Position Closes March 2nd, 2026

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 next 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. In addition to these assets, 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 South Fulton community enjoys ample opportunities for entertainment and recreation. In addition to being in proximity to the abundant entertainment options in Atlanta, it is home to the Wolf Creek Amphitheater, which hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and festivals. It is near several nature preserves and parks and is less than a two-hour drive from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The Chattahoochee River runs nearby, providing water access. Additionally, the warm southern climate produces plentiful 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, who are elected to four-year terms. The day-to-day operations of the City of South Fulton 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 the most 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 of its community members 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 discover innovative ways 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, consisting of a Project Manager, Special Projects Manager, Main Street Manager, and Special Projects Coordinator, each of whom reports to the Director. The next Director will be a humble go-getter, approachable leader and an empathetic listener, who is motivated to develop the skills of staff and collaborate with internal and external partners.

With multiple projects in process and many on the horizon, the Economic Development Director will join the team of South Fulton leaders at a crucial time for growth. The Director will also be integral in managing, directing, and guiding the South Fulton Development Authority and the South Fulton Downtown Development Authority as well as liaising with four additional advisory boards.

The Economic Development Director will be responsible for:
• Developing opportunities for economic development projects, including commercial and industrial development, redevelopment, and revitalization;
• Facilitating the development of long-range goals and objectives for the City;
• Serving as a subject matter expert on economic development matters, providing technical advice to other departments, boards, commissions, and committees, and the economic community;
• Acting as a liaison to and building strong relationships with City/County officials and departments, the economic development community, including government agencies, schools, labor organizations, nonprofits, civic groups, and businesses;
• Supervising, directing, and evaluating staff, making hiring or termination decisions, establishing workloads, and prioritizing work assignments.

Key Priorities for the next Economic Development Director include:
• Developing and implementing a plan to standardize facilitation of the City's economic development boards, and ensure consistent tracking of projects, establishment of performance metrics, communication of progress to City leaders, and education of board members on their roles and responsibilities.
• Enhancing departmental capacity by building team skillsets and identifying areas for growth to enhance support given by the Department to economic development boards.
• Guiding and implementing current development projects and supporting active development deals, specifically seeking to leverage location as a recruitment option for new projects while seeking retention of 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 a particular focus on leveraging South Fulton's proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
• Strengthening regional partnerships with entities such as 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 click below and click on the Economic Development Director - City of South Fulton, GA title.
• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) - NOT the city's employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by March 2nd, 2026 to be considered during the first round of reviews.
• The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on March 30th and April 1st, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Direct all inquiries to [email protected].

The City of South Fulton, GA, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC, manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/ and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants."

 

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The Senior Vice President, Market Growth & Business Attraction leads and directs the overall business attraction, and market development activities for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) focusing on industry markets and federal industrial policy to promote company growth/retention and strategic attraction both domestically and internationally.

The Senior Vice President will oversee the attraction marketing strategy and execution of marketing MEDC's industry initiatives through innovative channels including, but not limited, to long-term relationship building, outreach, speaking opportunities, trade shows, events, site-selector engagement, advertising and collateral support. The Senior Vice President will also oversee federal initiatives and an internal business services and field marketing team focused on execution of the attraction strategy and securing business attraction investments.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
Leads, directs, and manages the work of staff members to ensure that work objectives and results are aligned with business attraction, market development, field marketing and industry services goals and overall MEDC goals and vision.
Develops and implements strategies for effective business attraction, industry and market services for the MEDC.
Oversees proactive targeted, market development strategies to expand opportunities for Michigan businesses, regions, and support strategic, targeted national, and international attraction.
Makes strategic decisions on attraction pipeline and project support by MEDC, in collaboration with SVP of Regional Prosperity and SVP of Business Development Programs & Execution.
Directs and supports implementation of a cohesive narrative around Michigan as a global destination for business growth and retention.
Oversees the analysis of complex/confidential site queries with multiple and varying factors to attract businesses to move to or expand within Michigan.
Creates and implements a comprehensive industry and marketing services strategy.
Works with the Strategic Planning team and MEDC leadership to develop, maintain and refine the strategic vision for the industry image of the MEDC; participates in external presentations to promote the MEDC and its focus industry messaging.
Oversees and supports the development of strategies to leverage federal industrial policy and attract federal funding to Michigan to secure new business attraction opportunities and strengthen ecosystems in strategic focus industries.
Directs the development and implementation of creative and effective industry marketing strategies, images and plans for implementing programs, initiatives and attraction efforts.
Interacts regularly with individual business leaders, stakeholder groups, government agencies, legislators, economic development and partners/various boards, the media and more as needed to facilitate and ensure the MEDC's ability to execute strategic and tactical industry marketing plans.
Provides effective leadership in planning, budgeting and executing the corporate strategic plan and annual tactical plan.
Represents the Chief Communications & Attraction Officer and the CEO, as necessary.

