Director of Community Competitiveness - Economic Development

Description

Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) is seeking a strategic, collaborative leader to serve as the Director of Community Competitiveness. This position plays a vital role in enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness by addressing systemic community challenges that directly impact business growth, talent attraction, and workforce participation. The ideal candidate is solutions-oriented and passionate about aligning community development with economic opportunity.

HIRING RANGE: $76,315 - $99,964 (Commensurate with education and experience)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUNDAY, 10/05/2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

Core Focus Areas:

1. Workforce Housing

Collaborate with Charleston County Community Development and Revitalization Department, municipalities, housing organizations, and private sector partners to support the development or diverse housing options aligned with the needs of the community’s workforce.

2. Homelessness

Partner with Charleston County Community Development and Revitalization Department, nonprofits, service providers, and public agencies to address homelessness as both a community and workforce issue.

3. Public Transportation

Advocate for and support improved transit access and multimodal connectivity that links residents to employment centers, education and services.

4. Dependent Care

Advance initiatives and partnerships that expand access to affordable childcare and eldercare, enabling greater workforce participation.

5. Workforce Development:

Design and implement targeted pilot programs that upskill residents in disadvantaged neighborhoods, connecting them with higher wage employment opportunities and long-term career paths.

6. Destination & Experience Economy:

Collaborate with regional partners in tourism, hospitality, arts, and placemaking to enhance the livability and experience of Charleston County. Support the development of quality-of-life assets-such as parks, cultural spaces, and public infrastructure-that contribute to talent attraction and business recruitment efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic planning and implementation across all core focus areas.

• Build cross-sector partnerships with public, private, nonprofit, and municipal partners.

• Conduct data analysis and prepare reports to inform policy and funding decisions.

• Identify and pursue grant and funding opportunities aligned with program priorities.

• Represent CCED on relevant boards, committees, and stakeholder groups.

• Provide policy recommendations to CCED leadership that support long-term economic resilience and community well-being.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Planning, Economic Development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• At least 7 years or more of experience in economic development, community planning, or public policy.
• Proven success in developing and implementing cross-functional initiatives that address both community and economic needs.

• Strong communication, partnership development, and problem-solving skills.

• Familiarity with Charleston County and regional challenges is preferred.

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

For more information, visit our benefits page.

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• Charleston County Government

• 843.958.4719

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