Chief Economic Development Officer for the City of Waco

Mackenzie Eason & Associates•Waco, TX

37d•Onsite

About The Position

Waco is undergoing a significant economic evolution, marked by continued growth, an ambitious downtown redevelopment initiative, and over $1.8 billion in recent economic development investment across various sectors. This role presents a compelling opportunity for a seasoned executive to lead the City's Economic Development Department during a period of considerable momentum and opportunity. The Chief Economic Development Officer (CEDO) will be responsible for shaping the City's economic strategy, evaluating and structuring development opportunities, guiding public-private investments, strengthening the retail and commercial base, cultivating new markets, and advising the City Manager and City Council. A key aspect of the role involves maturing the department's organization, developing staff, strengthening processes, and positioning the department for future growth. The City of Waco operates under a council-manager government, where economic development is a critical function intersecting with land development, infrastructure, downtown redevelopment, retail, commercial investment, workforce, tourism, quality of life, and the City's financial health. The CEDO reports to the City Manager and serves as the principal advisor on economic development and incentive policy, translating Council priorities into actionable strategies. The department includes a dedicated professional team, with the CEDO overseeing an Assistant Director, Senior Economic Development Manager, Business Strategy and Intelligence Manager, and an Economic Development Compliance and Financial Manager.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Economics, Planning, Social Sciences, Business, Public Administration, or a related field.
At least seven years of experience in economic and community development and regulatory program management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Substantial knowledge of federal, state, and local laws affecting economic development.
Experience with Texas economic development tools including Tax Increment Financing Districts, Public Improvement Districts, Chapter 380 grants, and tax abatements.
Deep, practical experience with municipal economic development and development agreements.
Strong command of tools such as TIF, Chapter 380 agreements, tax abatements, public improvement districts, and related incentives.
Experience analyzing and negotiating complex development projects.
An ability to assess incentives through an ROI and community-benefit lens.
A demonstrated record of building productive relationships across organizations with competing interests.
Political and organizational judgment in working with City Managers, elected officials, attorneys, developers, and community stakeholders.
A broad understanding of economic development that encompasses retail, commercial, business attraction, redevelopment, and major investment.
Strong executive communication skills and the ability to present complex recommendations clearly in public settings.
A record of coaching, mentoring, and developing economic development professionals.

Nice To Haves

Significant experience in municipal or public-sector economic development leadership.
Significant experience in complex development and incentive negotiations.
Significant experience in retail and commercial development.
Significant experience in downtown or catalytic redevelopment.
Significant experience in corporate recruitment and business attraction.
Significant experience in public-private partnerships.
Significant experience in economic development finance and ROI analysis.
Significant experience in development agreements and infrastructure participation.
Significant experience working directly with elected officials and executive leadership.
Significant experience in partnership with chambers of commerce and regional economic development organizations.
Significant experience in international business recruitment or investment.
Significant experience in leadership and development of professional economic development staff.

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.