Economic Development Manager
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for pursuing economic development for the City of Peachtree City, including but not limited to, business retention, expansion and attraction programs, financial incentives, property acquisition assistance, disposition assistance, project management, and business relocation. This position will serve as a liaison between the City of Peachtree City and the Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA), as well as between businesses, located within the city’s boundaries, and the City organization, as well as to help ensure that certain sections of the City’s ordinances are meeting the needs of the business community, and to promote public investment in community assets that will make the city more competitive. This position works under the Department of the City Manager’s Office, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities as needed and required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Works closely with all city departments, partner-organizations, Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA), Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, and other outside public and private entities to pursue and secure economic development opportunities advantageous to the city.
- Research, recommend and assist the Grant Coordinator in applying for various grants to improve city-wide infrastructure for the purpose of fostering economic development.
- Manages capital improvement projects as they relate to economic development.
- Manages a diverse project portfolio and exhibits the ability to work with small- and large-scale developments while meeting the requirements of City Ordinances.
- Serves as the staff liaison to the Fayette County Development Authority and the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, as well as any other economic development related groups, authorities, boards, etc.
- Serves as a liaison between businesses and the City, via business recruitment, improving public infrastructure, and providing business centric related community events, informational resources, and services.
- Analyzes economic data and trends to identify opportunities and challenges for the City’s economic development.
- Works with the Public Communications department to develop and maintain City marketing materials, department website, quarterly business newsletters, business related survey, presentations, and campaigns to showcase the city’s advantages to attract businesses.
- Acts as the staff liaison for the City’s contracted retail recruitment organization.
- Presents for the City at conferences, trade shows, and industry events to promote development opportunities.
- Cultivates good working relationships with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, county staff, educational institutions, civic groups, and private citizens and business owners in Peachtree City.
- Assists with negotiations related to purchase, lease or voluntary transfer of property and easements, clearing of title and processing of claims for damage.
- Reviews analysis, documents and reports prepared by consultants and staff to ensure accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness.
- Keeps abreast of legislative developments which may impact economic development programs, policies and/or procedures and implements follow-up action.
- Attends meetings with other divisions/departments and City administration to plan, recommend, and/or discuss upcoming projects and policies.
- Provides information and recommendations regarding operations and assists in making decisions related to municipal government; develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities.
- Assists in the development of budget and capital recommendations for the division/department and administers approved funds; submits divisional/departmental purchases and payables.
- Gathers information for bids and prepares documents for awards.
- Coordinates and assists other divisions/departments as needed regarding City projects that require interdepartmental cooperation and problem-solving.
- Prepares and presents presentations or proposals to City administration and/or City Council as required.
- Assists in the preparation of documents related to economic development transactions including, but not limited to, easements, conveyances, notes, deeds of trust, grant deeds, rights of entry, licenses, permits, reconveyances and agreements. Monitors contracts and agreements relating to economic development or property management activities which involve payments or financial calculations.
- Analyzes economic data and prepares long-term business and financial forecasts in coordination with other City employees including the Financial & Administrative Services, Engineering Services and Planning & Development.
- Uses the City’s various software tools for information gathering, report building, and other needed applications for economic development such as placer.ai, zencity, nearmap, GIS tools, etc.
- Works with the Planning & Development Division as necessary regarding business redevelopment, variances, site plans, rezoning, etc.
- Responds to citizen, business, and/or other division/department inquiries concerning topics or assts related to Economic Development.
- Performs related duties.
- Knowledge of economic development strategies and best practices.
- Knowledge of methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report preparation.
- Knowledge of basic economic development concepts and strategies.
- Knowledge of basic economic incentives and financing methods.
- Knowledge of basic project management principles and practices.
- Knowledge of business, market, and economic indicators, and trends.
- Knowledge of general planning, zoning, project processing, and permitting processes.
- Knowledge of operating characteristics of Geographic Information Systems.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal economic development policies and programs.
- Knowledge of urban planning principles, including land use, zoning, and environmental planning
- Knowledge of business development processes, including business attraction, retention, and expansion.
- Skill in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting economic and demographic data.
- Skill in prioritizing and planning.
- Skill in interpersonal relations to engage with business leaders, community organizations, and the public
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively in a workplace of dignity and respect.
- Ability to work with elected officials and government agencies.
- Ability to conduct feasibility studies, market analysis, and impact assessments.
- Ability to build and maintain partnerships with various stakeholders.
The Assistant City Manager assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include federal, state, and local laws; the City Personnel Policy Manual; and City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
- The work consists of varied administrative duties. The variety of duties and strict regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.
- The purpose of this position is to foster the economic growth and sustainability of Peachtree City.
- Contacts are typically with coworkers, City managers/supervisors, City employees, business leaders, business leaders, stakeholders, and the general public.
- Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, resolve problems, and provide services.
- The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table. The employee occasionally lifts light to medium-weight objects.
- The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelor’s degree in economics, urban planning, public administration, business administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
- Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience related to economic development.
