Director/President of the Johnson County Development Authority

Position to be filled by: July 1, 2025

Company: Johnson County Development Authority

Location: Wrightsville, Georgia

Category: Economic Development

Position Type: Full-Time

Education Requirement: Bachelor's Degree

Experience Requirement: minimum 2 years' experience in a related field

Salary: $40,000 - $65,000

How to Apply: Contact Cassie Walters at cwalters@johnsonco.org

Job Description & Details:

Director/President of the Johnson County Development Authority.  Johnson is a small rural county of about 9,000 people. You will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and sustainability in a community with limited resources and currently a predominantly agricultural economy. This challenging position requires creativity, resilience, and a strong commitment to the prosperity of our community and all its residents. 

The position reports to the Board of the Johnson County Development Authority.

Responsibilities:

Operational Planning: This position is responsible for developing and executing a plan concentrating on three main areas – industrial development, housing development, and Agritourism.

Business Retention and Attraction: Actively engage with existing businesses to understand their needs and challenges to assist them in meeting those needs with community services and connections. Also, work to attract new businesses to the area that fit the community. This work includes fostering relationships with local entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and potential businesses.

Infrastructure Development: Collaborate with local government officials and relevant stakeholders to identify and prioritize infrastructure projects that support economic development, such as mini-industrial park development, housing development, transportation improvements, water/sewer improvements, continued broadband expansion, utility upgrades, and childcare initiatives.

Community Authority, Commission, and other entities Coordination: This position requires collaborating with the various community entities such as the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Chamber of Commerce, City government, County government, and local schools and colleges. This position will also need to work with the various State Commissions such as the Department of Community Affairs to identify and solicit resources for the community.

Workforce Development: Work closely with educational institutions, vocational training programs, and workforce development agencies to ensure that our community has the skilled labor force necessary to support the new diverse industries and businesses.

Grant Writing and Fundraising: Identify grant opportunities and other sources of funding to support economic development initiatives, and work with a grant writer or prepare competitive grant proposals to secure necessary funding.

Community Engagement: Engage with residents, community organizations and local leaders to gather input, build consensus, and foster a sense of community pride and ownership in economic development efforts.

Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report on economic data and trends to inform decision-making and measure the impact of economic development initiatives.

Qualifications:

Experience in economic development, business recruitment, community development, or related field, preferably in a rural or agricultural setting.

Effective communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated ability to think strategically, innovate, and problem-solve in a resource-constrained environment.

Proficiency in relevant computer skills and software programs.

Knowledge of grant writing, fundraising, and economic development finance is desirable.

Familiarity with local zoning regulations, land use policies, and economic development incentives.

Passion for rural communities and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of residents.

Benefits:

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience

Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a community that needs progress to survive and then thrive.