Deputy Director of Economic Deveolpment

Deputy Director Of Economic Development

The Deputy Director of Economic Development is a visionary leadership role responsible for amplifying the economic, demographic, and social context of Downtown Houston. This position serves as the organization's primary architect for research-driven strategy, ensuring that every economic initiative—from retail recruitment to space activation—is backed by robust data and a commitment to inclusive growth. This role is not only a steward of the internal project pipeline but a prominent public-facing spokesperson dedicated to building a resilient, equitable, and human-centric urban core.

About Downtown Houston+ comprises organizations that champion and enhance Downtown Houston, including Central Houston Inc. / Central Houston Civic Improvement, the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, and the Houston Downtown Management District.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and performance management for the Economic Development function.
• Directly supervise and provide strategic direction to the Small Business Manager and Research Manager positions.
• Guide the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of small business support initiatives, including grant and incentive programs.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of market intelligence, demographic data, real estate analytics, and district performance metrics.
• Align research findings and market insights with business recruitment, retention, and activation strategies.
• Support adaptive reuse initiatives, building modernization efforts, and other strategic redevelopment opportunities.
• Collaborate with TIRZ leadership, public agencies, property owners, developers, and investment partners to identify and advance financing tools, incentive programs, and public-private partnership opportunities.
• Partner with Planning and Urban Design staff to strengthen street-level activation, retail performance, and ground-floor vibrancy throughout Downtown Houston.
• Lead the development and publication of economic reports, market analyses, annual reviews, investment profiles, and performance dashboards.
• Serve as a primary liaison to brokerage, development, investment, and business communities to support business recruitment, investment attraction, and collaborative economic development efforts.
• Prepare executive-level briefings, technical analyses, performance dashboards, and strategic recommendations for organizational leadership.
• Consistently demonstrates the Organization's Core Values.