Economic Development Specialist

City Of Roswell•Roswell, GA

About The Position

The Economic Development Specialist is a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional responsible for providing the research, financial insight, and risk assessment necessary to support sound economic development decisions. This role serves as the analytical foundation of the City’s economic development efforts, ensuring that projects, policies, and investments are grounded in data-driven analysis and fiscal responsibility. Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, the Specialist leads due diligence on proposed development projects, including financial underwriting, market analysis, and feasibility assessment. This position works closely with the Economic Development Project Manager, providing the analytical framework that informs project selection, deal structuring, and strategic direction, while the Project Manager leads implementation and delivery.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Real Estate, or related field
2-5 years of experience in economic development, urban planning, real estate analysis or development, finance or related analytical field
any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Valid State of Georgia Driver's License
Ability to conduct and synthesize market and industry research
Identify trends that inform strategy and policy
Strong understanding of real estate finance and development economics
Ability to evaluate pro formas, capital stacks, and financial risk
Experience evaluating job creation, tax impacts, and economic value
Ability to assess fiscal sustainability
Strong critical thinking and scenario analysis skills
Ability to identify and mitigate project risks
Working knowledge of zoning, land use, and development regulations
Ability to align projects with City priorities
Advanced Excel and analytical modeling skills
Experience with economic, demographic, and real estate data
Ability to translate complex analysis into clear recommendations
Strong written and presentation skills
Data-driven with strong attention to detail
Ability to ask thoughtful questions and challenge assumptions
Ability to balance opportunity with risk
Ability to break down complex problems effectively
Ability to produce high-quality work with minimal oversight
Ability to work effectively across teams and stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a municipal or public sector environment preferred.
Experience with development review, feasibility analysis, or underwriting preferred.

Responsibilities

Project Evaluation & Financial Underwriting
Evaluates development proposals through detailed review of pro formas, project budgets, and capital structures. Assesses feasibility, financial returns, and risk, identifying key assumptions and gaps.
Market Research & Economic Analysis
Conducts market, industry, and demographic analysis to inform economic development strategy, sector targeting, and investment decisions. Evaluates real estate trends and competitive positioning.
Economic & Fiscal Impact Analysis
Analyzes projected economic benefits, including job creation, tax revenue, and private investment. Conducts fiscal impact analyses to evaluate long-term public return.
Feasibility & Risk Assessment
Assesses project and site feasibility, including physical, financial, and regulatory factors. Identifies risks and recommends mitigation strategies.
Data Management & Performance Tracking
Maintains and manages data related to economic development projects, pipelines, and financial metrics. Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluates program and project performance.
Analytical Modeling & Decision Support
Develops financial models, scenario analyses, and decision-support tools. Utilizes GIS and data visualization to support analysis and communicate findings.
Regulatory & Policy Alignment
Ensures projects align with zoning, land use regulations, Comprehensive Plan goals, and economic development policies. Coordinates with Planning, Legal, and Finance.
Data Management & Performance Analytics Maintains and manages data related to economic development projects, pipelines, and financial metrics. Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluates program and project performance.
Regulatory & Policy Alignment Ensures projects align with zoning, land use regulations, Comprehensive Plan goals, and economic development policies. Coordinates with Planning, Legal, and Finance.
Stakeholder Coordination & Due Diligence Support Works with internal departments, development authorities (RDA/DDA), consultants, and developers to gather data, validate assumptions, and support due diligence efforts.
Reporting & Analytical Communication Prepares clear, concise reports, memos, and presentations. Translates complex financial and market analysis into actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders.
Support for Negotiations & Incentive Structuring Provides analytical support for deal structuring, including incentives and public-private partnerships (e.g., TAD, bond-for-title, C-PACER), ensuring financial soundness and alignment with City objectives.
Strategy Evaluation & Continuous Improvement Evaluates the effectiveness of economic development strategies, incentives, and programs. Recommends improvements to enhance outcomes.
Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives Supports priority initiatives and major redevelopment efforts through research, analysis, and strategic input.