Program Manager - Economic Development

Summary A successful candidate will play an active role in the City of College Park’s existing operational success. The purpose of the position is to assist in the development of the City. Successful performance helps ensure the orderly development of the city, affects the quality of economic opportunity for City residents, and affects the image of the City. Essential Functions Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate available guidelines and procedures as well as interpret precedents. The Economic Development Program Manager is responsible for planning, overseeing, and coordinating strategic economic development programs and initiatives. This position focuses on implementing citywide economic development goals, policies, and strategies to attract, retain, and expand businesses, emphasizing new developments such as the Six West project and revitalization areas such as the Old National Highway corridor. The Program Manager will serve as a key advisor on economic trends, manage complex projects, oversee departmental operations, and engage stakeholders to foster a thriving business and residential environment. Strategic Program Oversight: Develop and implement strategic economic development programs aligned with the City's long-term vision and growth objectives. Manages and evaluates departmental projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with policy goals. Business Engagement and Development: Leads business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts, including strategic engagement with developers, investors, and stakeholders. Collaborates with local, regional, and state economic development agencies to promote opportunities in the City. Supervision and Team Development: Supervises Economic Development staff and oversees their activities, including recruitment, training, and performance management. Provides guidance and support to team members to enhance project delivery and stakeholder engagement. Policy and Budgetary Leadership: Prepares and oversees departmental budgets and allocates resources effectively. Advises on and implements policies and incentives to enhance the City’s competitive position in attracting investment. Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Builds strong relationships with local businesses, property owners, developers, and community organizations to advance economic objectives. Acts as a liaison between the City, the Business and Industrial Development Authority (BIDA), and other entities on matters of economic and community development. Analysis and Reporting: Conducts market research and prepares comprehensive reports, proposals, and presentations for the City Manager, City Council and stakeholders. Monitors and analyzes economic trends and recommends strategies to enhance growth and investment opportunities. Operational and Special Project Leadership: Oversees special projects, including management of city-owned properties and complex transactions. Ensures adherence to local, state, and federal guidelines across economic development initiatives. Performs other related duties as required. We seek candidates who are flexible, well-organized, creative, inquisitive, resourceful, detail-oriented, ethical, collaborative, and committed to inclusive educational excellence. The ability to prioritize and juggle multiple tasks in a dynamic environment while maintaining quality work products is essential for success in this position. The candidate will have experience planning, directing, and ensuring the timely and efficient completion of projects. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of economic development and real estate principles and practices, zoning, land use, and availability of vacant property and buildings in the local market. In-depth knowledge of economic development principles, including zoning, land use, and real estate practices. Comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal economic incentives and policy frameworks. Advanced skills in strategic planning, program management, and stakeholder engagement. Familiarity with market analysis, business retention strategies, workforce development, and marketing campaigns for economic growth. Experience and comfort with communicating effectively to varying and occasionally opposing political constituents. Strong leadership and supervisory skills to manage teams and drive organizational objectives. Proficiency in financial analysis, project management, and inter-agency collaboration. Knowledge of economic development and business retention and recruitment. Knowledge of marketing principles and strategies. Knowledge of incentive programs of the City, County, and State. Knowledge of marketing principles and strategies. Knowledge of the City’s zoning ordinance and land use plans. Knowledge of the City’s operations. Skill in dealing with both public and private enterprises. Skill in dealing with large-scale financial transactions. Ability to negotiate and perform cost/benefit analysis. Ability to Conduct research, provide statistical and financial analysis, evaluate programs, and prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations. Ability to assist with complex economic development and resource allocation issues. Ability to write reports clearly and interestingly while conveying technical information to the general public. Ability to network and develop relationships with real estate and site selection professionals. Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information. Must be able to deal fairly and calmly with issues requiring conflict resolution. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, and the public. Must be able to use tact and courtesy in dealing with the public. Must be able to analyze and evaluate procedures and work processes and exercise appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and work methods. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and deal effectively and courteously with others, to work independently and in team settings. Must be able to type or use a personal computer with word processing and related software and to enter and retrieve information with reasonable speed and accuracy. Moderate physical activity. Requires handling objects of average weight up to fifty (50) pounds, standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day. Note: In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), those functions of the job that are identified as essential are required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. Five (5) to ten (10)+ years of increasing professional responsibility in economic development, community development, commercial real estate, or a related field with at least two years in a managerial or leadership role. Proven track record of implementing successful economic, community, or real estate development programs and strategies. Must possess a valid State of Georgia driver’s license. Strong organizational and communication skills. Experience in communicating with diverse communities and in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships. Proficiency in MS Office Suite, as well as knowledge and understanding of the organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures. Extensive hours and weekends will be required at times; may require travel or overnight stay. Pre-employment screening is required: criminal background check and drug testing.