Director, Economic Development

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, economic development, or in a field related to the job, plus seven (7) years of experience in oversight or managing projects and programs in economic development, economics, business assistance, public and/or private finance, or workforce development.

• Graduation with a Master’s degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required:
None.

Notes to Applicants
To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.
How to Apply:
Please visit the Mosaic Public Partners site to view more about this position and apply.
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact one of the recruiters below before submitting materials.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to Greg Nelson or Bryan Noblett at (916) 550-4100.
This position is considered open until filled, with a first review of candidates on June 16, 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).

Benefits:

• Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

This position is open until filled.

Note: Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act.
Pay Range
$219,000 to $229,000 annually
Hours
8:00AM - 5:00PM Monday - Friday
*Hours may vary depending upon business needs
Job Close Date Type of Posting External Department Economic Development Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 5202 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78741 Preferred Qualifications Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Directs, leads, and manages all economic development processes, programs, initiatives, and activities for the City with creativity and innovation. Develops, coordinates, and implements strategies and programs, and utilizes economic financial tools to create and retain local jobs, promote industry development, increase workforce readiness, promote the City of Austin and its competitive advantages for key investments and local job creation, and drive investment in Austin in a comprehensive manner Develops programs, strategies, and approaches to leverage and maximize economic development resources that support business expansion, attraction, and retention, and to support growth in priority industries and community revitalization. Develops programs that support entrepreneurs and small business development, training, and outreach. Develops programs that support childcare industry and other wraparound services to enhance local industries and increase workforce readiness. Manages the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establishes, within City policies, appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocates resources accordingly. Acts as official departmental representative to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, and outside agencies. Briefs and advises City management, the Mayor, and City Council regarding economic development, small business, industry and workforce development, and international programs in person and through written reports. Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; estimates funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; and directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary. Analyzes the Federal, State, and Local economies for strengths and weaknesses; prepares measurable strategies, action plans, and marketing/promotional efforts for priority areas within the City, often in conjunction with community-based organizations, to assist in strategy formulation implementation and industry development at the corporate and community levels. Develops and negotiates contracts between the City, partners, chambers of commerce, and other governmental entities for major, high-profile and community based projects, business development, and industry and workforce development.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.

• Knowledge of public policy development, strategy and analysis and best practices in economic development.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration and strategic planning

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing economic development, economic financial tools, business assistance programs and urban economic development.

• Knowledge of the Federal, State, and Local economy to assist in strategy formulation and industry development.

• Skill in managing functions related to economic development, workforce and industry development, small business development and community economic development.

• Skill in supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.

• Skill in oral and written communications.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Skill in using computers and related software applications.

• Skill in using data analysis to problem solve and establish measurable outcomes.

• Skill in evaluating bids and making recommendations.

• Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports, and studies.

• Ability in maintaining effective communication and working relationships with City Officials, business leaders, financial institutions, developers, citizen groups, and City departments and employees.

• Ability to coordinate with City departments and outside agencies.

• Ability to work with citizen groups to develop and implement short- and long-term economic development objectives, strategies, and programs.

• Ability to lead a team with vision, purpose, alignment and collaboration.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents

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• City of Austin

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