Economic Development Research Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $60,215.80 - $85,083.35 Annually
Location : Economic Development - 119 NC Hwy 16 N Suite A, Taylorsville NC 28681
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600048
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Recruitment Rate / Range: $60,215.80 to $75,201.28
Position Description
An employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing projects and activities in support of the County's economic development plan and other economic development initiatives. Special emphasis is given to marketing, research, and business retention. Work includes collaborating with local officials, businesses, and community leaders. This position works under the general supervision of the Director of Economic Development and is evaluated based on job performance, communication with stakeholders, and overall effectiveness of the duties performed.
Responsibilities

• Collects, manages, and reports data for economic development initiatives while utilizing a variety of resources including but not limited to the NCESC, US Census Bureau, FRED, and the NC Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Assists with responding to formal requests for information (RFI) by prospective, relating, or expanding companies or site consultants. Responses include completing site information, county and state demographics, and mapping.
• Compiles daily research and information requests including specific economic development industries, changes within specific industries or companies; county real estate transactions, utility information, and employment demographics.
• Maintains databases for the department and is responsible for the County's Sites and Buildings database.
• Uploads database information to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, NC Commerce and EDC.
• Creates maps for the public, site consultants, website use, and marketing materials by working with GIS personnel to develop and interpret maps with ArcGIS.
• Provides routine updates to the Industrial Directory by collaborating with local companies, municipalities, and partners.
• Researches and updates information for the quarterly Economic Indicators newsletter.
• Provides assistance to the Director and EDC by preparing and distributing agendas, recording minutes, and other legal requirements.
• Works closely with the County Planning Department to create monthly community investment reports.
• Prepares marketing materials for existing and future industrial parks; oversees development documents and contracts.
• Manages information published on the EDC website and all social media outlets for the department.
• Partners with the Alexander County School System, CVCC, Appalachian State University, and others, in workforce development for new and existing industries.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of economic development principles, practices, and techniques as it relates to the promotion, retention, and development of industrial and commercial project sites.
• Considerable knowledge of the organization, functions, and programs of county government.
• Ability to analyze current trends in regional and statewide economic development issues.
• Ability work with a variety of officials at different levels of government, as well as department heads on the County level.
• Thoroughly understands the concept of workflow and the development of a work plan.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups in verbal and written forms.

Required Minimum Education / Experience

• Bachelor degree in public administration, business, planning, marketing or related field and two years of experience in economic development, business administration, real estate, marketing, planning, research, or GIS; or
• Associate degree in public administration, business, planning, marketing or related field and four years of experience in economic development, business administration, real estate, marketing, planning, research, or GIS: or
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Possess a valid NC Driver's License.

Alexander County is a rewarding and supportive workplace, where employees are valued and encouraged to grow. We offer a full compensation package including quality benefits that include flexible options designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families.
HEALTH CARE
Medical Insurance - Employee medical insurance is 100% paid provided wellness incentive requirements are met. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:
Child: $75.00 Children: $225.00 Spouse: $250.00 Family: $425.00
Dental Insurance - Employee dental insurance is 100% paid. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:
Child(ren): $19.28 Spouse: $21.47 Family: $59.52
Vision Insurance - Employee vision insurance is 100% paid. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:
Child(ren): $4.19 Spouse: $3.77 Family: $8.12
WELLNESS
Health Clinic - Available to all County employees and dependents covered under the medical insurance plan. Covered visits include ear infections, colds, first aid, physicals, and other acute care needs.
Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) - The medical plan offers alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, yoga, and others. Specific requirements must be met for partial reimbursement - refer to the employee benefit guide for more information.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Counseling services are available to all employees and dependents in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting. The County provides coverage for the first five visits per year.
YMCA - No joining or monthly membership fees for eligible employees. Employees may opt to upgrade their membership to a family rate of $7.50 per pay period.
Genesis Fitness - Discounted member fees for eligible employees - refer to the employee benefit guide for more information.
WORK/LIFE BALANCE
Holidays - Twelve days of paid leave are provided throughout the year to eligible employees.
Sick Leave - Employees earn eight hours per month; EMS employees earn 11 hours per month.
Annual Leave - Employees earn prorated hours per month based upon years of service and hours worked.
Birth Month Leave - Employees will receive the equivalent hours of one regular workday added to their annual leave on the second day of their birth month.
Community Involvement Leave - Employees earn eight hours per calendar year, expiring on December 31.
Bereavement Leave - Employees are given 24 hours of paid leave to grieve the loss of an immediate family member.
Parental Leave - Eligible employees can request up to 6 weeks of paid leave per calendar year.
Discount Tickets - Discount tickets to various recreational venues including AMC Theaters, Carowinds, Tweetsie Railroad, Biltmore Estate, and others.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
NC Local Government Retirement System - The Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS) is a defined benefit plan. Full-time and eligible part-time employees are automatically enrolled in the system. Employees contribute a mandatory, fixed 6% on a pre-tax basis. An employee is considered vested after five years of contributory service.
Life Insurance - $12,500 of Life and AD&D at no cost to the employee. Additional coverage is available at employee expense.
Longevity - After five (5) years of continuous full-time County service, employees receive an annual lump sum payment of 1.5% of their salary during their anniversary month. Moving forward, the amount increases by .10 per year based upon years of service.
401k and 457 Deferred Compensation - The County will match full-time and eligible part-time employee's voluntary 401(k) contribution, up to 2% of their salary. Sworn Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) receive an additional automatic 5% County contribution.
Tuition Reimbursement - Employees who have completed their initial probationary period are eligible to participate in the tuition reimbursement program of up to $1,000 per semester in qualified expenses.
Supplemental Benefits - The County partners with Aflac, as an employee option, for additional supplemental benefits.
Local Government Federal Credit Union (CIVIC) - Memberships are available to County employees.
For additional details on benefits, please review the Alexander County policies at www.alexandercountync.gov or
contact the Human Resources Department at (828) 632-1132.
01
Please select your highest level of education completed.

• Some High School
• High School/GED
• Associate's Degree in public administration, business, planning, marketing or related field
• Associate's Degree in any other field
• Bachelor's Degree in public administration, business, planning, marketing or related field
• Bachelor's Degree in any other field
• Master's Degree or higher in public administration, business, planning, marketing or related field
• Master's Degree or higher in any other field

02
How many years of experience in economic development, business administration, real estate, marketing, planning, research, or GIS do you have?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• 2 - 3 years
• 3 - 4 years
• 4 - 5 years
• 5 + Years

03
Do you have a valid North Carolina driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question