Job Information
City of Alpharetta, Georgia Director of Economic Development in Alpharetta, Georgia
Director of Economic Development
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Director of Economic Development
Location
Alpharetta, GA
Job Type
Full time
Job Number
2024-00218
Department
Economic Development
Opening Date
04/29/2024
Description
Benefits
Job Summary & General Information
TO APPLY:
S. Renee Narloch & Associates (SRNA) is coordinating the recruitment process for the Director of Economic Development. The first review of applications will occur on May 13, 2024.
Questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to Ms. S. Renée Narloch, S. Renée Narloch & Associates, info@srnsearch.com, or (850) 391-0000.
For position brochure (https://www.srnsearch.com/_files/ugd/5b7716_59f339974b4b4a23a78bd6f842f1362d.pdf) , more information, and to apply visit SRNA’s application portal at: https://www.srnsearch.com/apply
DO NOT APPLY through the City's job opportunity portal (NEOGOV). To be consider, all applications and inquiries about the position must be submitted directly to SRNA.
Job Summary
Under administrative direction of the City Administrator, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of the City’s Economic Development Department and represents the City’s interests regarding economic development opportunities. Works closely with the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator to provide the community with economic growth, broad-based prosperity, quality jobs, and a sustainable quality of life by attracting new corporate investment, and by facilitating the expansion of existing businesses and industries.
The primary focus of the position will be on existing business retention and growth, revitalization of targeted retail and office areas within the City, and recruitment of businesses within identified target sectors. Other key responsibilities include management and execution of activities that encourage a healthy and stable business environment and a strong City revenue base; preparation and implementation of long-range economic development plans; and coordination of assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies.
This is an exempt position.
Overview of Duties and Responsibilities
Essential job functions & responsibilities
Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.
Acts as the City’s economic development strategist and provides assistance in the development of short and long-term economic development plans, as well as the gathering of information and preparation of studies, reports and recommendations to achieve identified economic development goals and objectives.
Directs efforts at business recruitment, retention and expansion, including providing information, expertise, and appropriate referrals to business owners, marketing Alpharetta to outside businesses, working with developers and building owners to enhance the quality of retail and commercial space.
Provides customer driven , problem solving, professional economic development advice, assists in application processes and serves as an advocate for economic development in line with Alpharetta’s Comprehensive Plan, the Economic Development Plan, City ordinances and goals established by the City.
Works with existing businesses and other City staff to identify ways to improve Alpharetta’s business climate.
Develops and maintains data systems to track trends within the business community, including business openings, closings and expansions, business capital investment and job creation statistics.
Develops and maintains a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community for economic development purposes. Maintains records and databases of business prospects and contacts.
Creates and implements a robust business retention program founded on one-on-one visits with business leaders, group meetings, e-newsletters, attendance at networking events and other means.
Serves as City resource on economic development financing methods; prepares financial data, forecasts and plans.
Prepares and maintains information regarding utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, financing tools and incentives, in order to respond to requests for information for economic development purposes, and the coordination with other departments and agencies as needed.
Coordinates downtown activities and preservation planning and works with local organizations to focus on downtown improvements.
Serves as the City’s staff liaison to the Alpharetta Development Authority and provides administrative and staff support for the Authority, support in writing minutes, creating content for meetings, posting agendas and serving as a liaison between the Authority, City Council and other Staff.
Serves as a board member and primary staff liaison between the City and Tech Alpharetta.
Assists in redevelopment programs.
Provides technical and professional advice and assistance; makes presentations to boards, commissions, foundations, civic groups and the general public. Provides information on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
In cooperation with Public Information Staff, develops presentations, informational brochures, information packets, and promotional materials on economic development including maintaining the economic development section of the City website.
In cooperation with Public Information Staff, produces press releases and maintains good relationships with the various media in Alpharetta and surrounding areas.
Ensures execution of economic development activities with other private and public sector agencies through participation on task forces and committees; identifies partnering opportunities for various programs.
Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of economic development; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Performs related duties as required or assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities required
Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics, services, and activities of an economic development program.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Principles, practices and methods of economic development and job creation.
Business, economic, and market forces and indicators.
Labor market trends.
Marketing, public information, and promotional techniques used in economic development.
Principles, practices, and techniques used in real estate appraisals, prospect management, preparing and reviewing business plans, and the real estate development process.
Land use planning and related regulations.
Long range economic development planning.