Minimum Education Required:
This position requires a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Business/Marketing, Economics, Finance, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum Experience Required:

Minimum of ten years related experience and/or training in field marketing, project development and promotion, industry sectors, budgeting, finance, and/or planning.

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The SVP, Business Development Programs & Execution is responsible for the leadership and executive direction of the Strategic Accounts, Business Development Incentives and Real Estate units for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

This position ensures collaborative efforts between project/deal generation and integration of compliance through operational oversight for business development financial incentive package life cycle. This role leads, oversees, and directs processes and procedures to structure business development deals and is accountable for ensuring cross-organizational collaboration on business development projects/initiatives. The role provides executive direction of all real estate development activities and collaborates with organizational resources, as needed. This role works with MEDC Executive Committee, Michigan Strategic Fund Board members, and the Executive team to accomplish the strategic goals and objectives of the organization.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
Leads and directs the work of the Business Development Programs & Execution division to ensure that objectives and results are aligned with organizational goals and overall MEDC strategy and vision.
Provides executive oversight and programmatic direction to divisional leadership; develops/implements budgets and directs strategic activities around targeted activities.
Develops, implements and oversees all business development programs.
Makes strategic decisions on attraction pipeline and project support by MEDC, in collaboration with SVP of Regional Prosperity and SVP of Market Growth & Business Attraction.
Presents and/or testifies to external groups, including, but not limited to the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, the Michigan Legislature (including committees and subcommittees thereof), and local municipal boards and authorities.
Works with the Strategic Planning team and MEDC leadership to develop, maintain and refine the strategic vision for business development and real estate programming and activities.
Fosters and maintains key business development relationships through attendance at key functions, on-going communication and education efforts.
Develops and implements long-term vision and short-term strategies to oversee location-based business services and real estate development opportunities.
Oversees, directs and monitors the implementation of real estate and site development programs.
Oversees, directs and monitors processes and procedures for business development transactions.
Responds to and/or directs inquiries related to MEDC programmatic activities.
Negotiates and directs business development grants, contracts, loans and investments for the MEDC.

Minimum Education Required:
This position requires a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Business, Finance, Economic Development, Public Policy, Public Administration or related field; or a combination of education and experience.

Minimum Experience Required:

Ten years of related experience and/or training in economic development, business finance, project management, or practicing law in the public or private sector.

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Jorgenson Pace has been retained to conduct this executive search.

COMPANY OVERVIEW
The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) serves as the official economic development entity for Montgomery County, Maryland to accelerate business development, attraction, retention and expansion in key industry sectors while advancing equitable and inclusive economic growth.

Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public-private partnership and is funded by Montgomery County. They are dedicated to attracting, retaining and expanding businesses within key industries to Montgomery County, Md.
The vision is to drive effective economic prosperity initiatives that foster job growth, and to cultivate a business ecosystem conducive to a vibrant and competitive local economy.
MCEDC intends to be a leader of innovation and a premier destination, characterized by a culture that embraces diversity, inclusivity and equity.

THE POSITION
The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced VP of Business Development to lead efforts in attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses in the region. In this pivotal role, the ideal candidate will develop and implement strategic initiatives to drive economic development, manage a talented team of professionals, and foster strong relationships with key stakeholders across various industries. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in economic development, strategy development and execution, exceptional communication skills, and a sense of urgency for making a difference in our community.

