Economic Development Specialist

Are you a strategic thinker who thrives on building business relationships, shaping communities, and driving growth? The City of Sandy Springs is looking for an experienced, forward-thinking Economic Development Manager to lead initiatives that attract, retain, and grow a dynamic and diverse business community.

In this highly visible role, you’ll serve as a key liaison between the City and local businesses—working to strengthen our tax base, create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors. If you’re passionate about shaping the economic future of a thriving city, we want to hear from you.

As the City’s lead economic development strategist, you will:

• Build and implement innovative programs that drive capital investment, job creation, and long-term economic vitality.
• Lead business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts to support a strong and sustainable commercial ecosystem.
• Create pathways for entrepreneurial growth by connecting businesses with local, regional, and state resources.
• Promote initiatives that retain and engage young professionals—helping Sandy Springs remain a destination for top talent.
• Oversee complex projects and develop strategies, metrics, and policies that ensure meaningful returns on city investments.
• Provide expert guidance to elected officials, department leaders, and community partners.
• Use modern digital tools, newsletters, and communication channels to engage and inform the City’s business community.
• Represent the City with confidence, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in economic development, sales, marketing, business leadership, or similar fields involving community or business engagement.

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with integrity, creativity, and the ability to inspire others.

• Strong strategic planning, project management, and budgeting skills.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal economic development incentives and programs.
• Exceptional communication skills — confident with elected officials, business leaders, and the public.
• Analytical ability to measure program impact, interpret data, and make informed recommendations.
• Comfortable navigating digital tools, social media, and modern communication platforms.
• Ability to think creatively, solve problems, and lead initiatives in both predictable and unexpected scenarios.

This role requires a blend of office and field work, including occasional outdoor conditions and lifting up to 20 lbs. Tasks may involve walking, bending, and extended periods at a workstation.

• Physical Ability:
  Tasks require the ability to exert medium physical effort in light to medium work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 20 pounds. Tasks may involve balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, handling, kneeling, reaching, repetitive motion, stooping, walking, and extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some work is done on a slippery surface.
• Sensory Requirements:
  Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
• Environmental Factors:
  Essential functions are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Requires the ability to work in a cold outdoor environment.

The City of Sandy Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.