Director of Economic Development

Gfoat; Heath (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Heath is seeking an experienced, strategic Director of Economic Development to lead efforts with the Heath EDC and HMBC in attracting and expanding high-quality development. The role shapes Heath’s economic vitality while preserving its small-town character and quality of life.

You will develop long-range plans, manage incentives, and engage regional partners to foster growth that aligns with community expectations and infrastructure capacity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in Economic Development or related field; real estate experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan for Heath.
• Identify opportunities for high-value commercial, retail, office, and mixed-use development.
• Lead recruitment, BRE programs, and marketing materials for developers and prospects.
• Guide projects through zoning, permitting, and development review with city processes.
• Negotiate incentives, public-private partnerships, and perform economic impact analyses.

Skills

Mixed-use development

Commercial real estate

Economic development tools

Negotiation & partnerships

Strategic planning

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economic Development

Public Administration or Urban Planning

Tools

CEcD or PCED preferred

Job description

Summary

The City of Heath, Texas, is seeking an experienced, strategic, and community-focused Director of Economic Development to work directly with the Heath Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) and Heath Municipal Benefits Corporation (HMBC) in leading the City’s efforts to attract, retain, and expand high-quality commercial and mixed-use development. This position plays a critical role in shaping Heath’s long-term economic vitality while preserving the community’s high standards, small-town character, and exceptional quality of life.

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.

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:

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.