Economic Development Project Manager (Business Retention)

City-of-Marietta,-G; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Marietta in Marietta, GA seeks an Economic Development Specialist to support local businesses. You will lead outreach and data-driven efforts to retain and attract firms, conduct market research, and prepare reports for officials.

The role requires collaboration with city departments and external partners. Preferred candidates hold degrees in planning, economics, or related fields and have strong quantitative and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Economics, Public/Business Administration, Real Estate or related field with two years related experience, or a master’s degree with one year related experience.
• Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data and explain them to a variety of audiences.
• Skill using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) to compose letters, reports, presentations, emails, and promotional materials.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a strategy for the City’s business retention efforts.
• Assists with site selection and data to recruit new businesses.
• Provides research, analysis, statistical summaries, and reports on the City’s economic makeup.
• Maintains knowledge of economic development programs and tools for use with businesses.
• Represents the office at community meetings and with state/local partners.

Skills

Economic development

Data analysis

Public speaking

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, Economics, Public/ Business Administration, Real Estate or related field

Master's degree in urban planning, Public/Business Administration, Real Estate

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Rate of Pay: Pay Based on Qualifications

Status: Open Until September 29, 2026

Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager for Economic and Project Development, this role primarily provides outreach and support to Marietta’s existing commercial, office, and industrial businesses. Other responsibilities include conducting statistical and programmatic research, fulfilling requests for information, assisting in site selection requests, and performing special projects under the office’s strategic plan.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develops and implements a strategy for the City’s business retention efforts. This function includes, but is not limited to the following actions:
  • In coordination with the Assistant City Manager for Economic and Project Development, formulates a systematic process for engaging with Marietta’s business owners, developers, property owners and real estate brokers. This includes developing innovative methods of engagement.
  • Interfaces with local businesses, by gathering firm information, understanding their challenges and concerns, helping develop solutions and connecting them to available resources.
  • Records, organizes, tracks and reports collected data to continually update business retention activities.
• Assists with efforts to recruit new businesses by providing a range of functions including site selection and data.
• Provides research, analysis, statistical summaries, and reports concerning the City’s economic and industry makeup. This should include tracking development both residential and commercial, market trends, workforce, and demographic information, etc.
• Maintains a knowledge and understanding of economic development programs and tools with the ability to bring this knowledge to bear with businesses and departmental colleagues.
• Produces and contributes to external communications, website content, marketing materials, and other products that communicate the activities of the division to existing and prospective businesses/developers, other City staff, elected officials and the general public.
• Serves as a liaison to state and local partners including, but not limited to, other economic development agencies, workforce and educational institutions, business associations, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
• Represents the office at various community meetings and functions.
• Attends committee and council meetings, economic development-related training seminars, etc. as necessary.
• Serves as an ombudsman by assisting businesses, property owners and developers with the development review process and coordinating with other City departments to contribute to efficiency and transparency.
• Identifies redevelopment opportunities and participates in the small area planning processes.
• Develops presentations concerning the activity of the division and the Marietta economy.
• Work with Economic Development team and BLW on efforts to recruit utility customers.
• Conducts special projects on behalf of the Department and City.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Provides direction or assistance to temporary interns as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Economics, Public/ Business Administration, Real Estate or related field and two years related experience or a master’s degree in urban planning, Public/Business Administration, Real Estate and one-year related experience. Knowledge of real estate market research, economic development programs and practices, and City activities.
• Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data and the ability to explain them to a variety of audiences.
• Skill using a computer and various software applications including MS Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) to compose business letters, reports, presentations, emails, and promotional materials. Skill in creating, interpreting, presenting and explaining statistical information using Excel and other related applications as appropriate.
• Ability to learn City development ordinances related to development issues.
• Ability in team building, both with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to develop positive relations with the public, business owners, and other City staff. Must be able to make formal public presentations to various business and civic groups.
• Must have flexibility of irregular schedule, including attending evening meetings and weekends, as necessary.

Disclaimer

Successful candidates are required to submit to drug screen & background inquiry.