What are the responsibilities and job description for the Economic Development Manager position at Forsyth County Government?
Salary
$108,053.00 - $178,288.00 Annually
Location
Cumming, GA
Job Type
Appointed
Job Number
03320
Department
Administration Department
Opening Date
04/18/2025
Closing Date
5/18/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
The purpose of this classification is to pursue economic development for the County of Forsyth, including but not limited to, business retention, expansion and attraction programs, property acquisition assistance, disposition assistance, project management, and business relocation. This position will serve as a liaison between the County of Forsyth, the Development Authority (FCDA), the Chamber of Commerce as well as between businesses located within the county’s boundaries. This position works under the County Manager developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities as needed and required. This is an “at will” position appointed by the County Manager and is not covered under Civil Service provisions.
Job Summary
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of certain duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Serves as the County Manager’s primary point of contact to the Forsyth County Development Authority, the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, and the Forsyth County Board of Education and other outside public and private entities to pursue and secure economic development opportunities advantageous to the county. Coordinates the projects throughout internal life cycle processes related to permitting and inspections within County departments to aid in the smooth and timely completion of the business projects. Coordinates with related outside agencies, including the City of Cumming, the Health Department, and with the County Attorney.
Research, recommend, and assist in applying for various grants to improve County-wide infrastructure for the purpose of fostering economic development.
Manages a diverse project portfolio with small and large-scale developments while meeting the requirements of County Ordinances.
Manages the work-flow status within various County departments and divisions and outside agencies relating to the business projects. Consults with County staff up to, and including, department heads to expedite project processing through the necessary reviews and approvals, emphasizing the impact of the project process from a private business perspective. Oversees cross-departmental problem-solving associated with complex project issues, providing technical expertise and guidance to move projects to the next phase in a timely and efficient manner. Directs meetings, as necessary, between County agencies, external applicants, and others – including elected officials such as County Commissioners, as well as Chamber of Commerce and/or Development Authority representatives.
Provides information and technical assistance to clients concerning County’s zoning and development process, plan review process, code requirements, code compliance and related issues; assists business development clients in progressing through the County’s application process for plan review submittal; discusses construction plans, permit procedures, status of plan review and problem areas; discusses client’s responsibilities with project-related property owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, engineers and architects; responds to questions or complaints, researches problems and initiates problem resolution.
Works with the Chamber Economic Development to provide timely response to requests for information from clients; provides assistance and information to residents, developers, contractors, attorneys, and County officials regarding planning/zoning issues, land use issues, code/ordinance interpretations, development policies, site plans, plan reviews, review procedures, permits, fees, documentation, zoning conditions compliance or other issues; responds to questions/complaints, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution
Fosters collaboration between businesses and the County, via business recruitment, improving public infrastructure, and providing business centric related community events, informational resources, and other services.
Garners business and corporate support of County initiatives and projects for potential public-private partnerships and programs.
Analyzes economic data and trends to identify opportunities and challenges for the County’s economic development.
Works with the Communications department to develop and maintain County marketing materials, department website, quarterly business newsletters, business related surveys, presentations, and campaigns to showcase the county’s advantages to attract businesses.
Presents for the County at conferences, trade shows, and industry events to promote development opportunities.
Cultivates good working relationships with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, county staff, educational institutions, civic groups, private citizens and business owners in Forsyth County.
Reviews documents and reports prepared by consultants and staff to ensure accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness.
Keeps abreast of legislative developments which may impact economic development programs, policies and/or procedures and implements follow-up action.
Attends meetings with other divisions/departments and County administration to plan, recommend, and/or discuss upcoming projects and policies. Meets regularly with the County Manager to provide updated progress and activity reports regarding all active business projects.
Provides information and recommendations regarding operations and assists in making decisions related to municipal government; develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities.
Assists in the development of budget and capital recommendations for the division/department and administers approved funds; submits divisional/departmental purchases and payables.
Coordinates and assists other divisions/departments as needed regarding County projects that require interdepartmental cooperation and problem-solving.
Prepares and presents presentations or proposals to Executive Leadership and/or Board of Commissioners as required.
Assists in the preparation of documents related to economic development transactions including, but not limited to, easements, conveyances, notes, deeds of trust, grant deeds, rights of entry, licenses, permits, reconveyances and agreements. Monitors contracts and agreements relating to economic development or property management activities which involve payments or financial calculations.
Analyzes economic data and prepares long-term business and financial forecasts in coordination with other County departments including Finance, Administration, Engineering, Building & Licensing, Planning & Development, and Water & Sewer.
Uses the various software tools for information gathering, report building, and other needed applications for economic development such as placer.ai, zencity, nearmap, GIS tools, etc.
Works with the Planning & Development leaders as necessary regarding business redevelopment, variances, site plans, rezoning, etc.
Responds to citizen, business, and/or other division/department inquiries concerning topics or questions related to Economic Development.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in economics, urban planning, public administration, business administration, construction management, or a related field.; supplemented by five (5) years previous experience and/or training involving economic development, urban planning or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
Benefits Provided By Forsyth County To Full-time Employees
Personal Leave Accrual
Personal Leave Shall Be Accrued As Follows
0 - 4 Years - 20 days per year - 6.16 hours per pay period
5 - 14 Years - 25 days per year - 7.70 hours per pay period
15 Years - 30 days per year - 9.24 hours per pay period
Observed Holidays
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2), and Christmas (2).
Medical Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers employees a choice of two medical plans offered by Aetna and a plan offered by Kaiser Permanente.
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers two dental plans from Delta Dental:
The vision plan offered by Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is administered by Aetna and will offer office visit copays for exams, as well as copays for lenses, frames, and contacts.
Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of basic life insurance for all of its employees. The Board provides term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) protection for each full-time employee. This is a County-paid benefit.
Disability Insurance – Short Term and Long Term
100% paid by Forsyth County. Eligibility begins date of hire.
Short Term Disability – 60% of weekly earnings to a maximum of $1,000.00 a week. Eligibility begins 14 days after an accident or sickness and has a benefit period of 24 weeks.
Long Term Disability – 60% of monthly earnings to a maximum of $5,000.00 a month. Eligibility begins at 26 weeks to coordinate with the end of Short Term benefits and continues 24 months (Own Occupation).
Additional Life Insurance And AD&D
Rates vary based on amount of coverage selected. Additional life insurance may be purchased for employee, spouse, and children.
Retirement Plan (401K)
Fully vested at five years of employment – 20% graduated vesting annually. Eligible to begin contributions immediately upon hire.
Six Months through One Year of County Service
Forsyth County matches your contributions, dollar for dollar, up to 5% of your pay. That’s a 100% return on the first 5% of pay you save.
Years One through Five
Forsyth County “seeds” your account with 5% of your pay each year, and matches 100% of what you contribute, up to 5% of your pay.
Years 5 through 10
The County continues its automatic “seed” contribution of 5% of pay, matches up to the first 5% of pay that you contribute, then adds a 50% match up to the next 5%.
After 10 Years of Service
You continue to receive a 100% County match on the first 5% of pay you contribute, and 50% on the next 5% of pay you save. But now, the automatic contribution the County makes to “seed” your account each year increases to 7.5% of your pay.
01
Do you have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in economics, urban planning, public administration, business administration, construction management, or a related field?
Do you have at least five (5) years previous experience and/or training involving economic development, urban planning or a related field?
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Employer Forsyth County
Address 110 East Main Street
Suite 230
Cumming, Georgia, 30040
Phone (770) 781-3088
Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/forsyth/default.cfm
$108,053.00 - $178,288.00 Annually
Location
Cumming, GA
Job Type
Appointed
Job Number
03320
Department
Administration Department
Opening Date
04/18/2025
Closing Date
5/18/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
The purpose of this classification is to pursue economic development for the County of Forsyth, including but not limited to, business retention, expansion and attraction programs, property acquisition assistance, disposition assistance, project management, and business relocation. This position will serve as a liaison between the County of Forsyth, the Development Authority (FCDA), the Chamber of Commerce as well as between businesses located within the county’s boundaries. This position works under the County Manager developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities as needed and required. This is an “at will” position appointed by the County Manager and is not covered under Civil Service provisions.
Job Summary
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of certain duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Serves as the County Manager’s primary point of contact to the Forsyth County Development Authority, the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, and the Forsyth County Board of Education and other outside public and private entities to pursue and secure economic development opportunities advantageous to the county. Coordinates the projects throughout internal life cycle processes related to permitting and inspections within County departments to aid in the smooth and timely completion of the business projects. Coordinates with related outside agencies, including the City of Cumming, the Health Department, and with the County Attorney.
Research, recommend, and assist in applying for various grants to improve County-wide infrastructure for the purpose of fostering economic development.
Manages a diverse project portfolio with small and large-scale developments while meeting the requirements of County Ordinances.
Manages the work-flow status within various County departments and divisions and outside agencies relating to the business projects. Consults with County staff up to, and including, department heads to expedite project processing through the necessary reviews and approvals, emphasizing the impact of the project process from a private business perspective. Oversees cross-departmental problem-solving associated with complex project issues, providing technical expertise and guidance to move projects to the next phase in a timely and efficient manner. Directs meetings, as necessary, between County agencies, external applicants, and others – including elected officials such as County Commissioners, as well as Chamber of Commerce and/or Development Authority representatives.
Provides information and technical assistance to clients concerning County’s zoning and development process, plan review process, code requirements, code compliance and related issues; assists business development clients in progressing through the County’s application process for plan review submittal; discusses construction plans, permit procedures, status of plan review and problem areas; discusses client’s responsibilities with project-related property owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, engineers and architects; responds to questions or complaints, researches problems and initiates problem resolution.
Works with the Chamber Economic Development to provide timely response to requests for information from clients; provides assistance and information to residents, developers, contractors, attorneys, and County officials regarding planning/zoning issues, land use issues, code/ordinance interpretations, development policies, site plans, plan reviews, review procedures, permits, fees, documentation, zoning conditions compliance or other issues; responds to questions/complaints, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution
Fosters collaboration between businesses and the County, via business recruitment, improving public infrastructure, and providing business centric related community events, informational resources, and other services.
