Developmental Associates, LLC
Economic Development Director - South Fulton, GA
Developmental Associates, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Overview
City of South Fulton, Georgia, Director of Economic Development
Position Closes October 20, 2025
The City of South Fulton seeks an energetic professional to be its next
Economic Development Director . The next Director will lead development initiatives in a City that is primed to take its next step, with both ample undeveloped land and proximity to the World’s busiest airport. The next
Economic Development Director
will be a visionary, strategic thinker with the ability to systematize the City’s economic development operations during this crucial phase in the City’s advancement. The Director will have a track record of delivering successful economic development projects and effectively communicating outcomes in a credible and engaging fashion.
About the Community Incorporated in 2017, South Fulton is located 20 miles southwest of Atlanta, and less than 2 miles west of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Georgia’s largest employer. Interstates 85, 285, and the South Fulton Parkway connect South Fulton to the airport and vital population and industrial centers, such as the Fulton Industrial District and Red Oak District. South Fulton has more undeveloped land than any other city in the region, positioning it for additional prime economic development opportunities.
With about 115,000 residents, South Fulton is the seventh most populous city in the State of Georgia. It has the highest percentage of African American/Black residents of any U.S. city over 100,000 residents, at 88%. It has a higher rate of educational attainment than the state average, with 43.1% of the population having a bachelor’s degree, as well as a higher median household income, at $79,871.
The community enjoys ample opportunities for entertainment and recreation. It is proximal to Atlanta’s offerings and is home to the Wolf Creek Amphitheater. It is near several nature preserves and parks, and is less than a two-hour drive from the Appalachian Mountains. The Chattahoochee River runs nearby, providing water access. The warm southern climate supports abundant hardwood and pine forests, making the area a beautiful place to live.
About the Organization The City of South Fulton employs a council-manager form of government, with a mayor and a seven-member City Council elected to four-year terms. The day-to-day operations are directed by the City Manager, who reports to the City Council. The City Manager ensures that policies set by the Council are adopted and followed, and that the City's staff provide efficient and effective service for residents.
The City’s vision is to be an innovative, diverse community that is safe, environmentally conscious, healthy, transparent, and financially sustainable for all residents and visitors. The City’s 2025 – 2029 Strategic Plan focuses on providing essential services, enhancing public infrastructure, promoting economic development, and ensuring environmental sustainability. South Fulton’s 911 employees work within its 16 departments to deliver municipal services with respect and professionalism, exceeding client expectations. As a City of inclusion, South Fulton desires to work cohesively with community members to shape its future.
About the Department and Position Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the Economic Development Director will oversee a department with an annual budget of approximately $1.3 million and four staff members: a Project Manager, Special Projects Manager, Main Street Manager, and Special Projects Coordinator, each reporting to the Director. The Director should be an approachable leader and empathetic listener who is motivated to develop staff skills and collaborate with internal and external partners.
With multiple projects in process and many on the horizon, the Director will join the team at a crucial time for growth. The Director will also manage the South Fulton Development Authority and the South Fulton Downtown Development Authority and liaise with four additional advisory boards.
Responsibilities
Develop opportunities for economic development projects, including commercial and industrial development, redevelopment, and revitalization;
Facilitate the development of long-range goals and objectives for the City;
Serve as a subject matter expert on economic development matters, providing technical advice to other departments, boards, commissions, and committees, and the economic community;
Act as a liaison to and build strong relationships with City/County officials and departments, the economic development community, including government agencies, schools, labor organizations, nonprofits, civic groups, and businesses;
Supervise, direct, and evaluate staff, making hiring or termination decisions, establishing workloads, and prioritizing work assignments.
Key Priorities for the Next Economic Development Director
Develop and implement a plan to standardize facilitation of the City’s economic development boards, ensure consistent tracking of projects, establish performance metrics, communicate progress to City leaders, and educate board members on their roles and responsibilities.
Enhance departmental capacity by building team skillsets and identifying growth areas to better support economic development boards.
Guide current development projects and support active development deals, leveraging location to recruit new projects while retaining existing businesses.
