Economic Development Director

City of Doraville•Doraville, GA

19h•$86,320 - $132,080•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Doraville is seeking an innovative, execution-focused Economic Development Director to lead its transformative period of redevelopment, investment growth, and organizational modernization. This role combines strategic economic development leadership with marketing and branding expertise to attract, retain, and expand businesses while elevating Doraville’s image. The Director will lead branding initiatives, marketing strategy, and business-focused communications to strengthen the city's visibility. Serving as the primary point of contact for economic development and business engagement, the Director will work closely with various city departments, regional partners, developers, and stakeholders to shape the City's long-term economic identity and competitive position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Marketing, Communications, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or a related field.
Three (3) years of experience in economic development, marketing, public relations, local government, or community development.
Valid Georgia driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development or redevelopment communication.
Master's degree in Economic Development, Marketing, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
GA Certified Economic Developer (GCED), Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), AICP, EDFP, PMP, or equivalent professional certifications.
Experience leading marketing strategy for a city, EDO, chamber of commerce, or redevelopment authority.
Proficiency in GIS, marketing analytics, CRM systems, and economic development databases (CoStar, ESRI, JobsEQ).

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate a multi-year economic development marketing strategy focused on business attraction, retention, and expansion.
Conduct business engagement outreach, including site visits, meetings with business leaders, and participation in industry partner events.
Track commercial properties, assist investors and prospects with site selection, and prepare marketing materials that showcase development opportunities.
Support redevelopment initiatives such as the City Center Project, major infrastructure projects, and long-range planning efforts.
Prepare and analyze demographic, real estate, and economic data using GIS, CoStar, and other analytics tools to support strategic decision-making.
Monitor federal, state, and regional economic development policies, incentives, and legislation.
Manage economic development incentive programs including TAD grants, tax incentives, and redevelopment tools.
Represent the City with regional and statewide economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and partner agencies.
Prepare presentations, briefings, and reports for the Mayor, City Council, Development Authorities, Planning Commission, and stakeholder boards.
Serve as the lead branding and marketing strategist for the City’s economic development initiatives.
Direct all marketing activities including digital campaigns, print materials, advertising, recruitment collateral, and targeted outreach.
Redesign and modernize Doraville’s business‑oriented brand identity and messaging to align with economic opportunity and redevelopment goals.
Manage the City’s economic development website content, digital storytelling, and social media channels.
Supervise the creation of high‑quality promotional materials such as brochures, pitch decks, videos, business newsletters, and annual reports.
Oversee media relations, prepare press releases, draft talking points for executives, and cultivate relationships with regional and national media outlets.
Track analytics, KPIs, and campaign metrics to evaluate marketing performance.
Ensure all marketing, digital content, and public materials reflect a consistent and compelling brand strategy.
Plan and execute business‑focused events, groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, open houses, and economic development roundtables.
Manage event budgets, contracts, vendors, and logistics.
Represent the City at conferences, trade shows, regional economic development events, and industry marketing summits.
Serve as liaison between internal departments, partner agencies, developers, and business owners to coordinate messaging and project communication.
Lead communication and public outreach efforts related to the City’s transition into the new City Hall.
Work closely with the City Manager’s Office, Planning, Community Development, Public Works, and Finance to align economic messaging with policy and development activity.
Prepare agendas, minutes, and reports for City boards, committees, and authorities.
Exercise judgment in managing communications related to sensitive projects, confidential business inquiries, and competitive recruitment efforts.
Provide training and guidance to departmental staff on communication standards, branding, and engagement protocol.