Director of Economic Development

Overview

What you will do at Harris County Precinct 2:

The Director of Economic Development is responsible for planning, developing, and administering comprehensive economic development initiatives for Harris County Precinct
2. This position serves as a subject matter expert in economic and community development and provides strategic guidance to advance inclusive economic growth, business development, and workforce-aligned opportunities. The role oversees a three-tier economic development framework that includes entrepreneurship and business start-up education, stabilization and support of existing businesses, and attraction of new business investment to Precinct 2. The Director represents Precinct 2 in regional economic development efforts, partnerships, and advisory bodies.

This position reports to the Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives and Community Impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans, develops, and implements economic development strategies, initiatives, and programs aligned with Precinct 2 goals and County priorities.
• Conducts research and analysis of economic trends, community needs, and best practices to inform program design and policy recommendations.
• Provides expert guidance and recommendations to Precinct leadership on economic development matters.
• Develops and oversees programs that educate residents on business formation, entrepreneurship, and small business readiness.
• Leads youth-focused financial literacy and entrepreneurial empowerment initiatives in coordination with independent school districts (ISDs) and youth-serving organizations.
• Coordinates workshops, technical assistance, accelerators, and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• Implements initiatives to strengthen and stabilize existing businesses, including access to capital, operational assistance, compliance readiness, and workforce resources.
• Coordinates with chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and regional partners to promote economic opportunity.
• Monitors legislation and regulations relating to economic development, and report findings to the appropriate impacted parties.
• Maintains strong working relationships with the general public, area businesses, clients, the media, and others.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, community development, business development, or a related field.

• Knowledge of economic development principles, small business development, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
• Knowledge of public-sector economic development programs and funding mechanisms.
• Ability to plan, organize, and administer complex programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and present findings to leadership.

Note: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation, but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

• Experience working with governmental entities or public-sector economic development programs preferred.

• This is a full-time position.
• Days and hours are typically Monday - Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary based on business needs of the department and some weekend, evening hours or holidays may be required during special events.

• This job operates in both a clerical, office setting and outdoors in a variety of environmental and weather conditions.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually average.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.