Listing Summary

Job Description
The Planning and Economic Development Division Director provides strategic leadership and direction to the Division’s multiple sections including Community Planning and Outreach, Economic Development, and Long-Range Planning. This newly created Division manages major economic development initiatives, supports small businesses, maintains Gwinnett’s 2040 Unified Plan, creates, and implements master plans, and provides support to the County’s existing neighborhoods through community-based planning and outreach efforts. This position provides direction by overseeing and leading strategic planning and economic development initiatives, collaborating with various stakeholders, including government officials, community members, and other relevant organizations, ensuring the efficient and sustainable growth and development through the implementation of comprehensive planning strategies and policies as well as fostering economic growth, attracting businesses, and creating job opportunities.

Essential Duties

• Leads and manages a team of planning and economic development professionals, provides guidance to ensure the successful execution of projects and initiatives, compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and alignment with Gwinnett County’s vision and goals for all planning activities.
• Facilitates public engagement activities, such as community meetings and workshops, to gather input and promote transparency in the planning process.
• Coordinates with stakeholders to gather input on planning initiatives and conducting analysis of demographic, economic, and environmental data to make informed planning decisions and policies.
• Reviews major economic development projects that align with the County’s economic development goals for financial incentives
• Oversees the preparation and presentation of reports, studies, and recommendations to government officials and community members.
• Manages the Gwinnett Neighborhood Services Program and related Place-Making Grant Program. 
• Oversees management and programming of the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center
• Manages five county-sponsored Tax Allocation Districts (TAD) and the Gwinnett Place Opportunity Zone to provide financial support for eligible redevelopment projects
• Maintains a close relationship with partner organizations such as Commercial Improvement Districts (CID’s), the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Partnership Gwinnett, and other organizations.
• Represents the County on the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Land Use Coordinating Committee (LUCC).
• Applies for funding to develop new Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) plans through the ARC and manages updates and implementation of existing LCI plans.
• Develops and updates community master plans for Gwinnett’s 30 plus unincorporated communities.
• Collaborates with relevant departments to ensure the integration of planning initiatives with other government functions, such as transportation, housing, and infrastructure development.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive economic development strategy in collaboration with local stakeholders, government officials, and community organizations.
• Conducts market analysis to identify and attract businesses and industries that align with the economic goals and needs of the community.
• Promotes the community to attract businesses and industries as an investment destination and collaborating with local commerce stakeholders to support their growth and innovation.
• Remains current with industry trends, economic indicators, and government policies that may impact economic development efforts.
• Provides managerial and supervisory support, staff evaluation, and budget preparation for the division

Public Speaking Duties

• Public engagement activities such as community meetings and workshops.

• Present planning reports, studies, and recommendations to government officials and community members.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Urban Planning, Public Administration, Economic Development or a closely related field

• Nine years of progressively responsible experience related to the area of assignment, including two years experience as a manager

• Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Economic Development or a related field

• Four years experience as a manager

• Proven experience in a leadership role within the planning field, preferably in a local government setting

• Strong knowledge of urban planning principles, practices, and regulations

• Strong knowledge of economic development principles, strategies, and best practices

• Familiarity with local government operations and policies