast and JobsEQ.
- Identify and develop grant funding opportunities, in collaboration with the Chamber President & CEO, to support strategic economic development initiatives and accelerate growth within Wilmington's emerging business sectors.
- Serve as Chamber staff liaison to the Wilmington Small Business Coalition, a volunteer consortium of small business and entrepreneurial organizations operating throughout the region.
- Act as the Chamber's liaison to the business community through active participation in professional organizations and networking groups, including 1 Million Cups Wilmington, Cape Fear Manufacturing Association, NC Tech, and other relevant industry groups.
- Increase awareness of business resources and support programs through Chamber, city, and county communication channels, including websites, social media, newsletters, and printed materials.
- Support the Greater Wilmington Chamber programming and member engagement efforts by identifying content, speakers, and educational opportunities for business councils and affinity groups, including AABC, LABC, Supply Chain, Young Professionals, and the Women's Business Owners Council.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Chamber President and CEO.
Educational Background and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, Urban Planning, Workforce Development, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Preferred Education & Certifications
- Coursework, professional training, or certification in Economic Development, Community Development, Workforce Development, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) preferred, or willingness to pursue professional economic development certification.
- Additional certifications in project management, workforce development
Qualifications
Minimum 3-5 years in economic development, workforce development, and/or project management or business engagement.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with business owners, entrepreneurs, elected officials, community partners, investors, Chamber members, and the public.
- Knowledge of economic development, small business growth, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.
- Familiarity with community resources, workforce programs, educational institutions, and economic development organizations.
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate business, workforce, and economic data.
- Strong project management, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Self-starter who demonstrates initiative, creativity, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Professional, adaptable, and customer-focused with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and maintain a high degree of accuracy in all work products.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Cell phone reimbursement
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Economic development: 3 years (Required)
- Economic Project Management: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Wilmington, NC 28401: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
