Starting salary $85,000+, depending on qualifications.

Under administrative direction of the Director of Economic Development, performs a variety of professional-level duties in support of the City’s economic development program. This position manages the day-to-day administrative operations of the Alpharetta Development Authority, administers economic development incentives and special projects, assists with business recruitment, retention, and expansion initiatives; and supports small business, workforce, and public outreach efforts. Responsibilities include coordinating with City departments, businesses, and partner organizations; preparing and delivering presentations; assisting in the development and negotiation of agreements; and conducting research and analysis to inform policy and program enhancements.

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

Manages a variety of economic development programs, incentives, and special projects as assigned by the Director of Economic Development; including participating in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; participating in policy formulation; recommending and managing policies and procedures.
Directs the day-to-day operations of the Alpharetta Development Authority, managing administrative functions, records retention, meeting coordination (including agendas, notices, and minutes), member appointments and training, and communication between Authority members and stakeholders; receives and processes official notices; ensures adherence to public meeting laws, ethics requirements, financial reporting, and regulatory filings; and monitors operational deadlines and compliance requirements.
Administers economic development incentive programs, such as tax abatements and grants; handles application processing, compliance monitoring, program documentation, performance tracking, and marketing coordination.
Supports the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program by prospecting companies for visitation, coordinating meetings, participating in outreach visits, following up with resources, and maintaining accurate records of business interactions.
Builds and maintains relationships with organizations supporting small business development, such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), local chambers of commerce, and business associations, to connect Alpharetta’s small businesses with relevant resources and support programs; maintains applicable memberships and sponsorships; and administers the City’s small business ribbon cutting policy.
Builds and maintains relationships with workforce development agencies to stay informed on programs that support business retention, attraction, and entrepreneurial growth; helps connect Alpharetta businesses with relevant workforce resources.
Assists with economic development projects, including new business recruitment and existing business expansions; provides support with project management, communication, data gathering, and interdepartmental coordination; aids in the preparation and negotiation of development agreements and business incentive packages.
Responds to inquiries from businesses, providing knowledgeable assistance and guidance on City and Authority processes, licenses, permitting, incentive programs, and available resources.
Performs a full range of public relations activities; represents the City at business, civic, and community meetings and events; and prepares and delivers presentations to diverse audiences, including prospective businesses, local organizations, and partner agencies.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stay informed on new trends and developments in the field of economic development.
Conducts research, studies, and investigations to inform economic development planning and decision-making; prepares reports, staff memos, and correspondence for internal use and external stakeholders, including the City Council and Development Authority; and recommends enhancements to economic development programs, policies, and procedures.
Assists with budget oversight and program improvement, supporting financial reporting, bond issuances, contract renewals, and policy updates.
Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies related to economic development activities.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities required

Knowledge of:

Excellent professional-level writing, editing and verbal communications skills with an ability to adjust communication for different audiences and channels and tell a compelling story.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work closely with multiple internal teammates and external stakeholders as well as senior leadership.

Principles, practices, and governance of Development Authorities, including their legal framework, operational structure, compliance requirements, public meeting laws, ethics, financial reporting, records retention, and regulatory filings.
Local, state, and federal economic development policies, programs, and incentives, including tax abatements, grants, and bond financing.
Principles, practices, and strategies of economic development, including business recruitment, retention, expansion, and small business development.
Operational characteristics, services, and activities of municipal economic development programs and related business resources.
Project and program management principles and best practices, including timelines, stakeholder coordination, and performance tracking.
Marketing, communication, public relations, and customer service principles relevant to economic development.
Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report preparation to inform planning and decision-making.
Business, market, and economic indicators, trends, and analysis techniques.
Use of social media platforms and emerging technologies for outreach and engagement.
Computer software including Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, desktop publishing, and communication/presentation tools.

Ability to:

Assist in the management of a comprehensive economic development program.
Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact, both in person and by phone, while managing multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines, and maintaining high-quality work.

Work with minimal supervision while consistently providing updates on progress and status.

Effectively coordinate and manage projects of varying sizes and complexity.
Analyze and interpret economic data to support strategic decision-making.
Understand the organization, operation, and services of the City, Authority, and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
Facilitate, develop, and work with groups to reach departmental goals while satisfying the public group’s goals.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Develop and maintain effective interdepartmental coordination.

Exercise sound judgment and common sense, maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.

Represent the City in a professional manner when dealing with the City Council, boards, community groups, and the general public.

Operate modern office equipment, including computers and laptops, with intermediate to advanced proficiency in Office 365 and other software programs required for the position.
Speak publicly and communicate clearly, concisely, and creatively, both orally and in writing, while effectively presenting programs to diverse audiences through print, video, electronic media, and in-person engagements.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Work outside traditional working hours, including early morning and evening events, meetings, organizational networking events and occasional travel for trade shows and industry conferences.

Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.

Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.

Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in economic development, public or business administration, or a related field.
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development and/or related activities including three (3) years of project or program management.
Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire) and ability to maintain it.

Preferred:

Master’s degree with major course work in economic development, public or business administration, public policy or a related field.
Experience in local government economic development and development authorities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. Continuous sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. Frequent side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasping to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 25 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Alpharetta is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Employee Manual & Benefits Handbook or bona fide occupational qualifications).

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Alpharetta is committed to providing a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which it serves. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of City’s employees and to the security of the City’s equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the City is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Alpharetta will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

City of Alpharetta, GA

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