Description
MISSION STATEMENT:
To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions for the City of Cullman will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Equal opportunities are provided regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law. The City of Cullman will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with known disabilities.
Reports to: Director of Economic Development
Compensation: Full-Time / Salary (OT Exempt)
Description:
The Economic Development Manager serves as a key member of the Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) team and supports initiatives that promote business growth, job creation, investment attraction, community development, and revitalization. The Manager works closely with businesses, developers, workforce partners, and government agencies to implement programs that strengthen the local economy and improve quality of life.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, confidential environment.
Detailed Work Activities
- Completes industrial project RFIs.
- Maintains the sites and buildings database – both internally and on other websites such as EDPA and TVASites.
- Creates and implements an existing industry program.
- Maintains relationships with leadership at Cullman’s existing industries.
- Assists in preparing local and state incentive packages.
- Prepares abatements for approval by the Cullman City Council and/or Cullman County Commission.
- Prepares cost benefit analysis for projects.
- Compiles annual new and expanding industry report for the Alabama Department of Commerce.
- Works closely with the Director in efforts to recruit defined target markets.
- Works closely with the Assistant Director in retail development efforts.
- Maintains the CEDA website (training will be provided) and contributes to social media posts for CEDA regarding this office, local industry, events, etc.
- Implements strategic plans, strategies, and initiatives as delegated by the Director.
- Attends meetings, presentations, trade shows, conferences, and public-facing engagements as needed.
- Monitors deadlines for various projects.
- Assists in the development of marketing materials and digital content.
- Creates presentations for various meetings, speaking engagements, and events as needed.
- Promotes Cullman’s assets, workforce advantages, quality of life, and retail trade area.
- Prepares, or assists in preparing, reports, presentations, grant applications, and economic impact analyses for internal use, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
- Accompanies on site visits and/or prospect tours as needed.
- Responds to requests for data such as demographics, traffic counts, etc.
- Prepares industrial development report for monthly meetings with the Cullman City Council, Industrial Development Board, and others as needed.
- Assists with retail development as needed
- Assists with workforce development as needed
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in economic development, finance, marketing, public relations, business, or related field.
Preferred
- 2-4 years of project management experience, economic/community development, financial, or public-sector experience.
- Familiarity with ESRI, Placer.ai, JobsEQ, or similar analytics platforms.
- Experience working with municipal governments, chambers, utilities, developers, or site consultants.
- Familiarity with Alabama’s economic development programs, taxes, and incentives
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to build effective relationships with business leaders, developers, government officials, and community partners.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
- Ability to create presentations in programs such as Canva and PowerPoint.
Personal Attributes:
- Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Strategic thinker with operational follow-through.
- High ethical standards and commitment to public service.
- Collaborative and team-oriented.
Work Environment:
Office-based role with occasional travel, overnight travel, and work outside normal business hours.
Some lifting required when setting up events and/or transporting equipment. (Podiums, groundbreaking shovels, tables, etc.)
Professional or business casual attire.
The City of Cullman provides the following benefits for full time employees: - Medical and Dental Insurance
- AirMed Care Network (free membership for full time employees and their dependents)
- Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center (free membership for all full time employees)
- RSA (Retirement Systems of Alabama) Retirement Benefits
- Paid Life Insurance Coverage
- Education Incentives
- Earned Vacation and Sick Leave
- Paid Time Off For Jury Duty
- Paid Holidays
- New Year's Day
- MLK
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veteran's Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
