Economic Development Officer II

The Responsibilities of the Economic Development Officer:

Under limited supervision, leads statewide efforts to attract, retain, and expand forest-based industries in South Carolina. Identifies and recruits forest product manufacturers and allied businesses whose operations align with South Carolina’s timber resources, logistics advantages, and workforce capacity. Serves as the agency’s primary liaison with industry leaders, investors, and economic development organizations to promote capital investment, business retention, and market diversification within the state’s forest sector. Coordinates research, business case development, and project support to facilitate new investments, expansions, and potential acquisitions that strengthen South Carolina’s forest economy.

• 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.

**This position has optional work locations in the following counties: Richland, Newberry, York, Florence, Colleton, Hampton, and Barnwell.**

Minimum and Additional 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.

Preferred 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.