Economic Development Manager | City of Douglasville

The Economic Development Manager supports the City’s economic development services, projects, and programs by analyzing, coordinating, and administering initiatives that promote business growth, redevelopment, and community investment. The position facilitates project processing and permitting for local businesses, monitors and evaluates economic trends using business license and business retention and expansion data, and serves as a resource to City staff, external agencies, and the public.

This role oversees Main Street initiatives through planning and direct supervision of the Main Street Coordinator.

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis and prepares mapping documents to support business attraction, relocation, expansion, land use decisions, marketing, and tax analysis.

• Utilizes economic and demographic data from CoStar and other databases to support economic development initiatives.

• Assists in preparing economic and community development reports for boards, commissions, and stakeholders.

• Prepares meeting agendas, minutes, summaries, and informational materials.

• Supports implementation of Downtown Master Plan, Northside Redevelopment Plan, Urban Redevelopment Plan, and other adopted plans.

• Manages and coordinates selected development and revitalization projects.

• Identifies and recruits eligible projects for Tax Allocation District (TAD) grants and incentive programs.

• Coordinates meetings and activities of the Downtown Development Authority, Urban Redevelopment Agency, and Public Arts Commission.

• Provides reports and presentations to the Mayor and City Council.

• Coordinates business retention and expansion initiatives.

• Manages leases for City-owned downtown properties.

• Builds relationships with businesses, developers, consultants, brokers, and stakeholders.

• Assists with major development projects and prepares information related to zoning, utilities, taxes, and incentives.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or closely related field

• Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in economic development or working with small businesses

Certification, License, and Special Requirements

None required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of economic development strategies, incentives, financing tools, and trends

• Knowledge of planning, zoning, permitting, and development review processes

• Knowledge of GIS and modern office technology

• Skill in Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, databases, and GIS tools

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to conduct research, prepare reports, and analyze data

• Ability to interpret regulations and policies

• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively

• Ability to represent the City professionally

Physical Demands

• Light physical activity

• Sitting, standing, and walking

• Occasional lifting of light materials

• Frequent computer use

• Ability to analyze data and communicate effectively

Work Environment

Office and community-based environment requiring multitasking, coordination across departments, and interaction with staff, businesses, boards, and the public.