Listing Summary

GENERAL STATEMENT OF POSITION

This classification directs the overall operations of the Economic Development Department.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

• Develops and creates opportunities for economic development projects;
• Facilitates the development of long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure, and overall direction for the City;
• Facilitates Citywide recruiting activities, including internal and external economic development associations;
• Develops plans to promote commercial and industrial development, redevelopment, and revitalization in the City: seeks public and private partnerships to expand the commercial tax base; manages and directs the promotion and attraction of commerce and industry; implements successful economic development strategies and partnerships; provides assistance/guidance for the retention and expansion of existing industry; and develops programs to nurture small businesses and entrepreneurs;
• Provides written analysis, evaluation, and recommendations regarding economic development proposals;
• Provides leadership and serves as a subject area expert on economic development matters, providing technical advice to other departments and the economic community; serves as a resource on economic development financing methods;
• Acts as liaison to and builds strong relationships with City/County officials and departments and the economic development community, including government agencies, schools, labor organizations, non-profits, and businesses, as well as entrepreneurial and civic/community groups, regarding issues of economic concern, development proposals, and projects;
• Serves as staff for, or provides advice to, a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; serves as the primary liaison and spokesperson for the City of South Fulton and Economic Development Authorities;
• Works effectively in time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines; coordinates multiple projects and complex tasks concurrently; exercises sound independent judgment and demonstrates initiative and creativity with minimal supervision; communicates complex material clearly, logically, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including public presentations to large and small audiences;
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff: makes hiring or termination decisions/recommendations; establishes workloads and prioritizes work assignments; motivates/guides subordinates toward the accomplishment of departmental goals and objectives; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures;
• Directs the preparation of division budget: conducts spending analysis; reviews expenditures and budget recommendations; prepares budget forecasts; approves or denies specific expenditures; and monitors expenditures for compliance with approved budget;
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Requires a master’s degree in urban planning, Public or 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 or
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• The candidate must be sensitive to and understand the issues confronting local businesses and property owners, public agencies, and community organizations. The candidate must also be creative, entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, well-organized, self-motivated, and able to lead various stakeholders effectively.
• Membership and Certification with the Georgia Economic Developers Association preferred.
• Requires a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED

Physical Requirements:

This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 10 pounds).  Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.