Lead development of a comprehensive, multi-year Economic Development Strategic Plan, outlining tools and incentives to support investment readiness, a Business Retention and Expansion program, commercial gaps, and development sites, with emphasis on proximity to the airport.
Strengthen regional partnerships with Aerotropolis, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and state economic agencies to coordinate regional planning efforts.
Minimum Qualifications
A master’s degree in urban planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field;
Five (5) years of experience in local government planning and development or economic development, including progressively responsible supervisory experience; or
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
A valid Georgia driver’s license within a negotiated timeline and an acceptable driving history.
Preferred Qualifications
10 years of progressive experience at a Director level with a track record of successful economic development projects.
A track record of success in an equal or larger-sized municipal community.
Possession of the CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) certification.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
Extensive knowledge of economic development tools;
The ability to work effectively in time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines;
The ability to coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks concurrently;
Openness to bold, audacious development ideas that project a vibrant city;
A personality that projects confidence and humility;
The ability to effectively market the city – capitalizing on the city’s assets and projecting the city’s challenges in an honest, but positive, way (as opportunities);
The ability to structure and negotiate a deal;
An appreciation for broad-based stakeholder involvement, and strong community engagement skills;
The ability to effectively delegate to staff without overwhelming them;
Empathetic listening skills, and attention to community needs;
The ability to develop relationships and work with people of diverse backgrounds, interests, and professions; and
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Salary and Benefits: The hiring range is $126,558.48 - $161,524.25. Base salary and compensation are negotiable within the range based on experience and qualifications. The City of South Fulton provides comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage and a retirement plan with an employer match.
To Apply Please visit the job posting at the development associates portal and search for “Economic Development Director – City of South Fulton, GA” to apply. Applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal. Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application. Applications should be submitted by October 20, 2025 to be considered in the first round of reviews. The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on November 17-18, 2025. Direct all inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com. The City of South Fulton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC, manages recruitment and selection for this position. For more information about the selection process, visit developmentalassociates.com/client-openings and scroll to Important Information for Applicants.
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Position Closes October 20, 2025
The City of South Fulton seeks an energetic professional to be its next
Economic Development Director . The next Director will lead development initiatives in a City that is primed to take its next step, with both ample undeveloped land and proximity to the World’s busiest airport. The next
Economic Development Director
will be a visionary, strategic thinker with the ability to systematize the City’s economic development operations during this crucial phase in the City’s advancement. The Director will have a track record of delivering successful economic development projects and effectively communicating outcomes in a credible and engaging fashion.
About the Community Incorporated in 2017, South Fulton is located 20 miles southwest of Atlanta, and less than 2 miles west of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Georgia’s largest employer. Interstates 85, 285, and the South Fulton Parkway connect South Fulton to the airport and vital population and industrial centers, such as the Fulton Industrial District and Red Oak District. South Fulton has more undeveloped land than any other city in the region, positioning it for additional prime economic development opportunities.
With about 115,000 residents, South Fulton is the seventh most populous city in the State of Georgia. It has the highest percentage of African American/Black residents of any U.S. city over 100,000 residents, at 88%. It has a higher rate of educational attainment than the state average, with 43.1% of the population having a bachelor’s degree, as well as a higher median household income, at $79,871.
The community enjoys ample opportunities for entertainment and recreation. It is proximal to Atlanta’s offerings and is home to the Wolf Creek Amphitheater. It is near several nature preserves and parks, and is less than a two-hour drive from the Appalachian Mountains. The Chattahoochee River runs nearby, providing water access. The warm southern climate supports abundant hardwood and pine forests, making the area a beautiful place to live.
About the Organization The City of South Fulton employs a council-manager form of government, with a mayor and a seven-member City Council elected to four-year terms. The day-to-day operations are directed by the City Manager, who reports to the City Council. The City Manager ensures that policies set by the Council are adopted and followed, and that the City's staff provide efficient and effective service for residents.
