President & CEO

Location:  Rocky Mount, NC
Position:   President & CEO

Carolinas Gateway Partnership (CGP) is a public-private industrial recruitment agency dedicated to the economic development of the Eastern North Carolina County of Edgecombe, City of Rocky Mount, and Town of Tarboro. A collaborative effort of this region’s local governments and private investors offers an exceptional opportunity for companies experiencing growth and expansion or desiring relocation. The organization works closely with a wide variety of new and existing industries to provide resources that will create new jobs and long-term investment.

Position and Requirements

Reporting to the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, the President & CEO of CGP manages the overall economic development program, concentrating on the retention and expansion of existing business and industry and the recruitment of new industry and business to Rocky Mount, Tarboro, and Edgecombe County.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work directly with the NC Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of NC and the NC General Assembly to provide the incentives and environment to locate new business and industry to the region
• Drive the strategic direction of all marketing and sales activity that will promote the assets of the CGP region to include obtaining internal and external resources to accomplish the aggressive plan
• Identify available land, sites and buildings suitable for business development and lead site preparation and development
• Mobilize the Partnership around specific initiatives to assist the Partnership, other economic development entities, and government in providing and maintaining a business climate appropriate to the needs and wants of business and industry
• Advise and help other private sector agencies engaged in community development as well as area governments on improvements and changes in the broad array of support service necessary to a community’s economic growth
• Through partner agencies, support the development of assets such as infrastructure, transportation, positive business climate and amenities
• Support area education and workforce development agencies and programs by advocating for current and future workforce needs from business and industry
• Manage the approximate $1.5 million operating budget along with grants, gifts, municipal and state incentive packages, including development of budget for board approval, overall control and audit of approved budget, ensuring revenue targets are met, approval of expenditures and authority to sign checks
• Serve as the principal spokesperson for all media contracts and public presentations to regional, civic, or political organizations
• Maintain stakeholder relations to sustain and grow private sector investment
• Hire, develop and manage all personnel of CGP including economic developer and administrative staff
• Conduct research and analysis of pertinent economic development topics
• Prepare reports and organizational metrics for the Board and Executive Committee

Qualities and Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Economic Development, or a related field
• Extensive and diversified background with at least 15 years in business, business development and/or public service
• Proven track record in NC as a leader in economic development, business or related field
• Some global experience preferred
• Must exude confidence, trust, and respect which sets the operational tone for CGP
• Ability to interact and communicate with elected officials, business leaders, community leaders and citizens; exude energy and passion and energize those around him/her
• Excellent relationship building, collaboration and consensus building; work effectively with and through others
• Driven and self-motivated with a strong bias to action and success; able to manage activities and outcomes, not just financials
• Strong leadership – humble servant leader who places the goals of the organization above his/her personal goals; can inspire and motivate others to expand their comfort zones and take appropriate risks as well as inspire trust, respect and confidence
• Strong written and oral communications abilities
• Organizational and financial skills, accountability and approachability
• Infectious confidence and a balanced sense of optimism
• Fair, trustworthy and ethical beyond reproach
• Proficient with computer software programs, communications technology and social media
• Possess a valid driver’s license and willing/able to travel
• Must be a resident of or willing to relocate to Nash or Edgecombe County

Interested candidates, please send your resumes to Kathryn Hoover (Kathryn.hoover@thenauticalgroup.com).