Director of Technology & Innovation

The Director of Technology & Innovation will lead strategies to attract, retain, and expand technology-focused companies and innovation-driven enterprises within the region. This role requires strong industry expertise, relationship-building skills, and the ability to align stakeholders across public, private, and academic sectors. The Director will serve as the primary point of contact for technology companies, startups, venture capital firms, innovation hubs, R&D centers, research institutions, and ecosystem partners to position the region as a leading hub for tech and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Atlanta Growth Collective: Support MAC’s Atlanta Growth Collective, assisting with programming, identification and screening of potential new members, and other strategies as necessary.  
• Industry Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with technology companies, entrepreneurs, accelerators, incubators, universities, and investors to foster growth in the innovation ecosystem.
• Business Recruitment & Retention: Develop and execute strategies to attract new technology companies while supporting the retention and expansion of existing firms.
• Ecosystem Development: Partner with universities, research institutions, and workforce organizations to strengthen talent pipelines and align resources with industry needs.
• Marketing & Promotion: Position the region as a destination for innovation through targeted marketing, storytelling, and participation in national and global industry events.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with local governments, communities, the state, utility partners, investors, and other stakeholders to drive policies and initiatives that support technology-driven growth.
• Data & Research: Leverage industry data, market trends, and benchmarking to guide strategy development and communicate the region’s competitive advantages.
• Innovation Support: Encourage entrepreneurship by connecting startups with funding opportunities, mentorship, and growth resources.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship Advisory Board: Support for re-establishment of a convening group of investors and community members to advise on economic development goals and strategies outlined above.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public policy, technology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of professional experience in economic development, business development, technology, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of the technology sector, including trends in AI, software, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, or other innovation-driven industries.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Experience with site selection, business recruitment, or investment attraction preferred.
• Passion for innovation and understanding of startup and venture capital ecosystems.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant metro Atlanta. To advance economic growth and improve our quality of place, MAC is focused on starting, growing, and recruiting companies to our 29-county region. We’re also focused on growing our innovation economy by promoting and strengthening connections to drive Atlanta’s innovation and entrepreneurial culture. MAC is committed to being an active voice for the business community, serving as an advocate for a competitive business climate, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion as economic imperatives, and telling Atlanta’s story.

Our Purpose, Principles, and Core Values

MAC’s purpose is to UNLEASH ATLANTA’S AMBITION, and in doing so we embody the following principles:

Sit Down Together, Stand Up to Act

Knock Down Walls, Open Doors

Take the Lead, Share the Credit

Sharpen the Focus, Expand the Reach

At MAC we naturally exhibit an unwavering commitment to three core values: to be relentless, smart, and all-in. This means every team member is:

• Relentless. MAC employees take pride in being relentless with an unwavering focus. Our partners trust us to deliver on our commitments. There isn’t room for cutting corners, being aimless, or rejecting change. We are bold and persistent and execute with innovation and edge. 
• Smart. Team members at MAC know that intense curiosity allows us to grow. We leverage instinct, integrity, and data to drive our strategy and achieve our purpose. As problem-solving idea generators, we have a natural advantage in any challenge.   
• All-In. We’re a greater force when we rally together. It doesn’t matter what our title or position is: we trust each other and work as one to multiply our collective impact and achieve ambitious goals.