Program Development Manager Jobs in Dacula, GA (NOW HIRING)

Step into a role where you can directly influence the growth and vibrancy of one of Georgia's premier communities.

The City of Johns Creek is seeking a proactive and execution-focused professional to serve as our Economic Development Manager. In this role, you will drive local economic growth by focusing on three primary priorities: supporting our existing business community, facilitating expansion opportunities, and recruiting new industries to our city. You will serve as the primary point of contact for Johns Creek economic development, translating market data into successful commercial outcomes and collaborating across city departments to promote our community.

What You'll Do

• Business Retention and Expansion: Develop relationships with local companies through storefront visits and regular meetings with Town Center and top corporate leaders.
• Relationship Building and Representation: Serve on the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce Board and partner with regional and state economic development organizations.
• Strategic Implementation: Lead the Strategic Economic Development Plan, manage the approved budget, and adjust tactics based on market trends.
• Recruitment and Real Estate: Track available commercial properties, assist prospects with site selection, and market development opportunities.
• Internal Collaboration and Reporting: Help businesses navigate City policies, update executive leadership on prospects, and coordinate promotional efforts with the Communications department.
• Research and Analysis: Analyze real estate and economic data, prepare financial forecasts, and monitor relevant state and federal legislation.

What you Bring to the Table

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in economic development or progressively responsible experience in local government administration. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will also be considered.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible economic development experience within local government.
• A Master's Degree or a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Georgia Certified Economic Developer (GCED) status or a similar professional certification.

Who You Are

• An exceptional communicator who can engage effectively across the diverse demographic landscape of Johns Creek.
• A professional familiar with municipal ethics, the Georgia Open Meetings Act, the Georgia Open Records Act, and economic development incentives such as tax abatements, grants, and bond financing.
• An analytical thinker who can evaluate real estate data, project the consequences of proposed actions, and implement strategic recommendations.
• A composed individual who remains calm and makes sound decisions under pressure.
• A professional with the willingness to work evenings and weekends for city programming, council meetings, and business events.
• A proficient user of technology who leverages tools to conduct research, prepare presentations, and improve program initiatives.

Competitive salary and benefits package

The City of Johns Creek offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Explore outstanding healthcare options and exceptional retirement benefits with the City of Johns Creek! Our comprehensive package includes a generous 12% contribution of your base pay to the 401(a) plan and a $1 for $1 match up to 5% in the 457(b) retirement plans, potentially totaling up to 22%! Access financial adviser services at no extra cost. Enjoy a competitive salary package crafted to align with the unique responsibilities and benefits of the Economic Development Manager.

We offer competitive wages starting from $90,563 to $103,122 annually . This position is exempt.

About Us

Nestled in the northeast suburbs of Metro Atlanta, Johns Creek is Georgia's 10th-largest city and a premier destination for families and businesses. Home to 82,000 residents and supported by 291 dedicated employees, the City has built a reputation for safety and excellence since its incorporation in 2006. Recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Best Place to Live in Georgia and the #1 in the U.S. (2026-2027), Johns Creek also ranked #1 Best Atlanta Suburb in 2024 by livability.com and #1 place to raise a family in Georgia by Niche.com. As a leader in health, wellness, and innovation, we are committed to fostering a safe, vibrant, and forward-thinking community for everyone who calls Johns Creek home.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Johns Creek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on age, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other class or status protected by law.

IMPORTANT: By submitting your resume online, you hereby authorize the City of Johns Creek to contact, obtain, and verify the accuracy of the information contained in this application from all previous employers, references, and educational institutions. You also release the City of Johns Creek and its representatives from liability for seeking, gathering, and using such information to make employment decisions and all other persons or organizations for providing such information. You understand that any misrepresentation or material omission made by you on this application will be sufficient cause for cancellation of this application or immediate termination of employment if you are employed, whenever it may be discovered.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information via this online portal. In fairness to other potential candidates for this position, unsolicited letters, emails, telephone calls, or in-person submissions will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed as received. The City reserves the right to close the position before the posted date if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

The City of Johns Creek is a drug free workplace and all positions are subject to the candidate successfully passing a background screening.