Director of Economic Development

Gulfshoresal; Heath (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Heath is seeking its first Economic Development Director to shape the community’s long-term prosperity through strategic initiatives like the Towne Center Overlay District and The Reserve. This role leads development that blends high-quality retail, dining, office space, and community areas with responsible growth.

Reporting to the City Manager, you will build partnerships with regional organizations, manage incentives, and guide complex projects from zoning through completion while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or related field required.
• 3–5 years of experience in Economic Development or related field.
• Preferred 3–5 years of experience in real estate.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• CEcD or PCED preferred; certification may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for high-value commercial, retail, professional office, and mixed-use development.
• Lead recruitment and a business retention and expansion program.
• Guide prospects through city processes, including zoning and permitting.
• Develop incentives, agreements, and public-private partnerships.
• Represent the City at conferences and regional meetings.
• Maintain up-to-date data on demographics and market trends; prepare reports.

Skills

Mixed-use development

Commercial real estate development

Municipal economic development tools

Negotiation with developers

Public-private partnerships

Strategic partnerships

Communication and presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or related field

Job description

Learn more about this opportunity and the City of Heath by viewing the Economic Development Director Recruitment Brochure

This is an exciting opportunity to serve as the City of Heath's first Economic Development Director. This position plays a crucial role in shaping Heath’s long-term prosperity by guiding transformative initiatives like the Towne Center Overlay District and The Reserve, where over 44 acres are owned by the Heath Economic Development and Municipal Benefits Corporations. Together, these projects will establish a vibrant commercial heart for the community—bringing high-quality retail, dining, professional services, and community spaces closer to home while strengthening the city’s financial foundation. Through strategic planning, relationship-building, and a clear vision for balanced growth, the Director ensures these developments not only enhance daily life for residents but also preserve the character that makes Heath special.

Organizational Relationships

While reporting to the City Manager, this position works with the HEDC/HMBC to provide continual support and focus towards economic development within the City of Heath.

Essential Job Functions & Other Important Duties

Strategic Planning & Leadership

Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan tailored to Heath’s growth patterns, infrastructure capacity, and community expectations.

Identify and pursue opportunities for high-value commercial, retail, professional office, and mixed-use development that align with the city’s long-term vision.

Provide professional economic insight and recommendations to the HEDC/HMBC, City Manager, and the governing body of the City.

Business Recruitment, Retention & Expansion

Lead proactive efforts to recruit new businesses that complement Heath’s market profile and meet community needs.

Create and manage a business retention and expansion (BRE) program to support existing local businesses.

Develop marketing materials, prospect packages, and presentations for use with developers and business prospects.

Development Facilitation & Project Management

Manage relationships with commercial developers, site selectors, brokers, and investors.

Guide prospects through city processes, serving as a point of contact during zoning, permitting, and development review.

Evaluate proposed projects for economic impact, feasibility, and alignment with the community’s expectations.

Incentive & Policy Administration

Develop, negotiate, and manage economic development agreements, incentive packages, and public-private partnerships, ensuring compliance with state laws and local guidelines.

Prepare economic impact analyses, cost-benefit calculations, and performance reports.

Community & Regional Engagement

Serve as the city’s liaison to regional and state economic development organizations.

Build and maintain relationships with property owners, developers, employers, educational institutions, and community groups.

Represent the City at conferences, regional meetings, and community events.

Research, Reporting & Data Management

Maintain up-to-date data on demographics, market trends, available sites, and economic indicators.

Prepare reports, briefing materials, and presentations for City Council and stakeholder groups.

Oversee updates to the city’s economic development website, marketing channels, and property listings.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Direct experience with mixed-use / town center development.
• Proven background and understanding of commercial real estate development.
• Strong understanding of municipal economic development tools, Texas incentive laws, and development processes.
• Experience in negotiating developer agreements in a manner that achieves the project vision.
• Strong understanding of development agreements and public-private partnerships.
• Experience working directly with master developers, evaluating pro formas, finding mechanisms, and structuring complex projects.
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and work effectively with elected officials.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects, multiple priorities, and sensitive political environments.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance economic growth with quality-of-life considerations.

Acceptable Experience and Training

A bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field from an accredited institution is required. Additionally, a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in Economic Development or a related field is necessary. Preferred qualifications include 3 to 5 years of experience in real estate.

Certifications and Licenses Required

• Valid Texas driver's license.
• CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) or PCED (Professional Community & Economic Developer) preferred.
• Ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe may be considered.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Abilities

Physical Abilities: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly is required to listen, see, sit, talk, or walk. The employee frequently is required to grasp, handle, feel, reach, or stand. The employee occasionally is required to balance, carry, kneel, lift up to 50 pounds, pull, push, or stoop. Rarely, the employee is required to climb or crawl.

Working Environment

The person performing the duties of this position is not exposed to adverse work environment conditions.

Additional Information

The City of Heath is an equal opportunity employer of qualified individuals. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.