Garners business and corporate support of County initiatives and projects for potential public-private partnerships and programs.
Analyzes economic data and trends to identify opportunities and challenges for the County’s economic development.
Works with the Communications department to develop and maintain County marketing materials, department website, quarterly business newsletters, business related surveys, presentations, and campaigns to showcase the county’s advantages to attract businesses.
Presents for the County at conferences, trade shows, and industry events to promote development opportunities.
Cultivates good working relationships with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, county staff, educational institutions, civic groups, private citizens and business owners in Forsyth County.
Reviews documents and reports prepared by consultants and staff to ensure accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness.
Keeps abreast of legislative developments which may impact economic development programs, policies and/or procedures and implements follow-up action.
Attends meetings with other divisions/departments and County administration to plan, recommend, and/or discuss upcoming projects and policies. Meets regularly with the County Manager to provide updated progress and activity reports regarding all active business projects.
Provides information and recommendations regarding operations and assists in making decisions related to municipal government; develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities.
Assists in the development of budget and capital recommendations for the division/department and administers approved funds; submits divisional/departmental purchases and payables.
Coordinates and assists other divisions/departments as needed regarding County projects that require interdepartmental cooperation and problem-solving.
Prepares and presents presentations or proposals to Executive Leadership and/or Board of Commissioners as required.
Assists in the preparation of documents related to economic development transactions including, but not limited to, easements, conveyances, notes, deeds of trust, grant deeds, rights of entry, licenses, permits, reconveyances and agreements. Monitors contracts and agreements relating to economic development or property management activities which involve payments or financial calculations.
Analyzes economic data and prepares long-term business and financial forecasts in coordination with other County departments including Finance, Administration, Engineering, Building & Licensing, Planning & Development, and Water & Sewer.
Uses the various software tools for information gathering, report building, and other needed applications for economic development such as placer.ai, zencity, nearmap, GIS tools, etc.
Works with the Planning & Development leaders as necessary regarding business redevelopment, variances, site plans, rezoning, etc.
Responds to citizen, business, and/or other division/department inquiries concerning topics or questions related to Economic Development.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in economics, urban planning, public administration, business administration, construction management, or a related field.; supplemented by five (5) years previous experience and/or training involving economic development, urban planning or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
Benefits Provided By Forsyth County To Full-time Employees
Personal Leave Accrual
Personal Leave Shall Be Accrued As Follows
0 - 4 Years - 20 days per year - 6.16 hours per pay period
5 - 14 Years - 25 days per year - 7.70 hours per pay period
15 Years - 30 days per year - 9.24 hours per pay period
Observed Holidays
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2), and Christmas (2).
Medical Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers employees a choice of two medical plans offered by Aetna and a plan offered by Kaiser Permanente.
- Aetna Choice POS II - $2000 Individual Deductible (Basic Plan)
- Aetna Choice POS II - $1000 Individual Deductible (Plus Plan)
- Kaiser Permanente HMO- $0 Individual Deductible
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers two dental plans from Delta Dental:
- Base $1,000 Plan
- Buy-Up $1,500 Plan
The vision plan offered by Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is administered by Aetna and will offer office visit copays for exams, as well as copays for lenses, frames, and contacts.
Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of basic life insurance for all of its employees. The Board provides term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) protection for each full-time employee. This is a County-paid benefit.
Disability Insurance – Short Term and Long Term
100% paid by Forsyth County. Eligibility begins date of hire.
Short Term Disability – 60% of weekly earnings to a maximum of $1,000.00 a week. Eligibility begins 14 days after an accident or sickness and has a benefit period of 24 weeks.
Long Term Disability – 60% of monthly earnings to a maximum of $5,000.00 a month. Eligibility begins at 26 weeks to coordinate with the end of Short Term benefits and continues 24 months (Own Occupation).
Additional Life Insurance And AD&D
Rates vary based on amount of coverage selected. Additional life insurance may be purchased for employee, spouse, and children.
Retirement Plan (401K)
Fully vested at five years of employment – 20% graduated vesting annually. Eligible to begin contributions immediately upon hire.
Six Months through One Year of County Service
Forsyth County matches your contributions, dollar for dollar, up to 5% of your pay. That’s a 100% return on the first 5% of pay you save.
Years One through Five
Forsyth County “seeds” your account with 5% of your pay each year, and matches 100% of what you contribute, up to 5% of your pay.
Years 5 through 10
The County continues its automatic “seed” contribution of 5% of pay, matches up to the first 5% of pay that you contribute, then adds a 50% match up to the next 5%.
After 10 Years of Service
You continue to receive a 100% County match on the first 5% of pay you contribute, and 50% on the next 5% of pay you save. But now, the automatic contribution the County makes to “seed” your account each year increases to 7.5% of your pay.
01
Do you have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in economics, urban planning, public administration, business administration, construction management, or a related field?
- Yes
- No
Do you have at least five (5) years previous experience and/or training involving economic development, urban planning or a related field?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
Employer Forsyth County
Address 110 East Main Street
Suite 230
Cumming, Georgia, 30040
Phone (770) 781-3088
Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/forsyth/default.cfm
Salary : $108,053 - $178,288
