Executive Director

Position Summary  The Executive Director manages the economic development program for the Barnesville-Lamar County community and funded by the city of Barnesville and Lamar County. This full-time position reports to an 8-member board and is charged with providing guidance, strategic planning, industry research and workforce development strategies with stakeholders, existing industry support and business recruitment best practices. The economic development program shall focus on maintaining and growing jobs, new and expanded investment, and industrial product development—that which supports a balanced tax base. Specific responsibilities shall include new business recruitment and support for the expansion of existing businesses. The economic developer will provide tactical guidance to the IDA board, elected officials, and various stakeholders; oversight of all daily operations, including but not limited to marketing, research and data collection, and developing/implementing, and maintaining an economic development plan and budget. The Executive Director will work with various partners, and city and county agencies and facilitate collaborations that support job creation and economic prosperity. Job Description: Executive Director – Barnesville-Lamar County Industrial Development AuthorityLocation: Barnesville, GeorgiaPosition Type: Full-TimeSalary: Competitive based on experienceBenefits: Health insurance, car allowance, potential contributions to retirement program optionsOrganization Overview:The Barnesville-Lamar County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) serves as the primary economicdevelopment marketing entity for Lamar County, Georgia. As one of the last segments of the mostrecent ring of Atlanta development and nestled in central Georgia just an hour from Atlanta along I-75,the county boasts a growing population of approximately 20,000 residents, a rising interest bycorporations, and is home to Gordon State College.Qualifications/Knowledge:Amongst a variety of qualifications, the successful candidate will possess a strong desire to grow theeconomic prosperity and quality of life for the residents of Lamar County. In addition, the candidate willpossess:Bachelor’s degree in economic development, community development, real estate, public relations,business administration, economics, marketing, or a related field from an accredited institution.Must have a current, valid driver’s license and submit to a background and credit check.3-5 years of executive leadership experience in economic development, community development, orrelated fields, including experience with chambers of commerce.Professional certification as a Georgia Certified Economic Developer or a National Certified EconomicDeveloper is preferred but not required.Strong understanding of budgeting, income statements, balance sheets, and economic developmentincentive options.Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, QuickBooks for basic office accounting.Familiarity with real estate financing, grant writing, administration, and governmental agreements.Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint and/or Canva, and Excel for business correspondence and reportpreparation.Must have the ability to understand zoning regulations, state and local incentives, and apply bestpractices in business recruitment and retention.Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally with corporate prospects, businessleaders, the media, and the community.Must have experience as a team builder and leader, with the capability to effectively represent theIndustrial Development Authority in diverse environments.Willingness to collaborate with economic development organizations, utility partners, and localgovernment stakeholders.Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to prepare and deliver persuasivepresentations and marketing materials.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Develops and administers budget.Manages all aspects of accounts receivable and payable using QuickBooks and reconciles bank accounteach month.Oversees building maintenance and manages basic landlord duties for one tenant.Prepares all documents for monthly board meetings and presents financials and project updates.Maintains/updates website and social media content.Participates as an active member of the local economic development team, marketing the Barnesville-Lamar County community to potential business projects.Develops and manages economic development strategic plan based on community goals and objectives.Fosters strong relationships with existing businesses and engages with prospects to facilitate growth andexpansion.Oversees the implementation of marketing initiatives aimed at attracting new industries andinvestments.Represents BLC IDA at conferences, trade shows and industry events to promote economic developmentopportunities in Barnesville-Lamar County.Works closely with the Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership (PROPEL)team and coaches from Carl Vinson Institute of Government to identify and implement economic andcommunity development strategies identified in planning sessions.Stays informed of legislative developments which may impact economic development programs, policiesand/or procedures and follows up on necessary action items.Gathers and submits information for any project requests for information (RFIs).Attends meetings with the County, City and other agency partners to plan, recommend, and/or discussupcoming projects and policies.Prepares and presents presentations or proposals to the County Commission or City Council as required.Coordinates and assists the County and City, as needed, on projects that require multi-departmentalcooperation and problem-solving related to economic development.