State of South Carolina · 12 hours ago
Economic Development Officer II
Columbia, SC
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expState of South Carolina is seeking an Economic Development Officer II to lead efforts in attracting, retaining, and expanding forest-based industries. The role involves managing economic development programs, building relationships with industry leaders, and facilitating investments in South Carolina's forestry sectors.
Government
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
A bachelor's 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
Preferred
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
Company
State of South Carolina
South Carolina is a southeastern U.S. state.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
David Sella-Villa
Chief Privacy Officer
Mark Rhoden
Chief Financial Officer, Office of Regulatory Staff
Recent News
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