The City’s vision is to be an innovative, diverse community that is safe, environmentally conscious, healthy, transparent, and financially sustainable for all residents and visitors. The City’s 2025 – 2029 Strategic Plan focuses on providing essential services, enhancing public infrastructure, promoting economic development, and ensuring environmental sustainability. South Fulton’s 911 employees work within its 16 departments to deliver municipal services with respect and professionalism, exceeding client expectations. As a City of inclusion, South Fulton desires to work cohesively with community members to shape its future.
About the Department and Position Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the Economic Development Director will oversee a department with an annual budget of approximately $1.3 million and four staff members: a Project Manager, Special Projects Manager, Main Street Manager, and Special Projects Coordinator, each reporting to the Director. The Director should be an approachable leader and empathetic listener who is motivated to develop staff skills and collaborate with internal and external partners.
With multiple projects in process and many on the horizon, the Director will join the team at a crucial time for growth. The Director will also manage the South Fulton Development Authority and the South Fulton Downtown Development Authority and liaise with four additional advisory boards.
Responsibilities
Develop opportunities for economic development projects, including commercial and industrial development, redevelopment, and revitalization;
Facilitate the development of long-range goals and objectives for the City;
Serve as a subject matter expert on economic development matters, providing technical advice to other departments, boards, commissions, and committees, and the economic community;
Act as a liaison to and build strong relationships with City/County officials and departments, the economic development community, including government agencies, schools, labor organizations, nonprofits, civic groups, and businesses;
Supervise, direct, and evaluate staff, making hiring or termination decisions, establishing workloads, and prioritizing work assignments.
Key Priorities for the Next Economic Development Director
Develop and implement a plan to standardize facilitation of the City’s economic development boards, ensure consistent tracking of projects, establish performance metrics, communicate progress to City leaders, and educate board members on their roles and responsibilities.
Enhance departmental capacity by building team skillsets and identifying growth areas to better support economic development boards.
Guide current development projects and support active development deals, leveraging location to recruit new projects while retaining existing businesses.
Lead development of a comprehensive, multi-year Economic Development Strategic Plan, outlining tools and incentives to support investment readiness, a Business Retention and Expansion program, commercial gaps, and development sites, with emphasis on proximity to the airport.
Strengthen regional partnerships with Aerotropolis, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and state economic agencies to coordinate regional planning efforts.
Minimum Qualifications
A master’s degree in urban planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field;
Five (5) years of experience in local government planning and development or economic development, including progressively responsible supervisory experience; or
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
A valid Georgia driver’s license within a negotiated timeline and an acceptable driving history.
Preferred Qualifications
10 years of progressive experience at a Director level with a track record of successful economic development projects.
A track record of success in an equal or larger-sized municipal community.
Possession of the CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) certification.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
Extensive knowledge of economic development tools;
The ability to work effectively in time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines;
The ability to coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks concurrently;
Openness to bold, audacious development ideas that project a vibrant city;
A personality that projects confidence and humility;
The ability to effectively market the city – capitalizing on the city’s assets and projecting the city’s challenges in an honest, but positive, way (as opportunities);
The ability to structure and negotiate a deal;
An appreciation for broad-based stakeholder involvement, and strong community engagement skills;
The ability to effectively delegate to staff without overwhelming them;
Empathetic listening skills, and attention to community needs;
The ability to develop relationships and work with people of diverse backgrounds, interests, and professions; and
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Salary and Benefits: The hiring range is $126,558.48 - $161,524.25. Base salary and compensation are negotiable within the range based on experience and qualifications. The City of South Fulton provides comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage and a retirement plan with an employer match.
To Apply Please visit the job posting at the development associates portal and search for “Economic Development Director – City of South Fulton, GA” to apply. Applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal. Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application. Applications should be submitted by October 20, 2025 to be considered in the first round of reviews. The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on November 17-18, 2025. Direct all inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com. The City of South Fulton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC, manages recruitment and selection for this position. For more information about the selection process, visit developmentalassociates.com/client-openings and scroll to Important Information for Applicants.
#J-18808-Ljbffr