Senior Economic Development Specialist

Target Hiring Range: $79,335.36 - $88,150.42

Performs the full scope of professional economic development duties, including leading complex, multi-funded public and private projects. This advanced journey-level classification exercises greater independence, judgment, and responsibility and may serve as a lead worker providing functional or technical guidance to others. This position will perform highly complex assignments, lead major initiatives, and independently manage projects and stakeholder relationships. Receives directions from higher-level management staff and may provide functional or technical supervision, including assigning work, monitoring progress, and reviewing outcomes.

• Leads large, complex, and multi-funded public and private economic development and redevelopment projects from initiation through completion.
• Experience with Texas 380 agreements, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ), and budgeting
• Independently negotiates and structures development agreements, incentive packages, and real estate transactions.
• Evaluates private development proposals for financial and technical feasibility and recommends approval strategies.
• Oversees program budgets and monitors compliance with funding requirements.
• Prepares and presents staff reports, agendas, analyses, and recommendations for City Council, boards, and commissions.
• Develops and evaluates comprehensive marketing, branding, and business attraction strategies.
• Represents the City in high-level meetings with developers, investors, businesses, and regional partners.
• Contractor Management.
• Provides functional leadership, guidance, and mentoring to assigned staff or project teams.
• Performs other advanced professional duties as assigned by the Director or Deputy Director of Economic Development.
  
  

Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development or a related field, including at least two (2) years of project management experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, accounting, marketing, planning, real estate, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.KNOWLEDGE:

• Advanced knowledge of economic development theory, tools, and best practices, including business attraction, retention, expansion, redevelopment, and workforce development.
• Advanced knowledge of economic development incentives, negotiations, structuring, performance metrics, and compliance monitoring.
• Advanced knowledge of Texas 380 economic development incentives, Texas Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ)
• Knowledge of real estate development processes, site selection, zoning, infrastructure, and public-private partnerships.
• Knowledge of local, regional, and state economic trends and their impact on municipal growth strategies.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and policy development related to economic development initiatives.
• Knowledge of public sector finance, incentive funding mechanisms, and return-on-investment analysis.
• Knowledge of marketing, branding, and business recruitment strategies for cities and regions.
• Knowledge of intergovernmental relations and regional economic development collaboration.
• Knowledge of local government operations, City Council processes, boards and commissions, and public accountability requirements.
• Knowledge of data analysis tools, CRM systems, and performance measurement frameworks used in economic development.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing economic development activities.
  
  

SKILLS:

• Skill in leading and managing complex economic development projects from concept through implementation.
• Skill in negotiating and structuring economic development incentives and agreements.
• Skill in advanced research, data analysis, and market analysis to support strategic initiatives and policy recommendations.
• Skill in developing and implementing strategic plans, work programs, and performance measures.
• Skill in business engagement and relationship management with executives, developers, site selectors, and key stakeholders.
• Skill in written and verbal communication, including preparing staff reports, agendas, executive summaries, presentations, and public-facing materials.
• Skill in facilitating meetings and leading cross-departmental teams.
• Skill in mentoring and providing guidance to junior or journey-level staff.
• Skill in managing multiple high-impact projects and setting priorities independently.
• Skill in budget monitoring, grant coordination, and financial tracking related to economic development programs.
• Skill in using advanced Microsoft Excel, CRM platforms, and data visualization/reporting tools.
• Skill in problem-solving and risk assessment in complex, politically sensitive environments.
  
  

ABILITIES:

• Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and execute economic development initiatives aligned with City goals.
• Ability to serve as a subject matter expert and provide strategic recommendations to leadership, boards, commissions, and elected officials.
• Ability to lead negotiations and represent the City in meetings with developers, businesses, and regional partners.
• Ability to analyze complex financial, market, and policy data and translate findings into actionable strategies.
• Ability to anticipate challenges, assess risks, and develop solutions in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to build and sustain long-term partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to mentor staff and contribute to departmental leadership and succession planning.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to adapt to changing economic conditions, priorities, and political environments.
• Ability to prepare and deliver clear, persuasive presentations to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and meet City driving standards.
• Ability to perform moderate physical activities related to meetings, site visits, and events.
  
  

Licenses And Certificates

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Professional certifications such as CEcD, EDFP, IEDC, Development Finance Certification, or Urban Land Institute real estate development certifications are desirable.
  
  

Work Environment

Environment: Office and field settings; travel to development sites and meetings; frequent computer use.

Physical and Mental Demands: Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; operate office equipment; communicate effectively; read and prepare written materials; make sound decisions and interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.