Principles and practices of contract development and administration.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including those related to commercial and industrial development and redevelopment.
Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Office.
Excellent written and oral speaking skills.
Ability to:
Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive economic development program.
Coordinate the work of varying levels of staff, contractors and volunteers.
Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
Coordinate multiple contracts, projects and cooperative ventures.
Collect, analyze, compile and present information and data.
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Prepare and administer large program budgets.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Minimum Qualifications
Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.
Required:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.
Five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in economic or business development, including two years of project management. Experience must include three years of responsible management and administrative responsibility.
High level knowledge of public relations.
Possession (or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire) and ability to maintain, a valid driver’s license.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. Continuous sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. Frequent side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasping to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 25 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Supplemental Information
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Alpharetta and employee and is subject to modifications as the needs and requirements of the position change.
The City of Alpharetta is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Employee Manual & Benefits Handbook or bona fide occupational qualifications).
In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Alpharetta is committed to providing a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which it serves. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of City’s employees and to the security of the City’s equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the City is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Alpharetta will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Medical, Dental and Vision
Medical: 2 High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) options (HRA and HSA) with lower monthly costs. Dental: no deductibles. Coverage includes preventive, basic, major restorative, and child orthodontia. Vision: eye care and eyewear (contacts, lenses and frames). Laser correction procedures. FSA: Medical and dependent care.
Retirement Health
Medical Coverage: retirees (age 55+ and 10+ yrs. of service) may continue individual coverage up until Medicare eligibility at age 65. Medical Reimbursement: retirees (age 55+ and 15+ yrs. of service) receive a monthly reimbursement benefit as periodically determined by the Pension Board of Trustees.
Retirement
Defined Contributions 401(a): City contributes 10% of employee's annual base pay. Vested benefit accrued at 20% a year, with full vesting after 5 years of service. Deferred Compensation (457) and Matching Contributions: employees may elect to participate at any time. After 1 year of continuous employment, City matches employee's contributions, up to 5%.
Paid Holidays
10 City Holidays and 1 Personal Holiday upon hire and every Jan. 1st.
Paid Parental Leave
2 weeks paid parental leave for birthmother, spouse and adoptive parents (after 1 year of employment).
Georgia College Savings (529)
Employees can opt to participate in this state-sponsored, tax-advantaged college savings plan.
Tuition Reimbursement
After 1 year of employment, employees may receive tuition reimbursement up to a rate equivalent to 15 credit hours at Georgia State University annually. Reimbursement is based on prior approval, course grades, and annual program funding.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
24/7 assistance. 6 confidential counseling sessions per issue for employee and/or family member.
Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D
Employee: 3.5 x annual base pay up to annual maximum. Spouse: $5,000. Child: $2,500. Premiums paid 100% by the City.
Disability Insurance
Short-Term Disability: 66.67% of base pay after 14 days of disability. Long-Term Disability: 60% of base pay after 26 weeks of disability. Premiums paid 100% by the City.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
PTO is provided for rest, recreation, illness and family needs. Hours are accrued bi-weekly.
0.0 - 1.0 yrs of service - 12 days annually
1.1 - 5.0 yrs of service - 18 days annyally
5.1 - 10.0 yrs of service - 24 days annually
10.1 + yrs of service - 27 days annually
Please see complete Benefits Summar (http://www.alpharetta.ga.us/docs/default-source/human-resources/benefits/employee-benefits-summary-summary.pdf?sfvrsn=20f3c4ab_6) y for details.
Additional Amazing Benefits
Employer of Choice. Great work atmosphere.
100% discount on City Recreation & Arts Programs (https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/publications/recreation-parks-activity-guides)
FREE Wellness Program and Annual Flu Shots
Direct Deposit
Employee Recognition and Service Awards
Bereavement Leave
PTO Sell Back Days
For more information click here (https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/docs/default-source/human-resources/benefits/employee-benefits-summary-summary.pdf?sfvrsn=20f3c4ab_6) for City's Complete Employee Benefits Summary.
Benefits are subject to change at any time and based upon funding and approval by City Council. Eligibility, coverage, exclusions and limitations may apply. For specific information please refer to the City's Employee Health Benefits Summary (https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/human-resources/resources) , Employee Handbook (https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/human-resources/resources.) , or contact Finance Department - Benefits Division.
Agency
City of Alpharetta, GA
Department
Economic Development
Address
2 Park Plaza Alpharetta, Georgia, 30009
Website
http://growalpharetta.com/
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