Economic Development Specialist Jobs in Atlanta, GA

JOB DESCRIPTION

www.roswellgov.com/jobs

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.

Department: Administration

Pay Grade: 511

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Code: A133

JOB SUMMARY

The Economic Development Specialist is a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional responsible for providing the research, financial insight, and risk assessment necessary to support sound economic development decisions. This role serves as the analytical foundation of the City’s economic development efforts, ensuring that projects, policies, and investments are grounded in data-driven analysis and fiscal responsibility.

Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, the Specialist leads due diligence on proposed development projects, including financial underwriting, market analysis, and feasibility assessment. This position works closely with the Economic Development Project Manager, providing the analytical framework that informs project selection, deal structuring, and strategic direction, while the Project Manager leads implementation and delivery.

Project Evaluation & Financial Underwriting

Evaluates development proposals through detailed review of pro formas, project budgets, and capital structures. Assesses feasibility, financial returns, and risk, identifying key assumptions and gaps.

Market Research & Economic Analysis

Conducts market, industry, and demographic analysis to inform economic development strategy, sector targeting, and investment decisions. Evaluates real estate trends and competitive positioning.

Economic & Fiscal Impact Analysis

Analyzes projected economic benefits, including job creation, tax revenue, and private investment. Conducts fiscal impact analyses to evaluate long-term public return.

Feasibility & Risk Assessment

Assesses project and site feasibility, including physical, financial, and regulatory factors. Identifies risks and recommends mitigation strategies.

Data Management & Performance Tracking

Maintains and manages data related to economic development projects, pipelines, and financial metrics. Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluates program and project performance.

Analytical Modeling & Decision Support

Develops financial models, scenario analyses, and decision-support tools. Utilizes GIS and data visualization to support analysis and communicate findings.

Regulatory & Policy Alignment

Ensures projects align with zoning, land use regulations, Comprehensive Plan goals, and economic development policies. Coordinates with Planning, Legal, and Finance.

Data Management & Performance Analytics
Maintains and manages data related to economic development projects, pipelines, and financial metrics. Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluates program and project performance.

Regulatory & Policy Alignment
Ensures projects align with zoning, land use regulations, Comprehensive Plan goals, and economic development policies. Coordinates with Planning, Legal, and Finance.

Stakeholder Coordination & Due Diligence Support
Works with internal departments, development authorities (RDA/DDA), consultants, and developers to gather data, validate assumptions, and support due diligence efforts.

Reporting & Analytical Communication
Prepares clear, concise reports, memos, and presentations. Translates complex financial and market analysis into actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders.

Support for Negotiations & Incentive Structuring
Provides analytical support for deal structuring, including incentives and public-private partnerships (e.g., TAD, bond-for-title, C-PACER), ensuring financial soundness and alignment with City objectives.

Strategy Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
Evaluates the effectiveness of economic development strategies, incentives, and programs. Recommends improvements to enhance outcomes.

Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives
Supports priority initiatives and major redevelopment efforts through research, analysis, and strategic input.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Real Estate, or related field, ; 2-5 years of experience in economic development, urban planning, real estate analysis or development, finance or related analytical 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. Experience with development review, feasibility analysis, or underwriting preferred.

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 is regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

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.