Economic Development Director
Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Houston, TX
Job Type
Regular Full-time
Job Number
16750
Department
Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity
Opening Date
05/27/2026
Closing Date
7/5/2026 11:59 PM Central
Position Description
Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity Mission:
Vision:
What you will do at the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity:
The Economic Development Director serves as the senior leader responsible for implementing, managing, and advancing Harris County Economic Development initiatives. This position drives business attraction, retention, and expansion by deploying the full suite of tax incentive and financing tools available under local, state, and federal law. The Director collaborates with elected officials, the business community, site selectors, developers, regional partners, and state agencies to expand the tax base, create quality jobs, and strengthen the jurisdictions economic competitiveness.
Leadership Scope:
The Director is the primary accountable executive for Economic Development and Strategy, including:
Translating plan goals and benchmarks into annual work programs with measurable outcomes
Aligning departmental budget requests and staffing with strategic priorities
Reporting plan progress quarterly to elected officials and the public
Coordinating cross-departmental initiatives (planning, public works, finance, legal) required for plan success
Duties and Responsibilities:
Business Development & Attraction
Lead proactive marketing and recruitment efforts targeting priority industry sectors identified in the strategic plan
Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective businesses, site selectors, and real estate brokers
Manage prospect relationships throughout the full pipeline, from initial inquiry to operational launch
Negotiate letters of intent, development agreements, and incentive packages on behalf of the jurisdiction
Tax Incentive Program Administration
The Director must possess deep, applied knowledge of all available tax tools and strategically lead their deployment:
Tax Abatement Policy: Design, negotiate, and administer real and personal property tax abatement agreements; establish performance standards (job creation, wage thresholds, capital investment); monitor compliance and enforce clawback provisions
Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ): Administer or pursue FTZ grantee/operator status; advise manufacturers and distributors on duty deferral, reduction, and weekly entry procedures; coordinate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Hotel/Motel & Hospitality Taxes (HOT): Advise on allowable uses of HOT revenues for tourism and economic development; partner with CVBs and the hospitality industry on eligible project funding
Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Identify, designate, and manage TIF districts; prepare project and financing plans; coordinate bond issuance and fund administration with the finance department
New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC): Partner with CDFIs and investors to channel NMTC allocations into qualifying low-income community investments
Opportunity Zones: Market designated Opportunity Zones to investors; connect developers with Qualified Opportunity Funds; track qualifying investment activity
Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) / Revenue Bonds: Structure and administer IRBs and other conduit financing for qualifying manufacturing and industrial projects
Sales Tax Incentives: Administer local option sales tax rebate programs and Chapter 380/381 (or equivalent) economic development agreements
PILOT Agreements: Negotiate Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes arrangements with nonprofit or public institutions as economic development tools
Federal & State Grants: Identify and pursue EDA, CDBG-ED, USDA, and state economic development grant opportunities aligned with plan priorities
Retention & Expansion (BRE)
Execute a structured Business Retention and Expansion program with regular outreach to existing employers
Identify businesses at risk of relocation or contraction and develop retention strategies
Facilitate expansion projects for existing businesses, including incentive structuring and site/facility assistance Workforce & Talent Pipeline
Partner with workforce boards, community colleges, and K-12 systems to align training programs with employer needs
Integrate workforce development objectives into incentive agreements where appropriate
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
Build and maintain relationships with chambers of commerce, industry associations, utilities, and regional economic development organizations
Present before elected bodies, planning commissions, and community groups on economic development matters
Represent the jurisdiction at state, regional, and national economic development conferences and events
Administration & Compliance
Supervise economic development professional staff; conduct performance evaluations and foster professional development
Prepare and manage the department budget; ensure fiscal accountability for all incentive programs
Maintain a comprehensive incentive tracking and compliance database; submit required state and federal reports
Ensure all programs operate within applicable legal and ethical frameworks; work with legal counsel on agreements.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education:
Experience:
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role
Demonstrated experience negotiating and administering tax abatement agreements, TIF districts, or equivalent incentive programs
Experience with multiple state and federal financing and incentive tools (IRBs, NMTCs, Opportunity Zones, EDA grants, CDBG-ED, or equivalents)
Proven track record of successfully recruiting businesses, closing deals, and managing incentive compliance
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of Foreign Trade Zone administration and federal trade zone regulations
Familiarity with hotel/motel tax (HOT) statutes, allowable uses, and tourism-related economic development applications
Comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal economic development statutes, regulations, and incentive programs
Expert-level understanding of property tax abatement policy design, performance benchmarking, and claw back mechanisms
Strong financial analysis skills, including ROI modeling for incentive packages and cost-benefit analysis
Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, business leaders, and community members
Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to present complex financial and policy information to lay audiences
Proficiency in economic development CRM platforms and GIS-based site selection tools
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously
High ethical standards and commitment to transparency in the administration of public incentive programs
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Education:
Master's Degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field
Graduate-level coursework or certification in public finance, tax law, or community development finance
Experience:
Certifications and Designations:
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Site Selector Guild membership or demonstrable relationships with national site selection community
General Information
Position Type and Scheduled Hours:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with frequent travel to business sites, community events, and state/national conferences. Evening and weekend work may be required for public meetings and industry events. The position is expected to maintain availability for time-sensitive business prospect needs. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers. Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. Typical office work with limited physical demands.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Retirement Savings Benefit
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position? Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.
02
If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?
03
Does your educational background include graduate-level coursework or certification in public finance, tax law, or community development finance?
04
In which of the following areas do you have demonstrated work experience? Select all that apply. Qualifying experience must be documented in the Work Experience section of your application.
05
Which of the following best measures your progressively responsible experience in economic development? Qualifying information must be documented in the Work Experience section of your application.
06
Does your related experience include at least three (3) years in a supervisory or managerial role?
07
Please provide details of your qualifying experience. If you do not have experience relevant to the duties of this position, type "None" in the space provided. Please provide a detailed response, as attachments will not be reviewed during the initial screening process.
08
Do you currently hold a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)?
09
Are you a member of the Site Selectors Guild or have any significant affiliation with a national site selection community?
Required Question
Employer Harris County
Address 1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone 713-274-5445
Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx