Economic Development Director - Irwin County

Position to be filled by: August 1, 2025

Company: Ocilla Irwin County Industrial Development Authority

Location: Ocilla, Georgia

Category: Development Authority

Position Type: Full-Time

Education/Experience Requirement: Bachelor degree preferred with a minimum of 2 years experience in a related field.

Salary: Based on Experience

How to Apply: Contact Susan Driscoll at susan@mcwhorterdriscoll.com

Job Description & Details:

Overview:
As the Economic Development Director for our small rural community, you will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and sustainability in a community with limited resources and currently a predominantly agricultural economy. This challenging yet rewarding position requires creativity, resilience, and a strong commitment to the prosperity of our community and all its residents. Over the past three years, the leaders of the community have created a strong strategic plan and overall comprehensive plan that has highlighted three focus areas of potential growth – 1) supporting economic development of current local industry exploring the development of required resources to support these businesses as well as future businesses, 2) exploring public/private partnerships for housing development as well as underutilized current buildings, and 3) identify and create a game changer economic driver that is unique from surrounding areas, such as positioning the community as a must visit AgriTourism communtiy.

The position reports to the Board of the Ocilla Irwin County Industrial Development Authority.

Responsibilities:

• Operational Planning: A community strategic plan as well as a City County Comprehensive Plan have been developed. This position is responsible for developing the operational plans to execute against the identified strategies and execute the operational plan focusing on the three highlighted areas – industrial development, housing development, and developing new industry focusing on AgriTourism.
• Business Retention and Attraction: Actively engage with existing businesses to understand their needs and challenges to assist them in meeting those needs with community services and connections. Also, work to attract new businesses to the area that fit within the parameters that have been identified as feasible for the community. This work includes fostering relationships with local entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and potential businesses.
• Infrastructure Development: Collaborate with local government officials and relevant stakeholders to identify and prioritize infrastructure projects that support economic development, such as mini industrial park development, housing development, transportation improvements, water/sewer improvements, continued broadband expansion, utility upgrades, and childcare initiatives.
• Community Authority, Commission, and other entities Coordination: This position requires collaborating with the various community entities such as the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Ocilla Irwin Chamber of Commerce, City government, County government, Ocilla Historic Preservation Commission, Ocilla/Irwin County Planning Advisory Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Ocilla GICH, Irwin County School System, and Irwin County Recreation Department. This position will also need to work with the various State Commissions such as the Department of Community Affairs to identify and solicit resources for the community. This coordination will be key for execution of a successful comprehensive economic development plan.
• Workforce Development: Work closely with educational institutions, vocational training programs, and workforce development agencies to ensure that our community has the skilled labor force necessary to support the new diverse industries and businesses.
• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Identify grant opportunities and other sources of funding to support economic development initiatives, and work with a grant writer or prepare competitive grant proposals to secure necessary funding.
• Community Engagement: Engage with residents, community organizations and local leaders to gather input, build consensus, and foster a sense of community pride and ownership in economic development efforts.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report on economic data and trends to inform decision-making and measure the impact of economic development initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Experience in economic development, business recruitment, community development, or related field, preferably in a rural or agricultural setting.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, innovate, and problem-solve in a resource-constrained environment.
• Proficiency in relevant computer skills and software programs.
• Knowledge of grant writing, fundraising, and economic development finance is desirable.
• Familiarity with local zoning regulations, land use policies, and economic development incentives.
• Passion for rural communities and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of residents.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a community that needs progress to survive and then thrive.