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.

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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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,…