Executive Director - Gainesville Economic Development Corporation, TX

Executive Director Of The Economic Development Corporation

Are you a collaborative, results-oriented leader with a passion for driving economic growth and building strategic partnerships? If so, apply to be Gainesville's next Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation! We're looking for an exceptional leader who is:

• Experienced in economic development and business retention strategies
• Skilled at fostering relationships with public and private partners
• Knowledgeable in industry recruitment, workforce development, and infrastructure planning

Gainesville, Texas, is a welcoming North Texas community that blends small-town charm with proximity to major urban amenities. Known as a patriotic and historic city, Gainesville prides itself on its high quality of life, vibrant community spirit, and exceptional amenities.

The Gainesville Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) is a Type B Texas EDC funded by a 0.25% sales and use tax, governed by a 7-member Board of Directors appointed by the City Council, with 6 ex officio members including the Mayor and City Manager. The GEDC provides leadership in business attraction, retention, and workforce development. Reporting to the GEDC Board, the Executive Director oversees strategic planning, infrastructure initiatives, incentive programs, and site selection activities to expand Gainesville's economic base.

The ideal candidate will be a proven economic development professional with the ability to build strong partnerships and navigate the unique challenges of a smaller community with limited resources. They will demonstrate a collaborative leadership style, strong communication skills, and the ability to inspire trust among stakeholders. Successful candidates will bring knowledge of economic development tools such as TIRZ, MUDs, and PIDs, along with experience in workforce training, business retention, and industry recruitment.

They will also understand the importance of diversifying the economy, working effectively with the oil and gas sector while pursuing opportunities in advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Five to seven years of increasingly responsible economic development experience
• Demonstrated local government experience with an emphasis on economic development

Preferred qualifications include:

• Graduate of the Economic Development Institute and/or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)
• Experience with business retention & expansion, redevelopment, and workforce development initiatives
• Knowledge of oil/gas, advanced manufacturing, and high-tech industries

The successful candidate will be expected to establish residency in Gainesville within 3 months. The salary range for this position is $150,000–$200,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Strategic Government Resources and our Clients are an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran disability or genetic information or any other reason prohibited by law in employment.