ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

City of South Fulton • South Fulton, GA

1d

About The Position

The City of South Fulton seeks an energetic professional to be its next
Economic Development Director. The next Director will lead development initiatives in a City that is primed to take its next step, with both ample undeveloped land and proximity to the World’s busiest airport. The next
Economic Development Director
will be a visionary, strategic thinker with the ability to systematize the City’s economic development operations during this crucial phase in the City’s advancement. The next Director will have a track record of delivering successful economic development projects and effectively communicating outcomes in a credible and engaging fashion.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT AND POSITION:

Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the Economic Development Director will oversee a department with an annual budget of approximately $1.3 million and four staff members, consisting of a Project Manager, Special Projects Manager, Main Street Manager, and Special Projects Coordinator, each of whom reports to the Director. The next Director will be a humble go-getter, an approachable leader, and an empathetic listener, who is motivated to develop the skills of staff and collaborate with internal and external partners.

With multiple projects in process and many on the horizon, the Economic Development Director will join the team of South Fulton leaders at a crucial time for growth. The Director will also be integral in managing, directing, and guiding the South Fulton Development Authority and the South Fulton Downtown Development Authority as well as liaising with four additional advisory boards.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in urban planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field
• Five (5) years of experience in local government planning and development or economic development, including progressively responsible supervisory experience
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• A valid Georgia driver’s license within a negotiated timeline and an acceptable driving history
• extensive knowledge of economic development tools
• the ability to work effectively in time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines
• the ability to coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks concurrently
• openness to bold, audacious development ideas that project a vibrant city
• a personality that projects confidence and humility
• the ability to effectively market the city – capitalizing on the city’s assets and projecting the city’s challenges in an honest, but positive, way (as opportunities)
• the ability to structure and negotiate a deal
• an appreciation for broad-based stakeholder involvement, and strong community engagement skills
• the ability to effectively delegate to staff without overwhelming them
• empathetic listening skills, and attention to community needs
• the ability to develop relationships and work with people of diverse backgrounds, interests, and professions
• strong written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

• 10 years of progressive experience at a Director level with a track record of successful economic development projects.
• A track record of success in an equal or larger-sized municipal community.
• Possession of the CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) certification.

Responsibilities

• Developing opportunities for economic development projects, including commercial and industrial development, redevelopment, and revitalization
• Facilitating the development of long-range goals and objectives for the City
• Serving as a subject matter expert on economic development matters, providing technical advice to other departments, boards, commissions, and committees, and the economic community
• Acting as a liaison to and building strong relationships with City/County officials and departments, the economic development community, including government agencies, schools, labor organizations, nonprofits, civic groups, and businesses
• Supervising, directing, and evaluating staff, making hiring or termination decisions, establishing workloads, and prioritizing work assignments

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager