Economic Development Manager Jobs in Raleigh, NC

General Statement of Duties Compensation: $79,571-$83,550 **To Be Determined Based on Experience and Qualifications** Benefits: Franklin County offers a competitive benefit package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity. Benefit options include medical and dental insurance; elective supplemental insurance options such as short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life; local government retirement; 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution (no employee match required); generous paid leave that includes 13 county-observed paid holidays per year; an employee wellness program inclusive of a county sponsored gym and an employee assistant program. For more information about Franklin County benefit options please click here https://www.franklincountync.gov/194/Benefits-Summary

Franklin Count, North Carolina Office of Economic Development is seeking an Existing Industry/Tourism Development Manager. This position will report directly to the Franklin County Director of Economic Development and focus on strengthening the retention and expansion of existing hospitality businesses, as well as the recruitment of new hospitality businesses and create and implement new tourism development initiatives promoting local tourism attractions and events/activites, coordinating tourism initiatives, and collaborating with businesses to increase positive economic impact. Franklin County remains the fastest growing county in the greater Research Triangle Region since 2022 and is now the second fastest growing county in North Carolina, with the projections to remain the second fastest growing county over the next five years.

With the significant population growth, the demand for new hospitality businesses has increased. The county has numerous festivals and events, outdoor activities and a wide variety of shopping and restaurants to enjoy. This position would engage with the Franklin County Tourism Development Authority, industry leaders, and stakeholders to advocate for tourism business-friendly policies and develop marketing strategies to attract new visitors and investment.

Duties and Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Essential Responsibilities Support expansion of existing commercial and hospitality industries. Develop and implement the Franklin County Tourism Strategy supporting existing hospitality businesses. Collaborate and coordinate efforts with the Franklin County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) to ensure alignment of initiatives for Franklin County Tourism.

Promote Franklin County and its municipalities' tourism, recreation, ag-tourism ect. activities and events to raise the County's profile as a tourist destination. Coordinate with County stakeholders to organize and implement events to increase foot traffic within the County and its municipalities.

Maintain the new Franklin County Tourism website and promote tourism activities on social media. Track and produce reports and statistics related to tourism initiatives. Assists county tourism-related social media accounts to increase followers, tracking statistics and implementing market strategies for social media accounts.

Represents Franklin County, NC Tourism at appropriate local, state, regional, and national organizations/meetings that serve to promote the County's Tourism mission. Maintains a positive working relationship with Visit NC and other statewide and regional tourism organizations, as well as other destination marketing organizations regionally, across the state and nationally. Maintains up to date knowledge of tourism/hospitality industry trends and best practices.

Desirable Education and Experience A Bachelor's degree in tourism and/or hospitality marketing, communications, business, or related field. Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience in the travel and/or tourism development/marketing industry sector. Comprehensive knowledge of travel and tourism destination marketing across all platforms including print, TV, digital, and social media.

Demonstrated expertise in developing and maintaining successful social media channels, paid advertising and website, as well as content creation for all marketing/media channels. Ability to prepare and make effective public presentations to government bodies, community organizations, travel industry organizations, and new media. Ability to think crucially and analytically.

Ability to appropriately handle confidential information. Ability to travel independently including out-of-town, evening and weekend travel. Must be able to list and carry up to 35 pounds for short distances on occasion.

Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Must be able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods. Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license upon hiring date.