Organization: Cartersville-Bartow County Dept. of Economic Development
Location: Cartersville, Georgia
Category: Development Authority
Job Type: Full time

Education Required: Bachelor's
Experience: 5-10 years

Salary: Compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Deadline: 11/16/2026

Contact:
Melinda Lemmon
Melinda@LocationofChoice.com
404.218.2180

To Apply:
Sent Letter of Interest to: HR@CartersvilleGA.gov or in person at Human Resources, 1 N Erwin Street, Cartersville, GA.

Department

Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development

Job Summary

This position assists the Executive Director in implementing programs of the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development. The position serves as the lead team member for existing industry support, retention and expansion; and assists with PILOT initiatives and financial accountability, workforce development, business recruitment, and product development. The Deputy Director provides departmental leadership in the Executive Director’s absence or as entrusted.

Lead Responsibilities

• Serves as the lead team member for existing industry support, business retention and expansion, maintaining relationships with industries and related partners.

• Proactively identifies industry needs and independently manages assigned projects.

• Coordinates with businesses, agencies, utilities, and developers on assigned projects, and represents the Department at meetings, industry visits, and community events, preparing related reports and presentations.

• Maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information, exercises sound judgment and professionalism, and performs other related duties as assigned.

Assists the Executive Director With

• Development and implementation of departmental goals, strategies, and initiatives.

• Departmental operations — providing leadership and continuity in the Executive Director’s absence or as entrusted, and cross-training in other departmental functions.

• Administration of Bonds for Title projects, PILOT agreements, grants, and incentive programs — maintaining financial accountability and documentation.

• Administration of product development and research initiatives.

• Administrative and professional support for the Bartow-Cartersville Joint Development Authority and other partnering boards.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of economic development principles, practices, programs, resources, and project management.

• Knowledge of business retention, expansion, recruitment, and workforce development practices.

• Knowledge of — or at least general knowledge of and ability/willingness to learn more about — Bonds for Title, PILOT agreements, grants, and other financial incentive programs.

• General understanding of utilities, government, and community organization practices (preferably in Georgia).

Qualifications

Education / Credentials, Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, or a closely related field.

Education / Credentials, Preferred:
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), Georgia Certified Economic Developer (GCED), or comparable professional credential.

Experience, Required:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience with Development Authorities, economic development or a closely related field.

Experience, Preferred:
Experience in community development, communications/public relations, real estate, workforce development, and/or a community-based organization.

Financial, Legal & Analytical Skills, Required:
Strong Excel and data analytics skills; foundational financial knowledge, including budgets, incentive agreements, and financial reporting; foundational legal knowledge related to governmental-related entities.

Financial, Legal & Analytical Skills, Preferred:
Advanced Excel and data analytics skills.

Core Skills & Abilities, Required:
Strong leadership, project management, communication, and relationship-building skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business technology; ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Core Skills & Abilities, Preferred:
Facilitation skills (i.e. strategic planning, consensus building, collaboration).

License, Required:
Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. —

Guidelines

Guidelines include City of Cartersville and Department policies and procedures; BCJDA policies and procedures; applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations; economic development agreements; grant requirements; incentive agreements; board policies; and generally accepted economic development practices.

Many assignments require the employee to exercise judgment in interpreting guidelines, evaluating alternatives, coordinating multiple parties, protecting confidential information, and determining the appropriate course of action.

Complexity

The work consists of varied professional, administrative, financial, and project management duties associated with economic development.

The employee is responsible for managing multiple projects and priorities involving businesses, governmental agencies, community partners, educational institutions, workforce development organizations, utilities, consultants, and other stakeholders.

The variety of projects, confidential nature of economic development activities, changing business needs, financial considerations, and coordination among multiple organizations contribute to the complexity of the position.

Physical Demands

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table and while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, or reaching.

The employee frequently uses a computer and other standard office equipment and must be able to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.

The employee may occasionally visit industrial facilities, construction sites, development properties, or other project locations that require walking over uneven terrain or navigating active work environments.

The employee may occasionally lift or move light office, presentation, or event-related materials.

Work Environment

The work is primarily performed in an office environment but regularly requires travel to businesses, industry facilities, project sites, governmental offices, meetings, and community events.

The employee may occasionally be exposed to inclement weather, construction areas, industrial environments, noise, moving equipment, uneven terrain, and other conditions associated with site and industry visits.

The position may require occasional work outside normal business hours, including early morning, evening, or other events and meetings.

Appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment must be used when required at industrial or project sites.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

The position does not have regular direct supervisory responsibility unless specifically assigned.

The Deputy Director assists the Executive Director with departmental leadership and operations and may provide direction, coordination, or project leadership to Department staff, interns, consultants, vendors, or project participants as assigned.

The Deputy Director may act on behalf of the Executive Director or provide continuity of departmental operations in the Executive Director's absence when authorized.

The City of Cartersville is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual