Economic Development Project Manager (Business Retention)

City of Marietta, GA•Marietta, GA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager for Economic and Project Development, this role primarily provides outreach and support to Marietta’s existing commercial, office, and industrial businesses. Other responsibilities include conducting statistical and programmatic research, fulfilling requests for information, assisting in site selection requests, and performing special projects under the office’s strategic plan.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Economics, Public/ Business Administration, Real Estate or related field and two years related experience or a master’s degree in urban planning, Public/Business Administration, Real Estate and one-year related experience.
Knowledge of real estate market research, economic development programs and practices, and City activities.
Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data and the ability to explain them to a variety of audiences.
Skill using a computer and various software applications including MS Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) to compose business letters, reports, presentations, emails, and promotional materials.
Skill in creating, interpreting, presenting and explaining statistical information using Excel and other related applications as appropriate.
Ability to learn City development ordinances related to development issues.
Ability in team building, both with internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to develop positive relations with the public, business owners, and other City staff.
Must be able to make formal public presentations to various business and civic groups.
Must have flexibility of irregular schedule, including attending evening meetings and weekends, as necessary.
Successful candidates are required to submit to drug screen & background inquiry.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements a strategy for the City’s business retention efforts.
Formulates a systematic process for engaging with Marietta’s business owners, developers, property owners and real estate brokers, including developing innovative methods of engagement.
Interfaces with local businesses, by gathering firm information, understanding their challenges and concerns, helping develop solutions and connecting them to available resources.
Records, organizes, tracks and reports collected data to continually update business retention activities.
Assists with efforts to recruit new businesses by providing a range of functions including site selection and data.
Provides research, analysis, statistical summaries, and reports concerning the City’s economic and industry makeup, including tracking development, market trends, workforce, and demographic information.
Maintains a knowledge and understanding of economic development programs and tools with the ability to bring this knowledge to bear with businesses and departmental colleagues.
Produces and contributes to external communications, website content, marketing materials, and other products that communicate the activities of the division.
Serves as a liaison to state and local partners including other economic development agencies, workforce and educational institutions, business associations, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Represents the office at various community meetings and functions.
Attends committee and council meetings, economic development-related training seminars, etc. as necessary.
Serves as an ombudsman by assisting businesses, property owners and developers with the development review process and coordinating with other City departments.
Identifies redevelopment opportunities and participates in the small area planning processes.
Develops presentations concerning the activity of the division and the Marietta economy.
Works with Economic Development team and BLW on efforts to recruit utility customers.
Conducts special projects on behalf of the Department and City.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Provides direction or assistance to temporary interns as assigned.