Economic Development & Grants Coordinator

City of Ennis; Ennis (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ennis Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) is seeking an Economic Development & Grants Coordinator to advance business retention, downtown vitality, and small business growth. The role includes researching grant opportunities, preparing narratives and supporting documents, and coordinating with local and state partners to drive economic initiatives.

The coordinator will conduct site visits, develop data-driven reports, assist with marketing materials, and present findings to the Board and

Qualifications

• Strong research, writing, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Understanding of economic and community development practices in governmental setting.
• Knowledge of laws related to economic development (Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act).

Responsibilities

• Support business retention, downtown development, and small business engagement efforts.
• Conduct regular business visits and maintain business intelligence.
• Identify grant opportunities and prepare narratives, data tables, and attachments.
• Support market analysis, retail recruitment strategies, and data-driven reports for prospects and site selectors.
• Conduct property research and maintain the real estate database.
• Prepare presentations for the Board of Directors and City Commission.
• Coordinate with partners for grant-related programs and redevelopment initiatives.
• Assist with marketing materials and content for the EEDC website.

Skills

Research

Writing

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Public/private development concepts

Budgeting / Financial management

Project management

Event coordination

Education

Bachelor's Degree

5 years experience in economic development

Job description

Under the general supervision of the Director of Economic Development, the Economic Development & Grants Coordinator supports the mission of the Ennis Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) by performing professional, administrative, and analytical work that drives business development, downtown vitality, retail recruitment, small business growth, and broader strategic economic initiatives. In addition to core economic development responsibilities, this position also identifies, researches, and prepares grant opportunities that advance EDC and City priorities.

• Support business retention, downtown development, and small business engagement efforts, including leading the implementation of the Business Retention and Attraction Program.
• Conduct regular business visits, maintain up-to-date business intelligence, and identify opportunities for expansion, assistance, or referrals.
• Assist in developing and carrying out programs that strengthen small business growth and entrepreneurship in collaboration with local, regional, and state partners.
• Support the Kaufman Corridor Revitalization initiative through business outreach, data collection, project monitoring, and coordination with stakeholders.
• Assist in the ongoing development and periodic updating of marketing materials, collateral, and content for the EDC website.
• Prepare presentations for various audiences, including the Board of Directors and the Ennis City Commission.
• Identify federal, state, regional, and private grant opportunities that align with EEDC and City priorities, and prepare application materials such as narratives, supporting documents, data tables, maps, and required attachments.
• Support market analysis, retail recruitment strategies, and the creation of data-driven reports for prospects, brokers, and site selectors.
• Conduct property research, maintain the real estate database, and assist with market evaluations and the administration of EEDC-owned assets.
• Ability to arrive to work on time and must maintain a regular and reliable level of attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Strong research, writing, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Working knowledge of public/private development concepts, including commercial project investment and basic financing techniques.
• Understanding of economic and community development practices within a governmental setting, including demographics, market trends, forecasting, and impact analysis.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and codes related to economic development.
• Knowledge of the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act.
• General understanding of budgeting, financial management, and the preparation of supporting documentation.Skill in community engagement, project management, and event coordination.
• Ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors, elected officials, community partners, and business stakeholders.
• Ability to build and maintain a positive and professional reputation with community groups, media, governmental agencies, and the broader business community.

Bachelor’s Degree preferred or five (5) years’ experience in an economic development related field with grant writing skills preferred.

Any equivalent combination of experience and training provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

A Valid Class C Texas driver license and the ability to maintain a satisfactory driving record.