Organization: McDuffie County
Location: Thomson, GA
Category: Development Authority
Job Type: Full time

Education Required: Bachelor's
Experience: 3–5 years

Salary: This position will begin at $85,000-$90,000 and increase with experience, education, professional licenses, and certifications. McDuffie County offers paid time off, health care with vision and dental plans, life insurance, retirement plan, and YMCA membership.

Application Deadline: 8/3/2026

Contact:
Brandon Burton
📧 brandon.burton@thomson-mcduffie.gov
📞 706-595-2112

To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and completed application to the McDuffie County HR Office.

Applications can be mailed to:

McDuffie County
Attn: Human Resources
210 Railroad Street
Administration Building, 2nd Floor
Thomson, GA 30824

or emailed to:

mcduffiehr@thomson-mcduffie.gov

Employment Application:
https://www.thomson-mcduffie.gov/DocumentCenter/View/194/McDuffie-County-Employment-Application-PDF

Position Overview

McDuffie County seeks an Economic Development Director to lead business recruitment, retention, expansion, redevelopment, and workforce development efforts to enhance the local tax base and support sustainable growth. The Director serves as liaison to the Thomson–McDuffie Industrial Development Authority and works closely with government, business, and regional partners under the direction of the County Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the County’s economic development strategy, including delivery of a five-year strategic plan.

• Drive business attraction, retention, expansion, and redevelopment efforts to strengthen the tax base and support sustainable growth.

• Market the community and available sites; manage prospect engagement and representation at events and industry/regional forums.

• Advance site readiness and development execution, including coordination with permitting and development processes.

• Lead incentives, grants, and budget administration to support projects and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.

• Serve as liaison to the Thomson–McDuffie Industrial Development Authority and align public/private partners to deliver priorities.

• Support the Downtown Development Authority by advancing downtown revitalization priorities, business retention, and targeted redevelopment projects.

• Coordinate Forward McDuffie and workforce development partners to strengthen the talent pipeline and employer support.

• Monitor economic trends and ensure regulatory and program compliance across initiatives.

About the Position

The ideal candidate will be professional and well versed in many facets of economic development to support a growing community. The new director will be instrumental in promoting the county, its resources, and be a driving force for the creation of new jobs and industry.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Economic development deal execution expertise, including incentives, financing tools, and project competitiveness.

• Working knowledge of local government operations and processes, including zoning, land use, and development coordination.

• Executive-level stakeholder leadership with the ability to align elected officials, boards/authorities, industry, and regional partners.

• Strong analytical capability to interpret market and economic data and translate insights into strategy and priorities.

• Excellent communication and project management skills, with disciplined follow through and cross-functional coordination.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s preferred.

• Minimum five years of relevant experience, with local government experience strongly preferred.

• Professional certifications such as Certified Economic Developer are a plus.

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based with regular local travel. Occasional evening and weekend commitments required. Attendance to conventions and other recruiting events as required.

About McDuffie County

Located along the I-20 corridor between Atlanta and Augusta, McDuffie County offers a strong manufacturing and logistics base, historic downtown in Thomson, and access to transportation assets including I-20 and the regional airport. The area provides a high quality of life with outdoor recreation opportunities.