Director of Economic and Cultural Development
Director of Economic and Cultural Development Town of Rocky Mount, VA
Rocky Mount is looking for a person who knows that placemaking is the cornerstone of economic development, someone who will lead our cultural development activities, including the Harvester Performance Center. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience and the position is open until filled.
Job Summary: This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the delivery of the town’s economic and cultural development initiatives. The incumbent also works with the Assistant Town Manager in recruiting businesses to the Town of Rocky Mount and creating and curating a comprehensive cultural program to elevate the local economy through active placemaking.
Major Duties:
- Oversees the sustainable and successful operation of the Harvester Performance Center through effective planning and leadership of staff resulting in a net positive economic impact on the Town.
- Directs and participates in the town’s economic development activities; develops and promotes improvements, recruitment, expansion, and retention of businesses, neighborhood development, quality of place amenities, tourism, and effective community leaders.
- Focuses on recruiting, expanding, assisting, and retaining small and medium-size businesses; assists the Assistant Town Manager in recruiting large industrial or other business prospects as needed.
- Manages inventory of available properties and works with allied public agencies and elected officials in formulating competitive recruitment efforts for the utilization of those properties.
- Books and manages significant cultural events, working with other departments to curate and delivery performing and visual arts events, shows and similar actives that leverage the Town’s uptown/downtown assets and unique cultural heritage resources
- Oversees usage and staffing of the Rocky Mount Farmers Market and the Community & Hospitality Center.
- Writes and administers various grants to promote economic and cultural development activities through funding partners including the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification Commission, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Commission of the Arts, Virginia Tourism, National Endowment for the Arts, and other philanthropic partners to leverage funds for economic and cultural development.
- Attends meetings, serves on committees and in professional organizations, makes speeches.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
EOE