Position Title: Vice President of Business Development
Report To: President and CEO
Staff: 8

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Developing and implementing comprehensive business development strategies aligned with MCEDC's strategic plan and the County's Comprehensive Economic Strategy, ensuring that all initiatives are in sync with the organization's long-term vision and mission.
• Leading efforts to attract and retain new businesses to the region, including targeting the following industry sectors: Life Sciences, Technology, National Nonprofits, Corporate Headquarters, Hospitality, and Real Estate. This includes developing targeted recruitment and expansion strategies based on industry trends and competitive landscapes.
• Overseeing and guiding the business development team to ensure the efficient and effective execution of projects, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment that encourages innovation and strategic thinking.
• Promoting Montgomery County as a prime location for business recruitment and retention at various events, meetings, and through direct engagement with local, state, and federal government officials, educational institutions, and private sector partners.
• Implementing a consultative selling approach by deeply understanding the needs of potential businesses and tailoring value propositions that align with their strategic goals.
• Maintaining relationships with site selection consultants and real estate brokers, ensuring that Montgomery County remains competitive and attractive to potential investors and businesses.
• Representing MCEDC at high-level meetings and strategic discussions when needed. Maintaining strong relationships with business leaders and stakeholders within key industry sectors to advance the organization's economic development mission.
• Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including public and private sector leaders, community organizations, investors, and educational institutions.
• Analyzing economic trends and providing insights and data-driven recommendations to the CEO, Board of Directors, and stakeholders. This includes preparing and delivering regular reports on economic development progress, challenges, and opportunities.
• Serving as a visionary leader and team builder, facilitating collaboration between all local, state, and federal officials that impact the community.
• Ensuring that the business community is actively engaged in key policy matters impacting economic development.
• Working closely with the leadership team to identify organizational priorities for both the near and long term, while also setting key performance indicators for the company.


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for the VP of Business Development role will have 7-10 years of experience in economic development or business leadership, including managing complex projects and initiatives. The candidate will have a proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, monitoring relevant data and trends to identify barriers, challenges, and opportunities for economic growth.

• Exceptional leadership and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to drive long-term visioning and strategic planning that aligns with MCEDC's goals.
• Strong understanding of business development with a proven track record of successful business attraction, retention, and expansion projects.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and present complex information in a clear and compelling manner.
• Proficiency in data analysis, technical writing, and Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to analyze economic trends and prepare insightful reports.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with public and private sector stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment that supports economic growth and development.
• Adaptability to change and the ability to manage multiple projects under pressure, demonstrating innovation and creativity in problem-solving.

EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree (Master's Degree preferred) in Economics, Finance, Business Administration or related field.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
 Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.
 Embodies and aligns with MCEDC's core values.
 An open, honest, methodical, and intellectual personality.
 Possesses personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to corporate mission.
 Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions.
 Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.
 Have presence of mind and have quick decision-making abilities.
 Strong management and team building skills, which motivates top talent and generates confidence and respect from all levels of the organization.
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
 Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
 Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
 Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

 

To Apply: Please send cover letter and resume to Todd Jorgenson at [email protected]

Organization Overview 

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) is a 501(c)(6) public/private economic development partnership serving the three-county Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville, South Carolina MSA. CRDA operates as the region’s lead economic development organization, uniting business, government, academic, and civic leadership around a shared mission: to build long-term, inclusive, and globally competitive economic prosperity for the Charleston region. 

With a professional staff of 12 and an annual operating budget of approximately $4.5 million, CRDA drives results through disciplined strategy, market intelligence, regional collaboration, and investor engagement. The organization positions Charleston as a premier destination for corporate investment, innovation, talent, and entrepreneurship while strengthening the foundational assets that support sustainable growth. 

CRDA’s core strategic focus includes: 

• Building and scaling high-impact industry clusters 

• Positioning the Charleston region as a globally competitive business and talent market 

• Supporting corporate site selection and expansion decisions 

• Advancing regional competitiveness through coordinated public-private leadership 
• Aligning business, academic, and government stakeholders around shared economic priorities 

Strategic Context 

CRDA is advancing a next-generation economic development strategy designed to position the greater Charleston region as a leading hub for innovation-driven growth. This strategy aligns with the broader One Region Roadmap and emphasizes long-term competitiveness, economic resilience, and talent-centered development. 

