Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program Manager

Location: Remote within North Carolina OR hybrid in office, downtown Raleigh
Travel: Moderate statewide travel required
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Note: This position is grant-funded and contingent upon continued federal funding.


About EDPNC


At EDPNC, our mission is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians. In partnership with state, regional, local, and private sector leaders, we support North Carolina's growth through business recruitment, existing industry support, international trade and export assistance, small business counseling, and tourism promotion. As a public-private partnership serving on behalf of the State of North Carolina, EDPNC operates at the intersection of public service and economic strategy. Our work helps attract investment, support employers, strengthen communities, and position North Carolina as one of the best places in the country to live, work, and do business. We are a collaborative, mission-driven organization that values professionalism, initiative, responsiveness, and strong relationships. The work is fast-paced, meaningful, and highly collaborative, offering employees the opportunity to engage with leaders across business, government, and communities throughout the state. At EDPNC, team members are motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact while working alongside smart, dedicated people who care deeply about North Carolina's future.


About the Role


EDPNC is seeking a relationship-driven professional to serve as the MEP Program Manager supporting North Carolina manufacturers through the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). In this role, you will work directly with manufacturers across the state, helping them identify opportunities, navigate available resources, and connect with partners that can support workforce development, operational improvement, productivity, exports, and business growth. This position serves as a key connector between manufacturers and a statewide network of economic development, workforce, education, and manufacturing support organizations. The ideal candidate enjoys building relationships, solving problems, engaging stakeholders, and helping companies succeed.


What You'll Do

• Build and maintain relationships with North Carolina manufacturers, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Promote awareness and utilization of NCMEP services and resources available to manufacturers across the state.
• Conduct outreach to understand manufacturer needs and connect companies with appropriate programs, services, and partners.
• Collaborate with Existing Industry Expansion Managers, NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES), workforce organizations, community colleges, and other partners to support manufacturers and strengthen North Carolina's manufacturing ecosystem.
• Support program goals through stakeholder engagement, economic impact reporting, survey participation, and ongoing communication with participating manufacturers.
• Track program activities, outcomes, and performance metrics while supporting reporting and compliance requirements.
• Represent EDPNC through meetings, conferences, presentations, industry events, and stakeholder engagement activities throughout North Carolina.

Requirements

What We're Looking For


Successful candidates will bring a combination of relationship management, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.


Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:

• Economic development
• Manufacturing or industrial operations
• Business retention and expansion (BRE)
• Workforce development
• Business services or client relationship management
• Program administration or stakeholder engagement
• Public-private partnerships

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, public policy, marketing, economic development, workforce development, manufacturing, planning, or a related field.
• Three or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience working with manufacturers, economic development organizations, workforce systems, business support organizations, or federally funded programs is preferred.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce is preferred.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license required.

We Invest in Our People-Professionally and Personally.


At EDPNC, our benefits are designed to support your career, well-being, and life outside of work.

• Competitive compensation and performance incentives that reward impact and results
• Hybrid work schedule that supports flexibility, and balance
• Generous time off , including 4 weeks of PTO, 9 paid holidays, 3 sick and wellness days, and 3 flex holidays
• 401(k) with a 5% employer match after six months to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid parental leave , including 8 weeks of maternity leave and 4 weeks of paternal leave, because family matters
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage , with HSA and FSA options
• Company paid short- and long-term disability coverage as well as 50K life insurance for added peace of mind
• Employee Assistance Program that covers your entire household's wellbeing
• Voluntary benefit options such as critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, life insurance and pet insurance
• Corporate amenities such as paid parking, gym access and complimentary snacks
• Family Forward Certified , reflecting our commitment to family-friendly workplace practices

Why Join EDPNC?


This is an opportunity to work with manufacturers across North Carolina and play a meaningful role in strengthening one of the state's most important industries. You'll collaborate with a statewide network of business, workforce, education, and economic development leaders while helping companies access resources that support growth, competitiveness, and long-term success.


Note: This position is grant-funded and contingent upon continued federal funding.