Listing Summary

Salary Range: $62,988.03 - $83,984.04

General Summary

The Project Manager serves as an advocate for the importance of business districts and Main Street districts in Atlanta’s neighborhoods and identifies ways the city can help them thrive. The ideal staffer in this role will work to advance equitable economic development by supporting business organizations across the city through programs, communication, and advocacy. Such programs include the Atlanta Main Street program, which operates in partnership with Georgia Main Street of Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs and Main Street America, and Breaking Barriers to Business (B3) which operates in partnership with Living Cities, Truist Foundation and Main Street America. The City of Atlanta currently has five (5) Main Street Districts and three (3) community-based, Business Serving Organizations (BSOs) in the B3 Cohort.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities   These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  May perform other duties as assigned.

The project manager will work collaboratively with internal/external stakeholders to achieve the following:

• Grow and develop the Atlanta Main Street program into a coordinating program in collaboration with Main Street America and the Georgia Main Street program.
• Advance the Breaking Barriers to Business (B3) effort to support and equip businesses organizations in developing and implementing their own district plans for improvement, in partnership with Living Cities and the Truist Foundation.
• Lead the process of supporting Atlanta Main Street districts toward ensuring they obtain and maintain full accreditation.
• Lead the process of supporting B3 districts towards ensuring they remain in compliance of the Living Cities agreement/program requirements.
• Develop and lead process of expanding Atlanta Main Street programming by adding new districts.
• Plan and facilitate monthly District Exchange sessions with the Atlanta Main Street/Living Cities B3 cohorts for training, peer-learning and support. 
• Maintain regular communication with Atlanta Main Street districts and Living Cities B3 districts and assist in problem solving and connecting on city-related issues or projects.
• Promote the Atlanta Main Street and Living Cities B3 effort and participating districts/organizations through outreach, social media campaigns, website content and print collateral.
• Provide excellent customer service and guidance to existing or prospective business organizations in navigating the systems and services of the City of Atlanta.
• Develop and maintain expertise on city policies and requirements that impact small businesses and business districts.
• Consult with and develop partnerships with representatives from other offices, departments, and organizations, such as Invest Atlanta and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., to effectively communicate processes, programs, and resources.
• Evaluate the quality and impact of communications, information and plans impacting small businesses and collaborate with other team members to implement improvements. 
• Provide continuous feedback to Department leadership on issues facing business districts and the need for new policies and initiatives. 
• Support the goals of Atlanta City Design by ensuring outreach, information and services are provided in an equitable manner to serve communities citywide, especially to those that have historically been disinvested. 

Leadership Provided 

• Routinely provides work group leadership, guidance, and/or training to less experienced staff. Acts as team lead on large projects.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge and experience with community and economic development principles and practice. 
• Program management experience including program development, tracking and evaluation. 
• Ability to design and manage complex projects and timelines and work with a team to achieve results. 
• Strong verbal and customer service skills. Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders to arrive at constructive solutions. 
• Ability to effectively conduct outreach to NPUs, community organizations, business associations, and trade organizations across the city to learn about challenges related to business districts and to offer support. 
• Demonstrated ability to strategically plan and develop new programs and initiatives to improve and extend the city’s support.
• A thorough knowledge of the City of Atlanta’s municipal code, policies, procedures, and organization is preferred. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business, urban planning, economics, public administration, or any other related field (Equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis).

Five years of progressive project management including 2 years of economic or community development related activities.

Preferred Education & Experience 

Masters’ degree in business, urban planning, economics, public administration or any other related field and direct experience in city government, community development or small business support work.

5-8 years of progressive project management including 3 years of economic or community development related activities. Familiarity with the Main Street approach and/or other similar methods of neighborhood commercial district revitalization. 

Licensures and Certifications 

Valid Georgia driver’s license required.