Executive Director of Strategic Development

City of Liberty Hill • Liberty Hill City Hall, TX

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director of Strategic Development provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the City's economic development initiatives and serves as the primary executive responsible for advancing business recruitment, retention, expansion, redevelopment, and investment opportunities. This position leads the efforts of the Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation (EDC), implements economic development strategies aligned with the City's Strategic Action Plan and Comprehensive Plan, and serves as a key advisor to the City Manager, City Council, EDC Board, and community stakeholders regarding economic growth, development opportunities, incentives, and public-private partnerships. The position exists to promote sustainable economic growth by attracting investment, expanding the local tax base, creating employment opportunities, supporting redevelopment efforts, and enhancing the City's long-term economic vitality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, Marketing, Urban Planning, or Related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, municipal government, community development, planning, business development, tourism, or related field.
• Two (2) years of management or supervisory experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver License.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, or related field.
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.
• Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification.
• Experience working with Texas municipalities.
• Ability to obtain economic development certification within an established timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and manages comprehensive economic development strategies consistent with the City's Strategic Action Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and EDC Strategic Plan.
• Provides executive leadership and direction for business recruitment, retention, expansion, redevelopment, and investment initiatives.
• Identifies emerging economic trends, evaluates opportunities, and recommends strategies to enhance the City's competitiveness.
• Advises the City Manager, City Council, and EDC Board regarding economic development priorities, policies, and opportunities.
• Leads coordination between economic development initiatives and City departments, regional partners, and external agencies.
• Develops and executes strategies to attract businesses, developers, investors, and employers to the City.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with businesses, commercial brokers, developers, site selectors, investors, and economic development organizations.
• Coordinates business prospect meetings, site visits, community tours, and development discussions.
• Provides information regarding available sites, infrastructure, workforce availability, incentives, demographics, and market conditions.
• Develops marketing strategies utilizing websites, digital platforms, publications, presentations, and other promotional materials.
• Evaluates economic development opportunities and recommends incentive programs, agreements, and strategies.
• Reviews proposed developments for economic impact, feasibility, community benefit, and alignment with City goals.
• Coordinates redevelopment initiatives and special projects assigned by the City Manager.
• Develops recommendations related to Chapter 380/381 agreements, incentives, grants, and public-private partnerships.
• Coordinates projects with local, regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Develops, administers, and monitors the EDC budget in coordination with the Finance Department.
• Forecasts financial requirements for staffing, programs, contracts, equipment, and services.
• Reviews expenditures and ensures responsible use of public funds.
• Provides budget recommendations to the City Manager, Finance Director, EDC Board, and City Council.
• Evaluates return on investment and economic impact of development initiatives.
• Serves as liaison with local, regional, state, and federal economic development organizations.
• Monitors Municipal legislation, regulations, and public policy issues affecting economic development.
• Builds relationships with elected officials, governmental agencies, business leaders, and community partners.
• Represents the City at professional conferences, meetings, and economic development events.
• Provides presentations and reports to City Council, EDC Board, and community organizations.
• Prepares reports, presentations, economic data analyses, and performance metrics.
• Communicates economic development activities, project updates, and opportunities to leadership and stakeholders.
• Maintains professional relationships with residents, businesses, media representatives, and community organizations.
• Promotes transparency and effective communication regarding economic development initiatives.
• Maintains knowledge of economic development trends, best practices, regulations, and industry standards.
• Participates in professional organizations, conferences, and training programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Provides leadership, direction, and oversight to assigned staff, consultants, contractors, interns, and economic development partners.
• Responsible for establishing goals, assigning work, evaluating performance, and supporting professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive