Economic Development Specialist

Full Time

8810-Clerical Office

CITY HALL, Roswell, GA, US

6 days ago

Requisition ID: 1454

ApplySalary Range:

$57,352.21 To $74,539.86 Annually

City of Roswell, Georgia

JOB DESCRIPTION

www.roswellgov.com/jobs

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Department: Administration

Pay Grade: 511

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Code: A133

JOB SUMMARY

The Economic Development Specialist is a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional responsible for providing the research, financial insight, and risk assessment necessary to support sound economic development decisions. This role serves as the analytical foundation of the City’s economic development efforts, ensuring that projects, policies, and investments are grounded in data-driven analysis and fiscal responsibility.

Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, the Specialist leads due diligence on proposed development projects, including financial underwriting, market analysis, and feasibility assessment. This position works closely with the Economic Development Project Manager, providing the analytical framework that informs project selection, deal structuring, and strategic direction, while the Project Manager leads implementation and delivery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Project Evaluation & Financial Underwriting

Evaluates development proposals through detailed review of pro formas, project budgets, and capital structures. Assesses feasibility, financial returns, and risk, identifying key assumptions and gaps.

Market Research & Economic Analysis

Conducts market, industry, and demographic analysis to inform economic development strategy, sector targeting, and investment decisions. Evaluates real estate trends and competitive positioning.

Economic & Fiscal Impact Analysis

Analyzes projected economic benefits, including job creation, tax revenue, and private investment. Conducts fiscal impact analyses to evaluate long-term public return.

Feasibility & Risk Assessment

Assesses project and site feasibility, including physical, financial, and regulatory factors. Identifies risks and recommends mitigation strategies.

Data Management & Performance Tracking

Maintains and manages data related to economic development projects, pipelines, and financial metrics. Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluates program and project performance.

Analytical Modeling & Decision Support

Develops financial models, scenario analyses, and decision-support tools. Utilizes GIS and data visualization to support analysis and communicate findings.

Regulatory & Policy Alignment

Ensures projects align with zoning, land use regulations, Comprehensive Plan goals, and economic development policies. Coordinates with Planning, Legal, and Finance.

Data Management & Performance Analytics

Maintains and manages data related to economic development projects, pipelines, and financial metrics. Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluates program and project performance.

Regulatory & Policy Alignment

Ensures projects align with zoning, land use regulations, Comprehensive Plan goals, and economic development policies. Coordinates with Planning, Legal, and Finance.

Stakeholder Coordination & Due Diligence Support

Works with internal departments, development authorities (RDA/DDA), consultants, and developers to gather data, validate assumptions, and support due diligence efforts.

Reporting & Analytical Communication

Prepares clear, concise reports, memos, and presentations. Translates complex financial and market analysis into actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders.

Support for Negotiations & Incentive Structuring

Provides analytical support for deal structuring, including incentives and public-private partnerships (e.g., TAD, bond-for-title, C-PACER), ensuring financial soundness and alignment with City objectives.

Strategy Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

Evaluates the effectiveness of economic development strategies, incentives, and programs. Recommends improvements to enhance outcomes.

Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives

Supports priority initiatives and major redevelopment efforts through research, analysis, and strategic input.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation and Experience:

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Real Estate, or related field, ; 2-5 years of experience in economic development, urban planning, real estate analysis or development, finance or related analytical field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Experience working in a municipal or public sector environment preferred. Experience with development review, feasibility analysis, or underwriting preferred.

Licenses or Certifications:

Valid State of Georgia Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to conduct and synthesize market and industry research
Identify trends that inform strategy and policy
Strong understanding of real estate finance and development economics
Ability to evaluate pro formas, capital stacks, and financial risk
Experience evaluating job creation, tax impacts, and economic value
Ability to assess fiscal sustainability
Strong critical thinking and scenario analysis skills
Ability to identify and mitigate project risks
Working knowledge of zoning, land use, and development regulations
Ability to align projects with City priorities
Advanced Excel and analytical modeling skills
Experience with economic, demographic, and real estate data
Ability to translate complex analysis into clear recommendations
Strong written and presentation skills
Data-driven with strong attention to detail
Ability to ask thoughtful questions and challenge assumptions
Ability to balance opportunity with risk
Ability to break down complex problems effectively
Ability to produce high-quality work with minimal oversight
Ability to work effectively across teams and stakeholders

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary to light which requires the ability to exert light physical effort, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks also require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

The City has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

The City of Roswell, Georgia commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The City's policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law.

City of Roswell, Georgia

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