Economic Development Director

Economic Development Director

Salary

$105,615.55 - $128,018.85 Annually

Location

Victoria, TX

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

23-00610

Department

Economic Development

Division

Economic Development

Opening Date

04/03/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction, leads the implementation of the City of Victoria's Economic Development Strategic Plan by coordinating partnerships, driving business recruitment and retention efforts, and supporting strategic growth initiatives. This position serves as a primary liaison with developers, business leaders, regional partners, and governmental agencies to promote a pro-business environment and attract new investment.

The role manages the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation (Type B) and departmental budget, ensuring alignment with City Council goals, while advancing redevelopment initiatives, overseeing incentive programs, and supporting funding opportunities. Provides data-driven analysis, reports, and recommendations to leadership and plays a key role in shaping economic growth and long-term community success.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Spearheads the implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City of Victoria.
• Monitors the departmental budget and budgets from economic development initiatives and partners; participates in the development of the annual City 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 City of 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. The role requires for the careful documentation of all interactions made with local employers and/or business owners as part of the City's overall BRE programming.
• Oversee real estate and redevelopment initiatives, including management of City-owned properties and negotiation of development agreements.
• Identifies and pursues funding opportunities for economic and community development growth (e.g., public and private sources).
• Serve as primary point of contact 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.
• Manage and 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 educational opportunities.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

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 policies, procedures, and practices.
• Records maintenance and retention practices and procedures.
• Supervisory principles and practices.
• Budget development and administration.
• Principles of data analytics.
• Principles and practices of program economic development and administration.
• Grant and contract management.
• Municipal planning and development processes.

Skill in:

• Strong knowledge of economic development tools, incentives, and financing mechanisms
• 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
• Proficient 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent meetings and site visits. Attendance at evening meetings, community events and occasional travel is required.

The City of Victoria offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees that includes but not limited to: health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 2:1 City match, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, sick leave, paid parental leave, longevity pay and credit union.

Check out our great Wellness Programs!

Please visit the Human Resources Departments benefits page for more details.

01

Describe your experience with development agreements, incentives, or public-private partnerships. How do you structure deals to balance developer interests with community and municipal goals?

02

In real estate development project, which of the following is the most important first step?

• Selecting a contractor and beginning preliminary construction planning
• Conducting a market analysis to assess demand, pricing, and absorption rates
• Finalizing architectural design and site plans
• Securing financing and investor commitments

03

Do you have a bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning?

• Yes
• No
• I do not have a bachelors degree, but I do have a combination of 7+ years of experience and education.

04

Do you have seven (7) years of economic development, tourism, public relations, non-profit association, or related field experience?

• Yes
• No
• I do not have seven (7) years of experience, but I do have a combination of education and experience in economic development or a related field.

Required Question

Employer City of Victoria

Address 702 N. Main Street - 700 Main Center

Suite 120

Victoria, Texas, 77901

Phone 361-485-3500