Economic Development Coordinator (Research)

Salary: See Position Description

Location : Gaston County Economic Development Commission, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 334

Department: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Opening Date: 12/31/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

FLSA: Exempt

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

Description

The Gaston County Economic Development Department is dedicated to attracting and retaining desirable businesses and employers to continue improving and diversifying economic opportunities in Gaston County.

An hourly salary range of $33.79 to $39.29 is anticipated for this position.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Collects, manages, and reports data in support of economic development initiatives. Uses online resources such as STDB, NC Employment Security Commission, JobsEQ, and Bureau of Labor Statistics, among others, to update and maintain reports used by team members, companies, and site consultants. Reporting must always be current and relevant.
• Responds to formal Requests for Information (RFIs) by prospective relocating/expanding companies and site consultants. Works with team members to assemble and format RFI responses by strict deadlines. This includes completing site Information, county and state demoqraphics and mapping for the RFI.
• Delivers daily research and information requests includes, but not limited to, research of particular economic development subjects or industries; changes within specific industries or companies; research regarding lease/sold buildings in the county; utility information; and specific employment information.
• Maintains select databases for the organization. Solely responsible for the Sites & Buildings database for Gaston County; Information is uploaded and viewable on Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, NC Commerce, and EDC website. Updates building information as needed, as well as produces supplemental information for each building, such as maps, demographics, etc.
• Creates frequently used maps of Gaston County for the public, site consultants, website use, and marketing materials. Develops maps in accordance with technical guidelines and client needs; develops maps through GIS software. Interprets aerial photography, land records, and drawings to determine effective presentation of Information through GIS software.
• Yearly/Quarterly/Monthly Updates: Responsible for collaborating with local companies and municipalities/partners to create/maintain a database for Industrial Directory. Maintains fact books on an annual basis. Research and update information for the Economic Indicators quarterly.
• Works closely with the Permitting Department on monthly permits for the County to create monthly Community Investment Reports. Information is provided to the NC Department of Commerce for the statewide report. Conducts additional research through the County GIS system and internet resources to capture the most recent information.
• Participates and gathers Information for the newly developed Apple Creek Corporate Center, compiles data for marketing flyers, creates new site packages for clients, organizes all development documents, and oversees contracts.
• Website and social media - Responsible for changes and updates to information published on website. Manages all social media outlets, Including Linked In, Facebook, and Twitter. Attends Industry announcements and other meetings, updates the public through social media.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Five years of experience in economic development, research, GIS, or a similar area.
  
  

Additional Information

The applicant selected must undergo and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.

At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Full-Time employees are eligible for the total compensation package which includes:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Pension
• 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Discounted YMCA Membership

Part-Time employees are eligible for certain benefits as a part of employment with Gaston County such as:

• Pro-Rated Sick and Annual Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Local Government Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
  
  

Half-Time employees are not eligible for benefits.

To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our

Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.

01

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree
  
  

02

Do you have at least five years of experience in economic development, research, GIS, or a similar area?

• Yes
• No
  
  

Required Question