Community and Economic Development Specialist

Travis County•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is primarily responsible for reviewing compliance, documentation, and records management for the County’s Economic Development Agreements and related programs. The Specialist reviews agreements to identify and monitor compliance requirements, deadlines, performance obligations, reporting requirements, and other contractual terms. The position evaluates companies’ submitted information and supporting documentation for completeness and consistency with agreement requirements, documents compliance determinations, follows up on missing information or deficiencies, and maintains accurate, complete, and audit-ready records of reviews, findings, correspondence, and supporting materials. Under general direction, the Specialist also assists with implementing and administering the County’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), including monitoring compliance with the Chapter 381 Property Tax Rebate Program and helping revise and periodically review related policies. The role may involve preparing applications, administering and monitoring grant compliance, supporting the design and expansion of County community and economic development and business activities, researching and analyzing projects and programs, and supporting community engagement efforts. This Professional Support classification requires minimal supervision, independent judgment, initiative, and management of complex projects while monitoring compliance across multiple levels. The position oversees and maintains departmental compliance with applicable federal, state, and local statutes, policies, procedures, and industry standards. A flexible schedule may be required to meet departmental needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Public Affairs/Administration, Social Science, or a related field and three years of increasingly responsible experience in community and economic development, compliance monitoring, related grant programs, or related activities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Knowledge of community and economic development programs at federal, state, and local levels.
Knowledge of local government codes authorizing community and economic development programs for Texas counties.
Knowledge of grant writing, including grant budget development, application processes, monitoring, and compliance.
Knowledge of information sources, current literature, and developments related to the job’s duties.
Knowledge of administrative and business principles, community engagement principles, and relevant computer equipment and software, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistical packages, project scheduling and management, and presentation/graphics applications.
Knowledge of business letter writing, grammar, punctuation, and report preparation.
Skill in program review and monitoring; strategic and innovative problem solving; research, data collection, and analysis; technical decision-making; and analysis of data, policies, and technical issues.
Skill in financial analysis and evaluation of business pro formas, and in budget development, analysis, and tracking.
Skill in leadership, collaboration, negotiation, and verbal and written communication, including community engagement.
Ability to coordinate, plan, and prioritize programs, projects, and activities; research and recommend projects and programs; and apply knowledge to policy and process analysis.
Ability to reach sound conclusions and make recommendations, manage time, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
Ability to explain planning and program objectives to staff, elected and appointed officials, stakeholders, and the general public; compile data and prepare clear, comprehensive reports; and maintain appropriate records.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County departments, outside agencies, industry groups, contractors, County employees and officials, and the public.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting or carrying 5–20 pounds occasionally and performing the listed mobility, coordination, and manual-dexterity activities.
Some driving may be required for site visits, inspections, and community events.
Drug, alcohol, and typing tests are required; criminal background checks are required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in economic development at the local or state level.
Three years of compliance review experience.

Responsibilities

Assist with drafting, reviewing, and revising policies related to the Chapter 381 program and other community and economic development programs.
Prepare grant applications for federal, state, and local programs.
Perform compliance and administration activities for community and economic development and grant programs.
Research grants and programs that could benefit Travis County residents and provide recommendations.
Review assigned community and economic development projects and make recommendations.
Prepare and present reports to Commissioners Court on compliance, grants, and community and economic development initiatives.
Engage with the public, stakeholder groups, businesses of varying sizes, elected and appointed officials, and peer departments in other jurisdictions regarding policies and projects.
Attend conferences, Chamber of Commerce and school district meetings and events, and other assigned events to stay informed about policy, rules, and economic trends.
Perform compliance audits of Chapter 381 agreements, coordinating with the City of Austin Economic Development Division compliance staff, Purchasing Office Contract Compliance Division, County Attorney’s Office, Auditor’s Office, and Budget Office.
Collaborate with County departments on aligned projects.
Prepare compliance reports for management and Commissioners Court, and letters to companies that have County agreements.
Maintain accurate, complete, audit-ready compliance records, including documentation of reviews, findings, correspondence, and supporting materials.
Review company-submitted information and documentation, document compliance determinations, and follow up on deficiencies or missing information.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.