Director of Economic Development - College Park, City of (GA) : Job Details

A successful candidate will play an active role in the City of College Park's existing operational success. The purpose of the position is to manage the development of the City. Successful performance helps ensure the orderly development of the City, affects the quality of economic opportunity for city residents, and affects the image of the City.

Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate available guidelines and procedures as well as interpret precedents. The Director of Economic Development is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing the day-to-day operations of the Economic Development Department, staff, and Economic Development Committee, and other city staff in promoting the business and economic development interests within the community. This position will include working with all noted departments associated with the City's strategic goal for economic growth, providing guidance to individuals and companies to establish, relocate, or expand their businesses within the community. This member of the team is the lead position in the retainment and recruitment of businesses for the City. The position will include assistance in the planning and coordination of community development projects, assisting business and residential applicants with local and state permitting processes, and providing research for City-sponsored projects. This position is a direct report to the City Manager. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative, dynamic, and sometimes ambiguous environment that keeps the big picture in focus and can help the organization grow. Must be able to work with methods that include analytics from a variety of web and social media applications. Responsible for design, execution, project management, and engagement, the Director of Economic Development will be a key translator, navigator, and ambassador for the organization and its mission.

• Provides business development and financing advice to local business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Facilitates target marketing of the City to new business development and expansion efforts through meetings and advertising strategies.
• Manages and negotiates the sale and disposition of City-owned real estate and right-of-ways.
• Handles various land acquisition projects.
• Facilitates meetings between developers, real estate investment trusts, engineers, and architects to promote business activity within the City.
• Aids in developing short and long-term economic and community development plans, gathering information, and preparing reports and recommendations. This includes maintaining data on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, financing tools, and incentives to respond to economic development requests and coordinate with other departments and agencies.
• Provides professional economic development advice, assists with application and permitting processes, and advocates for economic development aligned with the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, and City goals.
• Promotes the 6 West Redevelopment Project, focusing on lot sales and orderly project development within 6 West.
• Works closely with the 6 West Mainstreet Advisory Board to identify concerns related to business location and expansion within Mainstreet.
• Maintains liaison with local, State, and Federal agencies, coordinating projects as necessary.
• Provides information and presentations on economic development issues to various groups and the public.
• Familiarizes with available buildings and development sites within the community, including public and private properties.
• Prepares grant proposals, contracts, and other documents required for community services.
• Serves on economic development groups or task forces at various levels as needed.
• Assists with negotiation and management of service contracts, property sales, acquisitions, and economic negotiations.
• Administers the City's Micro Loan Program.
• Monitors legislation and regulations related to economic development, reporting findings to relevant parties.
• Supervises Economic Development staff involved in business recruitment and retention activities, including scheduling, training, and performance evaluation.
• Develops and recommends the annual department budget, monitors expenditures.
• Engages developers and investors for new business development and expansion efforts.
• Provides support to the City's Main Street Program.
• Develops strategies to eliminate blight and stimulate development in targeted districts.
• Conducts demographic and market trend analyses of the City.
• Coordinates with the Planning & Zoning Department to eliminate blight.
• Serves as liaison for the College Park Business and Industrial Development Authority.
• Performs other duties as required, with flexibility for additional assignments related to the position's scope.

We seek candidates who are flexible, well-organized, creative, inquisitive, resourceful, detail-oriented, ethical, collaborative, and committed to inclusive educational excellence. The ability to prioritize and juggle multiple tasks in a dynamic environment while maintaining quality work products is essential. The candidate should have experience in planning, directing, and supervising personnel, ensuring timely project completion, and managing the department's budget.

• Knowledge of economic development and real estate principles, zoning, land use, and local property availability.
• Knowledge of State and Federal Economic Development Programs.
• Knowledge of marketing principles and strategies.
• Knowledge of the City's zoning ordinances and land use plans.
• Knowledge of development regulations concerning land use.
• Knowledge of economic development, business retention, and recruitment.
• Knowledge of socio-economic and demographic research techniques.
• Skill in managing large financial transactions.
• Ability to develop and implement economic development strategies.
• Ability to network with real estate and site selection professionals.
• Knowledge of organizational, administrative, budgeting, and personnel principles.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Excellent communication skills for presentations to officials and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Analytical skills for evaluating procedures and establishing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, courteously and effectively.
• Proficiency in using computers and related software.
• Moderate physical activity, including handling objects up to 50 pounds, standing, and walking for extended periods.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Public Administration, City Planning, or Economic Development required; Master's preferred.
• 7-9 years of progressive experience.
• Valid Georgia driver's license required.
• Strong strategic, analytical, organizational, and leadership skills, with experience managing multiple projects.
• Experience in designing and producing collateral and publications.
• Commitment to shared leadership and cross-functional teamwork.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in diverse teams.
• Extended hours and weekends may be required.
• Pre-employment screening, including background check and drug testing, required.