ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

General Description:

Under limited supervision, the Economic Development Program Manager primarily performs administrative and strategic functions directly related to the management and general business operations of Orangeburg County’s economic development mission. The position exercises independent judgment and discretion on matters of significance, including formulation and implementation of procedures, policies, and strategies that advance organizational and countywide goals. This position serves as a key advisor and liaison to internal leadership, external partners, and the Orangeburg County Development Commission, contributing to long-range planning, operational policy development, and strategic resource allocation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties represent the primary responsibilities of the position. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Marketing and Business Development Support:

• Develop and deliver strategic recommendations, presentations, and proposals to senior leadership and prospective investors.
• Lead planning and execution of prospect site visits, including coordination of stakeholders, development of itineraries, and preparation of strategic materials
• Design and lead initiatives that promote targeted business recruitment and retention strategies.
• Determine messaging strategy and positioning for marketing collateral aligned with long-range economic development plans.
• Collaborate with staff and partners to develop and refine marketing collateral aligned with economic development goals
• Conduct high-level analysis of economic and industry data to inform policy and investment priorities.
• Prepare written communications, reports, and promotional content that support departmental initiatives

Economic Development Project Coordination:

• Serve as system manager and final departmental authority for the CRM platform, including establishing data governance standards, access controls, and reporting policies. Design and implement dashboards, workflows, and reporting tools to support performance tracking of strategic initiatives
• Develop metrics and models to evaluate program effectiveness, formulate conclusions, and recommend strategic adjustments to leadership

Internal Operational Leadership:

• Support financial oversight by monitoring budget activity, tracking expenditures, and assisting with financial reporting processes.
• Direct coordination of board and committee activities, including development of agendas, preparation of materials, and documentation of official actions.
• Establish and implement internal processes to ensure compliance with public meeting laws, procurement regulations, and organizational policies.
• Supervise administrative workflows and recommend procedural improvements to enhance departmental performance.
• This position exercises independent judgment and discretion in developing and recommending policies, procedures, priorities, and strategies related to economic development operations.
• The Economic Development Program Managers recommendations are relied upon by senior leadership and materially influence organizational decisions, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, exercising discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment in communications.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and approve event strategies, budgets, and resource allocations for major public-facing initiatives, ensuring alignment with economic development branding, stakeholder objectives, and county priorities.
• Plan and authorize event strategy and resource allocation for major public-facing events that promote Orangeburg County’s image as a premier location
• Coordinate with community partners, businesses, and public officials to advance economic development initiatives and strengthen stakeholder relationships
• Represent the organization in meetings and events as appropriate, supporting outreach and engagement efforts

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other related duties and related work as instructed and assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Marketing, Communications, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience exercising independent judgment in administrative or project management functions that significantly impact organizational operations.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business operations, legal organizations, real estate, government, administration, marketing, or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered
• Experience working with local, state, or federal government entities.
• Familiarity with public-private partnerships, real estate practices, financial management, economic development programs, or business recruitment processes.
• Experience with CRM systems, data analysis tools, or project management platforms.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Must possess and maintain a valid state Driver’s License

Other Requirements:

• Ability to travel locally, regionally, and occasionally out of state.
• Flexibility to attend meetings and events outside of standard business hours as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and regulations with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated skill in formulating and recommending business strategies and operational improvements.
• Capacity to manage confidential information and advise senior leadership on matters of organizational significance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, discretion, and initiative in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and utilize CRM and data management systems.

Physical Demands:

This position is primarily office-based with regular travel for meetings, site visits, and events.

Duties may require extended periods of sitting, standing, or walking, as well as occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:

Orangeburg County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Orangeburg County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.