Economic Development Director

• Spearheads the implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City of Victoria. 
• Oversees the departmental budget and financial activities related to economic development initiatives and partner organizations, while contributing to the preparation of the City’s annual budget. Coordinates economic development efforts between, but not limited to, including the City, Victoria Port Authority, Victoria Regional Airport, Victoria County, A&M-Victoria, Victoria College, Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent, Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation (VSTDC), and the Victoria Economic Development Corporation (VEDC).
• Provides leadership in developing short- and long-term economic and community development plans, including conducting research, preparing studies, reports, and recommendations, and proactively collaborating with the City’s Planning Department on initiatives related to future land use. 
• Prepares and maintains data related to demographics, utilities, taxes, transportation, community services, financing tools, and incentives to respond to requests for information for economic development purposes and comprehensive reports as required.
• Provides professional economic development guidance; assists with application and permitting processes; and serves as an advocate for the City’s economic development priorities, ordinances, and goals. Extends this advocacy through coordination with external partners, including the County and Council of Governments (e.g., CEDS), ensuring the City of Victoria maintains a strong and active presence in regional initiatives.  
• Works closely with the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, A&M-Victoria Small Business Development Center, VEDC and various other Boards and Commissions to identify areas of concern to effectively foster a “pro-business” environment for the City of Victoria.
• Works to attract prospective commercial and retail developments to the area with the use of a well-defined marketing strategy.
• Establishes relationships with existing and new developers to identify growth opportunities in the area.
• Promotes business retention and expansion (“BRE”) by building strong relationships with local employers and/or business owners.
• Maintains detailed and accurate documentation of all interactions with local employers and business owners as part of the City’s Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program.
• Oversee real estate and redevelopment initiatives, including City-owned properties and negotiation of development agreements.
• Identifies and pursues funding opportunities from public and private sources for economic development and community growth. Serve as primary point of contact, in coordination with the Victoria Economic Development Corporation (VEDC), for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism, commercial developers, site selectors, brokers and entrepreneurs.
• Serves as a liaison with various local, State, and Federal agencies; coordinates projects with agencies as necessary and appropriate.
• Provides information and makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the public related to economic development issues, programs, services, and plans. 
• Manages market incentive programs such as tax abatements, grants, and public-private partnerships.
• Establishes relationships with foreign direct investment stakeholders such as international counterparts and the U.S. Commercial Service.
• Attends City Council, Victoria Sales Tax Corporation, Downtown TIRZ, Housing Finance Corporation, and Public Facility Corporation meetings and work sessions, as needed to support the economic development needs of the City.   
• Attends and participates in industry-related professional associations, conventions, conferences, and trade shows including continuing education opportunities.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning or related field AND seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in community or economic development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances 
• General office operations and administrative functions 
• Records management and retention requirements 
• Supervisory principles 
• Budget development and administration 
• Data analysis and reporting principles 
• Economic development program planning and administration 
• Grant and contract management 
• Municipal planning and development processes

Skill in:

• Strong knowledge of economic development tools, incentives, and financing mechanisms.
• Understanding of real estate development underwriting preferred.
• Ability to interpret plans, codes, and ordinances.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, organize priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Effective leadership and supervision of staff.
• Proficiency in data entry, recordkeeping, and maintaining accurate files.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and present to varied audiences.
• Ability to interact tactfully and professionally with staff, agencies, and the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with GIS, AI, CRM systems or economic development software.

Required Contacts:

• Employee has direct contact with citizens and all levels of employees when answering inquiries.

License and Certification Requirements:

• Must possess a valid State driver’s license that meets the city guideline.
• CEcD, EDFP, or EDP certification or completion of recognized economic development program (e.g. PCED, IEDC, GrowAmerica, or TEDC), is preferred.