Chief Economic Growth & Development Officer

AAME; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Texas Municipal Retirement System (TM–

TMRS retirement benefits

Job summary

City of Waco seeks a visionary Chief Economic Development Officer to lead the Economic Development Department through a pivotal growth phase. The role focuses on attracting investment, guiding incentives, and coordinating with City leadership to shape the downtown redevelopment and regional economic strategy.

The CEDO will manage major incentive programs, mentor the team, and present recommendations in public meetings while ensuring measurable returns on public investments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Planning, Social Sciences, Business, Public Administration, or related field.
• At least seven years of experience in economic and community development and regulatory program management.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws affecting economic development; experience with Texas tools including Tax Increment Financing Districts, Public Improvement Districts, Chapter 380 grants, and tax abatements.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the City's Economic Development Department.
• Develop and execute short- and long-range economic development and revitalization strategies.
• Develop strategies for attracting new businesses while supporting expansion and retention of existing businesses.
• Serve as the City Manager's principal advisor and subject-matter expert on economic development, development opportunities, and incentive policy.
• Evaluate proposed development projects and recommend appropriate levels and structures of public participation.
• Manage and provide oversight of TIF agreements, tax abatements, Chapter 380 grants, and other economic development incentive programs.
• Negotiate incentive and development agreements with businesses and developers and review agreements negotiated by staff.
• Identify infrastructure and development needs that can unlock additional private investment.
• Use research, analytics, market intelligence, and performance measures to identify opportunities and evaluate results.
• Develop strong relationships with developers, businesses, educational institutions, community organizations, governmental partners, and other economic development stakeholders.
• Present economic development strategies, projects, recommendations, and agreements in public meetings.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Economic Development team while strengthening organizational systems, processes, and accountability.

Skills

Economic development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economics, Planning, Social Sciences, Business, Public Administration, or related field

Job description

City of Waco seeks a visionary Chief Economic Development Officer to lead the Economic Development Department through a pivotal growth phase. The role focuses on attracting investment, guiding incentives, and coordinating with City leadership to shape the downtown redevelopment and regional economic strategy.

The CEDO will manage major incentive programs, mentor the team, and present recommendations in public meetings while ensuring measurable returns on public investments.