Economic Development Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-Time, Salaried, At-Will
Salary Range: $60,000–$70,000 annually
Reports To: Executive Director/CEO

Henderson Economic Development (HED) is seeking a collaborative, relationship-driven professional to serve as Vice President of Economic Development.

The Vice President of Economic Development is a senior leadership position responsible for advancing HED’s business retention and expansion, workforce development, and economic development initiatives. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for Henderson County’s existing industries, developing strong relationships with business leaders and proactively identifying opportunities for growth, investment, and job creation.

The Vice President will also work closely with education, workforce, government, and regional partners to ensure Henderson employers have access to the talent, resources, programs, and partnerships necessary to succeed.

As a senior member of the HED team, this position will work closely with the Executive Director/CEO on organizational priorities and economic development projects and will have the ability to represent and lead the organization in the Executive Director/CEO’s absence.

• Lead and continuously strengthen HED’s Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Henderson County’s existing industries and major employers.
• Conduct regular existing-industry visits, with a goal of meeting with each major employer at least annually.
• Gain a deep understanding of employer operations, opportunities, challenges, workforce needs, industry trends, and potential expansion plans.
• Identify barriers to business growth and coordinate resources and partners to help address those barriers.
• Identify potential expansion and capital investment opportunities and assist companies throughout the development process.
• Assist companies in identifying and navigating local, state, and federal economic development incentives and resources.
• Maintain accurate company, project, and activity information within HED’s CRM/database.
• Analyze BRE information and prepare reports identifying trends, opportunities, challenges, and emerging needs within Henderson’s business community.
• Maintain timely and consistent follow-up with businesses, partners, and project stakeholders.

• Lead HED’s workforce development strategy and employer engagement efforts.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local and regional education and workforce organizations.
• Coordinate annual wage and benefit survey
• Serve as a connector between employers, educators, workforce partners, and community resources.
• Identify current and emerging workforce needs through direct employer engagement and BRE activities.
• Develop employer-driven workforce initiatives designed to support recruitment, retention, and talent development.
• Collaborate with education partners to strengthen career awareness, work-based learning, career pathways, and connections between students and local employers.
• Coordinate workforce and industry engagement activities such as job fairs, career events, Manufacturing Month activities, industry tours, seminars, and employer roundtables.
• Partner with regional organizations to expand Henderson's reach and leverage workforce resources and programs.

• Work closely with the Executive Director/CEO on economic development projects and strategic initiatives.
• Assist with prospect inquiries, Requests for Information (RFIs), site visits, project presentations, and company meetings as needed.
• Develop relationships with local, regional, and state economic development partners.
• Represent HED at meetings, community events, industry functions, and professional organizations.
• Assist in implementing HED’s strategic plan and measuring progress toward organizational goals.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding economic development projects, company information, and other sensitive matters.
• Serve as a senior representative of HED and provide organizational leadership in the absence of the Executive Director/CEO.
• Perform additional responsibilities as necessary to advance the mission and priorities of Henderson Economic Development.

The successful candidate will be a relationship builder who enjoys working with businesses, community partners, and people. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, and coalition-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, presentations, and professional report writing.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Strong follow-through and commitment to timely communication.
• Ability to develop trusted relationships with business executives, elected officials, educators, workforce partners, and community leaders.
• Knowledge of economic development, business development, workforce development, or community development principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM/database systems, and online research tools.
• Willingness to learn about Henderson County’s industries, businesses, resources, and economic development ecosystem.
• Commitment to conducting business in accordance with Henderson Economic Development’s values and professional standards.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in economic development, business development, workforce development, chamber of commerce, education, community development, or a related field preferred.
• Economic development experience is preferred but not required for a candidate with strong transferable experience in business relationship management, project management, workforce development, or community leadership.
• Professional economic development certification or willingness to pursue continuing education and professional development is a plus.

The ideal candidate is someone who genuinely enjoys building relationships and helping businesses succeed. This person will be comfortable walking into a manufacturing facility and talking with a plant manager, sitting around a table with education and workforce partners, presenting to community leaders, and helping an expanding company navigate its next investment.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, curious, dependable, collaborative, and willing to roll up their sleeves. HED is a small, high-performing organization, which means every member of our team contributes beyond a traditional job description.

At Henderson Economic Development, we believe economic development is a team sport. The Vice President of Economic Development will play an important leadership role on that team as we work together to create opportunities, strengthen our existing businesses, and build Henderson’s future.