Economic Development Officer II

Full Job Description

Manage forestry economic development program with coordination from Resource Development Section Chief.

Develops and executes statewide economic development strategies to recruit new investment and support expansion of existing forest industry facilities.

Maintains detailed records and reporting for accountability, strategic planning, and budget justification. Provides leadership in program design, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

Serve as key forestry economic development contact for the agency.

Represents the Forestry Commission in partnerships with the SC Department of Commerce, SC Department of Agriculture, utilities, and regional development alliances.

Builds relationships with corporate executives, investors, and site selection professionals to identify and advance project opportunities.

Recruit and facilitate targeted investment in SC's forestry sectors.

Proactively identifies and recruits forest product manufacturers, bioenergy developers, and value-added wood businesses that complement South Carolina’s resource base.

Engages in outreach to corporate decision-makers, conducts facility and site visits, and develops customized recruitment materials and proposals.

Includes evaluating opportunities for facility acquisition, retooling, or joint ventures that support mill retention, modernization, or market diversification.

Monitor forest industry trends and merger and acquisition activity.

Tracks global and regional forest sector investment trends, mill consolidations, and corporate restructuring to anticipate opportunities for South Carolina.

Coordinates with state and regional partners to position SC as a competitive location for reinvestment or asset acquisition.

Participates in professional organizations and trade missions, represents SCFC at national and international events.

Perform other duties in support of the agency's mission and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• A bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college or university in economic development, business administration, marketing, forestry or related field and three (3) years of relevant economic development experience.
• Required to be SC Certified Economic Developer within five years of appointment.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Criminal background check and drug and alcohol test are required.
  

Qualifications

• Master's degree in economics, business, or related discipline.
• Experience in forest industry recruitment, site selection, or manufacturing development.
• Experience in mergers, acquisitions, or asset development within forest products, natural resources or manufacturing sectors.
• Proven ability to work with corporate executives, investors, and site selectors to structure and negotiate projects.
• Knowledge of state and federal economic incentives, industrial recruitment practices, and forest resource supply analyses.
• SC Certified Economic Developer Certification is a plus.
• Experience coordinating multi-agency project teams to achieve measurable investment outcomes.
  

Additional Information

• Position is located in an office environment but requires some time outdoors in various weather conditions. Must be able to remain sedentary for extended periods of time while using a computer and accessing file cabinets.
• Normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Frequent in-state, out-of-state, international, and overnight travel will be required.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and bend, squat, and climb, and assemble and dismantle exhibits.
• Knowledge of capital investment drivers; available state resources to attract and aid business; public relations and marketing programs.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, especially with partners and prospective clients; ability to plan, organize and carry out complex special projects; ability to interpret forest resource, logistics, and market data to develop business cases; ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion dealing with business prospects and community leaders regarding project issues; ability to foster an environment that focuses on continuous quality improvement and customer service; and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to engage corporate executives, investors and government partners.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze business structures and transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, or facility redevelopment opportunities in the forest products or manufacturing sectors. Experience with MS Office software, project management tools and budget administration.
• Position requires the employee to be subject to random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug-Free Workplace policy.