York County Government
Deputy Director of Economic Development
York County Government, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Overview
York County is located in the Piedmont region, between the Broad River and the Catawba River. Its diverse landscape is home to family-friendly towns/cities, a progressive urban region and lakefront communities. We are excited that you want to join our team and recognize that our employees are the foundation for our success.
Mission Statement
- York County provides quality public services in an open, efficient, and responsive manner.
Vision Statement
- York County provides an environment where all citizens and businesses can thrive and succeed.
Core Values -
Excellence through Professionalism
Respect
- respect builds bridges, not silos.
How we live it?
Golden rule - treat others as you want to be treated.
Dedicated
- strong work ethic.
How we live it?
Persistence, reliability and commitment to do your best.
Integrity
- do the right thing instead of what is convenient.
How we live it?
Displaying strong moral principles.
Knowledgeable
- ready and able.
How we live it?
Having the right competencies necessary for achievement.
Friendly
- service with a smile.
How we live it?
Being respectful, pleasant and helpful to ALL.
Position The Economic Development Department is seeking a dynamic Deputy Director of Economic Development to play a central role in driving York County’s most transformative initiatives. In this position, you will partner with the Director to manage the operations of the office and provide leadership in business recruitment, workforce development, marketing, and product development.
Beyond traditional responsibilities, this role will be deeply engaged in delivering the County’s capstone initiatives, such as trail-based quality-of-life investments (Project Trailmix), food systems innovation (Next Crop York), digital enablement for small businesses (Digital Main Street), and other strategic projects that position York County as a hub of innovation and growth in the Carolinas. The Deputy Director will bring creativity, strategic thinking, and project management expertise to ensure these initiatives are successfully executed while also supporting the broader mission of recruiting, retaining, and growing businesses.
The ideal candidate is more than just an experienced economic development professional — they are a strategic thinker, creative storyteller, and project manager who can bring York County’s bold vision to life. You are equally comfortable working with site location consultants as you are walking a trail with community stakeholders, pitching a food hub concept to state leaders, or helping a small business embrace digital tools.
Recruitment Video Recruitment Video:
https://econdevtalk.my.canva.site/deputydirector
Compensation and Schedule Project Hiring Range/Pay Grade 129:
$101,090.95 - $121,309.14 per year. Salary is determined based on experience and/or education.
Work Schedule:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (40 hours per week), occasional weekend and evening work required for special events.
Total Compensation
Compensation – competitive market-rate pay, and negotiable based on qualifications.
Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Parental Leave
Bereavement Leave
Long-term disability
Deferred Compensation 401K Plans
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program)
11 Paid Holidays + 3 Optional Holidays
Longevity Pay
SC State Retirement Plan Pension
Paid Vacation and Sick Time
Sick Bank
Critical Care and Cancer Insurance
Wellness Screenings
Employee Assistance Programs
Professional Development / Trainings / Conferences
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide leadership and oversight on the department’s capstone projects, for example:
Project Trailmix – advancing trail-based development, quality-of-life enhancements, and mobility initiatives.
NextCrop York – building York County’s position as the agri-food hub of the Charlotte region, including supporting food hubs, value-add agriculture, and agri-innovation.
Digital Main Street – empowering small businesses with digital tools, training, and visibility to strengthen the local economy.
Other innovation-driven initiatives tied to workforce development, wage growth, and regional competitiveness.
Manage economic development projects from inception to completion, ensuring timelines, milestones, and community outcomes are met.
Lead and/or support strategic planning, cross-departmental collaboration, and public/private partnerships to advance York County’s economic vision.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and processes that strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the office while aligning with capstone priorities.
Assist in designing and executing comprehensive marketing, storytelling, and communications strategies that highlight York County’s business assets and innovation projects to consultants, prospects, and the community.
Coordinate with the Director to pursue funding opportunities (federal, state, and philanthropic) to advance capstone projects and product development efforts.
Build and maintain relationships with industry leaders, local and regional partners, site consultants, and community stakeholders to accelerate York County’s reputation as a forward-looking destination for business and talent.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff; delegate responsibilities to ensure effective team performance while maintaining alignment with department priorities.
Experience and Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Planning, Commercial Real Estate or related discipline.
At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business administration, planning, or related fields — with a proven record of delivering strategic projects that combine workforce, infrastructure, and community development.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-sector partnerships and managing complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
Certifications and Licenses
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Certified Economic Developer (CED), South Carolina Certified Economic Developer (SCCED) preferred.
Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education may be considered
Physical Demands Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
Standard Clauses May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the County. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
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Mission Statement
- York County provides quality public services in an open, efficient, and responsive manner.
Vision Statement
- York County provides an environment where all citizens and businesses can thrive and succeed.
Core Values -
Excellence through Professionalism
Respect
- respect builds bridges, not silos.
How we live it?
Golden rule - treat others as you want to be treated.
Dedicated
- strong work ethic.
How we live it?
Persistence, reliability and commitment to do your best.
Integrity
- do the right thing instead of what is convenient.
How we live it?
Displaying strong moral principles.
Knowledgeable
- ready and able.
How we live it?
Having the right competencies necessary for achievement.
Friendly
- service with a smile.
How we live it?
Being respectful, pleasant and helpful to ALL.
Position The Economic Development Department is seeking a dynamic Deputy Director of Economic Development to play a central role in driving York County’s most transformative initiatives. In this position, you will partner with the Director to manage the operations of the office and provide leadership in business recruitment, workforce development, marketing, and product development.
Beyond traditional responsibilities, this role will be deeply engaged in delivering the County’s capstone initiatives, such as trail-based quality-of-life investments (Project Trailmix), food systems innovation (Next Crop York), digital enablement for small businesses (Digital Main Street), and other strategic projects that position York County as a hub of innovation and growth in the Carolinas. The Deputy Director will bring creativity, strategic thinking, and project management expertise to ensure these initiatives are successfully executed while also supporting the broader mission of recruiting, retaining, and growing businesses.
The ideal candidate is more than just an experienced economic development professional — they are a strategic thinker, creative storyteller, and project manager who can bring York County’s bold vision to life. You are equally comfortable working with site location consultants as you are walking a trail with community stakeholders, pitching a food hub concept to state leaders, or helping a small business embrace digital tools.
Recruitment Video Recruitment Video:
https://econdevtalk.my.canva.site/deputydirector
Compensation and Schedule Project Hiring Range/Pay Grade 129:
$101,090.95 - $121,309.14 per year. Salary is determined based on experience and/or education.
Work Schedule:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (40 hours per week), occasional weekend and evening work required for special events.
Total Compensation
Compensation – competitive market-rate pay, and negotiable based on qualifications.
Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Parental Leave
Bereavement Leave
Long-term disability
Deferred Compensation 401K Plans
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program)
11 Paid Holidays + 3 Optional Holidays
Longevity Pay
SC State Retirement Plan Pension
Paid Vacation and Sick Time
Sick Bank
Critical Care and Cancer Insurance
Wellness Screenings
Employee Assistance Programs
Professional Development / Trainings / Conferences
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide leadership and oversight on the department’s capstone projects, for example:
Project Trailmix – advancing trail-based development, quality-of-life enhancements, and mobility initiatives.
NextCrop York – building York County’s position as the agri-food hub of the Charlotte region, including supporting food hubs, value-add agriculture, and agri-innovation.
Digital Main Street – empowering small businesses with digital tools, training, and visibility to strengthen the local economy.
Other innovation-driven initiatives tied to workforce development, wage growth, and regional competitiveness.
Manage economic development projects from inception to completion, ensuring timelines, milestones, and community outcomes are met.
Lead and/or support strategic planning, cross-departmental collaboration, and public/private partnerships to advance York County’s economic vision.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and processes that strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the office while aligning with capstone priorities.
Assist in designing and executing comprehensive marketing, storytelling, and communications strategies that highlight York County’s business assets and innovation projects to consultants, prospects, and the community.
Coordinate with the Director to pursue funding opportunities (federal, state, and philanthropic) to advance capstone projects and product development efforts.
Build and maintain relationships with industry leaders, local and regional partners, site consultants, and community stakeholders to accelerate York County’s reputation as a forward-looking destination for business and talent.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff; delegate responsibilities to ensure effective team performance while maintaining alignment with department priorities.
Experience and Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Planning, Commercial Real Estate or related discipline.
At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business administration, planning, or related fields — with a proven record of delivering strategic projects that combine workforce, infrastructure, and community development.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-sector partnerships and managing complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
Certifications and Licenses
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Certified Economic Developer (CED), South Carolina Certified Economic Developer (SCCED) preferred.
Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education may be considered
Physical Demands Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
Standard Clauses May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the County. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
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