The strategy is anchored in four core objectives: 

• Establishing a shared regional vision for Charleston’s economic future 

• Defining clear short-, mid-, and long-term economic development priorities 

• Leveraging and integrating the region’s innovation, research, workforce, and infrastructure assets 

• Implementing performance metrics that measure economic impact, competitiveness, and regional outcomes 

The Vice President of Economic Development will play a central role in translating strategy into execution—driving outcomes, aligning partners, and ensuring sustained economic impact. 

 Position Overview 

CRDA seeks a senior economic development leader to serve as Vice President, Economic Development. This executive will be responsible for shaping, leading, and executing CRDA’s core economic development platform and advancing the organization’s long-term strategic priorities. 

Reporting directly to the President and CEO and serving as a member of the executive leadership team, the Vice President will provide both strategic and operational leadership across CRDA’s economic development functions. The role integrates strategy development, business development, global market positioning, talent and innovation ecosystem building, and stakeholder alignment. 

This position requires a leader who can operate at the highest strategic levels while also driving disciplined execution—someone equally effective in boardrooms, C-suite environments, project negotiations, and regional collaboration settings. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership 

• Partner with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and regional leadership to define, refine, and execute CRDA’s economic development strategy 

• Translate long-term regional vision into actionable priorities, measurable initiatives, and operational plans 

• Ensure alignment between organizational strategy, investor priorities, and regional economic goals 

Economic Development Execution 

• Lead CRDA’s core economic development platform, including: 

• Industry cluster development 

• Innovation ecosystem growth 

• Global business marketing and positioning with our Marketing & Communications team 

• Corporate attraction, expansion, and investment facilitation 

• Foreign direct investment strategy 

• Talent attraction and retention initiatives 

• Provide executive oversight of complex business attraction and expansion projects 

• Support high-level deal structuring, negotiations, and value proposition development 

Market Intelligence & Competitiveness 

• Monitor economic, industry, workforce, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and risk factors 

• Use data-driven insights to inform strategy, investment priorities, and regional positioning 

• Advance policies, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen long-term regional competitiveness 

Organizational Leadership 

• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and performance management for CRDA’s economic development team 

• Build a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and high performance 

• Develop internal capabilities aligned with modern economic development practices 

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement 

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with: 

• Local and regional government leaders 

• State agencies and economic development partners 

• Higher education and research institutions 

• Workforce development organizations 

• Private sector investors and corporate leaders 

• Site selectors, consultants, and international partners 

• Serve as a visible ambassador for CRDA and the Charleston region 

• Represent CRDA in high-level regional, national, and global forums 

Executive Leadership Support 

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO 
• Act as organizational representative and leadership proxy when required 

Candidate Profile 

Experience & Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred 

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in economic development, regional development, corporate strategy, site selection, or related fields 

• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives 

• Experience executing regional, global and/or large-scale economic development strategies 

• Proven ability to develop and deliver customized value propositions to senior corporate decision-makers 

• Strong understanding of industry cluster development and innovation ecosystems 

• Established relationships within the economic development and site selection ecosystem 

• Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource management 

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and executive presence 

• Ability to travel approximately 30% of time 

Leadership Attributes 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate: 

• Strategic vision with disciplined execution 

• Collaborative leadership style 

• Strong relationship-building capabilities 

• Political and organizational acumen 

• Data-driven decision-making 

• High integrity, high energy, credibility, and professionalism 

• Ability to unify diverse stakeholders around shared outcomes 

• Lead and develop internal teams 
• Results orientation and continuous improvement mindset 

Compensation 

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications and will include a comprehensive benefits package. 

Application Process 

Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly for full consideration. 

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to Laura Varn & Associates: Laura Varn [email protected] 

References & Background Review 

Final candidates will undergo a comprehensive reference and background review, including verification of education, professional references, and relevant background checks. Any employment offer will be contingent upon the successful completion of these processes. 

 

Charleston Regional Development Alliance is an equal opportunity organization committed to building a diverse and inclusive leadership team.