Economic Development Manager

Title:                           Economic Development Manager   

Pay Grade:                 113

Department:             Community Development

☒ Full-time

☐ Part-time

☐ Non-Exempt

☒ Exempt

Position Summary: 

The Economic Development Manager serves as the City of Milton’s primary liaison to the business community, providing strategic leadership to attract and retain businesses, diversify the tax base, and strengthen local services. This role builds partnerships, connects businesses to municipal resources, and advises City leadership on economic trends while implementing strategies that market Milton as a premier place to live, work, and do business. With a focus on neighborhood-scale, community-oriented growth, the position supports efforts to enhance local employment opportunities, preserve Milton’s unique character, and expand options for residents to live, work, and shop within their own community.

Reports to:     Community Development and Public Works Director 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Leads the City’s economic development agenda, aligning programs and initiatives with the Economic Development Strategy and Plans, Comprehensive Plan, and Council goals.
• Acts as the first point of contact for prospective and existing businesses; cultivates relationships with property owners, developers, investors, chambers, and economic development agencies to foster business attraction, retention, and expansion.
• Develops and executes marketing, placemaking, and branding strategies to position Milton as a premier destination for business, tourism, and agritourism. Oversees implementation to ensure consistency across districts and commercial areas.
• Coordinates and develops marketing materials including magazine ads, maps, brochures, and other collateral materials.
• Supports planning of City events that promote local businesses and attract regional visitors. Coordinates ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, and other new business activities.
• Promotes and expands agritourism opportunities and integrating them into the City’s economic identity.
• Represents the City in external economic development organizations, business councils, and tourism boards; maintains strong partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions and regional entities.
• Collaborates with public-private partnerships, chamber of commerce, or similar economic development entities to implement strategic projects and priorities.
• Monitors commercial vacancy rates, maintains an inventory of development sites, and analyzes market trends to inform strategies.
• Tracks and interprets state and federal legislation affecting economic development, advising City leadership on impacts and opportunities.
• Delivers presentations, facilitates stakeholder input, and engages the public to ensure initiatives align with community needs and priorities.
• Manages and engages with city boards or committees focused on economic development initiatives.
• Seeks grants and other funding opportunities related to economic development.

Additional Functions:

• This position must be able to operate a motor vehicle to travel throughout the City and surrounding areas as an essential part of job responsibilities.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: 

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics or closely related field; and minimum of five (5) years of senior level experience in economic/business development, marketing and public administration, preferably gained in a municipal government. Experience collaborating with a chamber of commerce, development authority, and/or managing public-private partnerships to advance local economic development initiatives. Familiar with CoStar, LoopNet or similar commercial real estate software. An equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. 

Additional Requirements:

Professional certifications in economic development, community planning, or related fields (e.g., Georgia Certified Economic Developer or equivalent) preferred.

State or regional economic development training certifications are a plus.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Leadership: 

Provides visionary leadership to advance Milton’s economic development goals, proactively identifying opportunities and mobilizing resources without waiting for direction.

Takes ownership of initiatives from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with City priorities while driving innovation in approach.

Serves as a convener and influencer, bringing together public and private stakeholders to shape projects and partnerships.

Demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking, using creativity and resourcefulness to position Milton competitively in the region.

Acts as a mentor and collaborator with staff, committees, and partners, instilling a culture of accountability and high performance.

Complexity:

Performs work that encompasses advanced technical, scientific, legal, or mathematical concepts. The work directly contributes to the implementation of specific policies, programs, or initiatives of the organization.

Decision Making:

Exercises independent judgment in prioritizing initiatives, negotiating with stakeholders, and allocating limited resources to maximize outcomes.

• Makes strategic recommendations to City leadership, backed by data, trend analysis, and stakeholder input, while also having the authority to implement tactical actions directly.
• Anticipates challenges and takes initiative to resolve problems before they escalate, adjusting strategies in real time.
• Balances short-term business needs with long-term community goals, ensuring decisions contribute to both economic growth and preservation of Milton’s character.
• Maintains a results-oriented focus, setting measurable objectives and holding self and partners accountable for achieving them.

Competencies/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of economic and community development.
• Knowledge of the theory and practices of economics, finance, marketing and general business administration.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and regional grant programs pertaining to economic and community development.
• Skills in the use of computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to make important judgments with regard to varied business matters of significance to the City.
• Ability to think analytically and creatively.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local business leaders, business association officials, federal, state, local and regional economic development officials, City staff, City Council, Boards and Commissions and the general public.

Working Conditions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines which includes computer, printer, copier, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for work in an office environment.
• Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using various pieces of automated office equipment.
• Requires the ability to handle a variety of items generally found in an office environment.
• May require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
• Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
• Physical demands may also include hearing, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and/or walking.  
• Requires the ability to operate a City vehicle in the regular performance of the duties.

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above position description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position, and those duties may change, be eliminated, or expanded in accordance with the needs of the City of Milton. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor and in compliance with federal and State laws and applicable regulations.

The City of Milton is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or retaliate against job applicants or employees on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, military service, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, religion or on the basis of any other protected category. Job applicants and employees may request reasonable accommodations, in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some essential job requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Requirements listed in this description are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/ or abilities required to perform this position successfully, and the applicant and/or employee must possess the listed abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Continued employment with the City of Milton remains on an "at-will" basis. This description does not create a property interest, an employment agreement, or alter the terms and conditions of any other policy or agreement that may be in effect now or in the future.

Acknowledgment of Receipt and Understanding

This Class Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Milton and an employee or applicant. The above description is subject to change as the City of Milton’s needs change.