Listing Summary

Overview of Job:

The Atlanta-based Director of the Office of Downtown Development will lead a flexible, collaborative team tasked, primarily, with assisting communities of various dynamics (population, resources, demographics, etc.) in the development and execution of programs aiding the revitalization of their historic commercial districts. This position will manage the office’s work with “Main Street” cities and other, non-designated, communities related to the revitalization of Georgia’s historic commercial and mixed-use districts. The director will oversee the agency’s efforts to support rural cities and local development authorities and will coordinate the provision of direct technical assistance, training, strategic planning, and consulting, as appropriate. The position is responsible for ensuring successful development of training materials and content for “Main Street 101”, “Main Street 201”, meeting materials, webinars, and printed documents. This position is the State’s primary liaison to our partners at the Georgia Downtown Association and the National Main Street Center.

 

This position will also be responsible for all typical functions of an office director at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, including, but not limited to the following areas: personnel, budget development and management, and agency administrative requirements.

 

Helpful Characteristics:

Knowledge of the Main Street Approach, the Georgia Main Street Program designation tiers and the annual accreditation process as set forth by Main Street America.

Knowledge of Georgia, its communities and regional commissions and the State’s processes and regulations related to local government management and operations (community planning, government finance, economic development, regulatory compliance, development authorities, etc.)

Knowledge in the operations and needs of local development authorities, local governments, and regional commissions

Knowledge in the operations and creation of special tax districts including but not limited to: B.I.D., C.I.D., or T.A.D.

Conceptual familiarity with demographic and economic analysis, and relevant data/information gathering and management

Excellent research, writing, and presentation skills

Skill in oral and written communication including a high level of comfort in public forums

Solid interpersonal skills and ability to interact with internal and external partners

Attention to detail; excellent time management and organizational skills

Ability to take initiative, and be a problem-solver

Ability to work well on interdisciplinary project teams requiring flexibility and adaptability

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Experience providing tactful guidance and recommendations to leadership

 

Necessary Attributes:

Knowledge of community and economic development, community planning, historic preservation, and the relevant policy and statutory framework

Knowledge of relevant software and other technical tools frequently used in this field

Knowledge of budget development and management

Ability to supervise personnel

Ability to clearly, succinctly, and professionally convey complicated information to a variety of audiences in an understandable way

Ability to present material and speak effectively to diverse groups of people to communicate the importance of downtown development, historic preservation and economic development

Ability to review and analyze development agreements, economic development proposals, financial incentive programs, etc.

Ability to analyze data in various formats and presentations and use it to form conclusions about performance outcomes, and develop reports from assembled data

Ability to credibly represent the office and the State to internal and external partners and the public

 

Agency-Specific Minimum Qualifications:

(GSM013, Sr Mgr 2, Business Ops) Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field AND Five years of experience managing professional level staff OR Nine years of experience AND Five years of management experience at the level equivalent to area of assignment OR Five years of experience at the lower level Sr Mgr, Business Ops (GSM012). Note: An equivalent combination of education and job specific experience that provided the knowledge, experience and competencies required to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted on a year-over-year basis.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong preference will be given to candidates with:

 

A master’s degree in a directly relevant course of study;

Five years of experience managing professional staff; and/or,

Relevant professional certification(s);

Experience directing a state-level Main Street Program, and/or a GEMS-designated program;

Experience leading a local or regional economic or community development office/organization.

 

Position Requirements:

Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide a writing sample prior to the interview.  1-2 onsite interviews will be scheduled with the best-qualified candidates.  The selected candidate will be subject to a criminal background check, educational degree check, reference checks, and (because travel is required) a motor vehicle records check prior to the extension of a job offer. Applicant must have and maintain the legal ability to drive a vehicle in the State of Georgia. 

 

Frequent travel via automobile is required with occasional travel to out-of-state conferences via airplane (travel expenses reimbursed by the agency).   

 

This is hybrid position based in DCA’s Atlanta headquarters.  Regular and frequent work from the headquarters location will be required but the specifics may be negotiable following an initial onboarding period (onboarding period may be waived for current DCA employees). The incumbent will be responsible for providing their own internet access to facilitate their work from home when they are not at the office.  DCA will provide a work cell-phone and other necessary hardware/equipment. 

 

Employment Benefits

DCA offers a comprehensive benefits package including multiple insurance options, retirement savings options, employee discount programs, flexible/adaptable scheduling, and a generous leave accrual schedule.  For more information on state employee benefits, please visit, https://team.georgia.gov/

Note: An equivalent combination of education and job specific experience that provided the knowledge, experience and competencies required to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted on a year-over-year basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS (TRAVEL, HOURS, ENVIRONMENT)

 

This position is currently designated as a hybrid (part in-office and part remote/Telework) position.  This position is full time (40 hours per week) and may require occasional overtime.  Local periodic travel may be required. 

 

PHYSICAL/SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

 

Sedentary Work – Ability to exert 10 - 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

 

 

NOTE: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided.  Selected applicants will be contacted for next steps in the interview process.  Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.  This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

 

DCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need an accommodation for an interview, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 679-4845