Economic Development Project Manager

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

JOB SUMMARY

The Economic Development Project Manager is an execution-focused professional responsible for advancing economic development and real estate initiatives from concept through completion. This role translates strategic priorities and approved projects into tangible results by managing timelines, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring successful implementation.

Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, the Project Manager serves as the central point of coordination for assigned projects. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and skilled at navigating complex public-private partnerships, development processes, and interdepartmental coordination. This position works closely with the Economic Development Specialist, who provides analytical and financial evaluation, while the Project Manager is responsible for execution, delivery, and overall project performance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Project Management & Execution

Leads assigned economic development and real estate projects from initiation through completion. Develops and manages project plans, schedules, and milestones; coordinates implementation; and ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with City priorities.

Commercial Real Estate & Development Coordination

Works directly with developers, property owners, investors, and brokers to advance redevelopment and investment initiatives. Facilitates development processes and helps move projects efficiently from concept to construction.

Deal Execution & Transaction Coordination


Supports the advancement and closing of real estate transactions and public-private partnerships, including ground leases, development agreements, and incentive packages. Coordinates internal teams and external partners to move projects through approvals, documentation, and implementation.

Development Process & Entitlement Coordination


Facilitates development review and entitlement processes, including zoning, permitting, and design review. Works closely with Community Development and other departments to identify issues early, streamline approvals, and maintain project schedules.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

Serves as the primary point of contact for assigned projects. Coordinates with internal departments (Community Development, Legal, Transportation, Environmental & Public Works, Finance, etc.) and external stakeholders, including development authorities, developers/investors, business leaders, and community representatives.

Incentives & Agreement Administration

Implements and administers economic development incentives, development agreements, and public-private partnership structures. Monitors compliance with agreements and coordinates with Legal and Finance to ensure proper execution.

Authority & Board Coordination


Supports coordination with the Roswell Development Authority (RDA) and Downtown Development Authority (DDA), including preparation of staff reports, presentations, and agenda materials. Assists in advancing projects through authority approvals and implementation.

Project Intake & Pipeline Coordination


Supports project intake and pipeline coordination, working with the Economic Development Specialist to transition projects from initial evaluation into active project management and implementation.

Financial Management & Coordination


Tracks project budgets, expenditures, and funding sources. Coordinates with Finance and the Economic Development Specialist to ensure alignment between financial assumptions and project execution.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

Tracks project status, milestones, and deliverables. Prepares regular status updates, dashboards, and reports to communicate progress, risks, and key decisions to leadership and elected officials.

Issue Resolution & Problem Solving

Identifies risks, delays, or challenges and develops practical solutions. Coordinates with stakeholders to resolve issues and keep projects advancing.

Program & Process Support

Supports continuous improvement of economic development programs, project tracking systems, and internal coordination processes.

Executive Communication & Presentations


Prepares clear, concise, and visually compelling presentations and briefing materials for senior leadership, Mayor and Council, and development authorities.
• May supervise assigned professional and support staff in the planning, execution, and close-out of economic development projects.
• Provide leadership, training, performance evaluation, and day-to-day guidance to direct reports or project teams, fostering collaboration across personnel, DDA, Visit Roswell, Roswell Inc. and other external partners while promoting accountability and professional development.
• Oversee staff workload, project timelines, and resource allocation for assigned initiatives; conduct regular progress reviews, resolve operational issues, and ensure compliance with City processes, regulatory requirements, and partnership standards to deliver high-impact results without compromising relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Requires a bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field; 3-7 years of experience in economic development, real estate development, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Experience working in a municipal or public sector environment preferred. Familiarity with public-private partnerships and incentive programs is highly desirable.

Licenses or Certifications:
• Valid State of Georgia Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from initiation through completion
• Strong track record of delivering projects on schedule and within budget
• Experience developing and maintaining detailed project plans, timelines, and milestones
• Experience administering incentive agreements, contracts, or development-related agreements
• Strong understanding of compliance monitoring, reporting requirements, and performance tracking
• Ability to identify risks or non-compliance issues early and implement corrective actions
• Proven ability to work effectively across internal departments (Community Development, Legal, Transportation, Environmental & Public Works, Finance, etc.)
• Skilled at aligning stakeholders with differing priorities and ensuring consistent communication
• Experience coordinating with external partners including developers, businesses, and agencies
• Proactive in identifying challenges and developing practical, solution-oriented responses
• Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing project conditions
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Experience tracking project budgets, expenditures, and financial commitments
• Ability to evaluate project performance against established goals and metrics
• Familiarity with basic financial analysis and feasibility considerations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prepare clear, concise status reports for leadership and elected officials
• Skilled at translating complex project information into actionable insights
• Focused on delivering results efficiently and effectively
• Strong attention to contracts, timelines, and compliance
• Ability to build strong relationships across teams and stakeholders
• Ability to take ownership of projects and outcomes
• Ability to manager multiple priorities with precision
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments with professionalism

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary to light which requires the ability to exert light physical effort, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks also require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

The City has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

The City of Roswell, Georgia commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The City's policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law.