Economic Development Director

Job Description

Job Description

CITY OF DORAVILLE, GEORGIA

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Economic Development Director

Reports To: City Manager

Department: Economic Development

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Summary of Position:

The City of Doraville is entering a transformative period of redevelopment, investment growth, and organizational modernization including the transition into a new City Hall. To meet the increasing demand for strategic economic positioning and citywide marketing leadership, Doraville is seeking an innovative, execution‑focused Economic Development Director .

This role combines the strategic leadership of economic development with the creativity and communication expertise of a marketing and branding director. The Economic Development Marketing Director will lead the City’s efforts to attract, retain, and expand businesses while elevating Doraville’s image as a dynamic destination for investment, redevelopment, and community growth. The Director will lead branding initiatives, marketing strategy, and business‑focused communications that strengthen Doraville’s visibility within the metro region and beyond.

Serving as the primary point of contact for economic development and business engagement, the Director works closely with the Economic Development team, City leadership, Planning and Community Development, regional partners, developers, and stakeholders. This is a high‑impact leadership role shaping the City's long‑term economic identity and competitive position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a multi‑year economic development marketing strategy focused on business attraction, retention, and expansion.

• Conduct business engagement outreach, including site visits, meetings with business leaders, and participation in industry partner events.

• Track commercial properties, assist investors and prospects with site selection, and prepare marketing materials that showcase development opportunities.

• Support redevelopment initiatives such as the City Center Project, major infrastructure projects, and long‑range planning efforts.

• Prepare and analyze demographic, real estate, and economic data using GIS, CoStar, and other analytics tools to support strategic decision-making.

• Monitor federal, state, and regional economic development policies, incentives, and legislation.

• Manage economic development incentive programs including TAD grants, tax incentives, and redevelopment tools.

• Represent the City with regional and statewide economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and partner agencies.

• Prepare presentations, briefings, and reports for the Mayor, City Council, Development Authorities, Planning Commission, and stakeholder boards.

Strategic Marketing & Communications

• Serve as the lead branding and marketing strategist for the City’s economic development initiatives.

• Direct all marketing activities including digital campaigns, print materials, advertising, recruitment collateral, and targeted outreach.

• Redesign and modernize Doraville’s business‑oriented brand identity and messaging to align with economic opportunity and redevelopment goals.

• Manage the City’s economic development website content, digital storytelling, and social media channels.

• Supervise the creation of high‑quality promotional materials such as brochures, pitch decks, videos, business newsletters, and annual reports.

• Oversee media relations, prepare press releases, draft talking points for executives, and cultivate relationships with regional and national media outlets.

• Track analytics, KPIs, and campaign metrics to evaluate marketing performance.

• Ensure all marketing, digital content, and public materials reflect a consistent and compelling brand strategy.

Stakeholder Engagement & Event Leadership:

• Plan and execute business‑focused events, groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, open houses, and economic development roundtables.

• Manage event budgets, contracts, vendors, and logistics.

• Represent the City at conferences, trade shows, regional economic development events, and industry marketing summits.

• Serve as liaison between internal departments, partner agencies, developers, and business owners to coordinate messaging and project communication.

• Lead communication and public outreach efforts related to the City’s transition into the new City Hall.

Internal Collaboration & Organizational Leadership:

• Work closely with the City Manager’s Office, Planning, Community Development, Public Works, and Finance to align economic messaging with policy and development activity.

• Prepare agendas, minutes, and reports for City boards, committees, and authorities.

• Exercise judgment in managing communications related to sensitive projects, confidential business inquiries, and competitive recruitment efforts.

• Provide training and guidance to departmental staff on communication standards, branding, and engagement protocol.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Marketing, Communications, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Three (3) years of experience in economic development, marketing, public relations, local government, or community development.

• Valid Georgia driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development or redevelopment communication.

• Master's degree in Economic Development, Marketing, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.

• GA Certified Economic Developer (GCED), Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), AICP, EDFP, PMP, or equivalent professional certifications.

• Experience leading marketing strategy for a city, EDO, chamber of commerce, or redevelopment authority.

• Proficiency in GIS, marketing analytics, CRM systems, and economic development databases (CoStar, ESRI, JobsEQ).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of economic development principles, redevelopment tools, incentives, and market trends.

• Expertise in marketing strategy, brand management, digital engagement, and communication best practices.

• Ability to analyze market data, prepare reports, and develop strategic recommendations.

• Strong writing, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment and meet competing deadlines.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, business leaders, developers, and the public.

• Skill in managing budgets, vendors, contracts, and media relations.

• Ability to communicate complex development concepts in clear, accessible language.

Work Environment

Work is performed in City offices and community settings with frequent interaction with businesses, developers, officials, and residents. Evening and weekend work may be required for events or meetings.

Benefits

• Employer‑paid health, dental, and vision insurance for full‑time employees
• Employer‑paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• 100% employer‑funded 401(a) retirement plan
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with employer match
• Alternative and hybrid work schedule options
• Supportive, high‑growth municipal environment