Executive Director, Economic Equity

Executive Director of Harris County's Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity

Under the supervision and direction of the County Administrator, the Executive Director of Harris County's Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO) will lead the County's efforts to promote economic opportunity, inclusive procurement, and small business development as directed by the Commissioner's Court. The individual in this role will be responsible for the strategic oversight of programs and initiatives aimed at reducing economic disparities, fostering inclusive economic growth, and ensuring fair wage practices across the County.

In addition, the Executive Director is responsible for compliance of various federal, state, and local programs/policies, implementing equitable economic policies, and collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders to drive systemic change.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Vision: Leads the department's strategic planning process and implementation, which includes active engagement with leadership to develop and establish a five-year strategic plan, vision, and long-term goals, ensuring alignment with the Harris County strategic plan.
• Funding and Financial Management: Oversees the annual preparation and administration of the department's budget by gathering financial data, program outcomes, and past performance to project and request needed resources. In addition, facilitates access to capital, loans, and grants for businesses and nonprofits, and ensures grant compliance by tracking performance, consulting with funders, and interpreting statutory requirements.
• Program Development and Impact: Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the development, implementation, and performance of the department's programs, contracts, and services by establishing and executing long-term economic development strategies that advance community business growth, workforce development, job training, and worker protections. Drives organizational accountability through performance management, governance, and continuous evaluation to ensure initiatives are effectively implemented, resources are optimized, measurable outcomes are achieved, and economic disparities are reduced in alignment with County priorities.
• Economic Equity Policy and Advisory: Provides expert advice and recommendations to County leadership and officials to integrate economic goals into broader economic development plans, incorporating best practices and addressing emerging trends in economic equity and opportunity.
• Compliance and Wage Monitoring: Develops and maintains a system for tracking and analyzing wage rates across County sectors to identify disparities, ensure compliance with fair wage practices under laws such as the Davis Bacon Act lead initiatives to address areas of concern, monitor and enforce contract compliance, subcontractor utilization, and wage rate standards, and ensure overall legal and regulatory compliance by working collaboratively with the Harris County Attorney's Office, Infrastructure Departments and the Purchasing Agent.
• Community and Business Development: Builds and maintains strong relations with community organizations, local businesses and leaders, and government agencies to support the formation, survival, and growth of small and micro businesses; increase access to quality jobs with a living wage, promote household financial stability, increase income and assets and reduce debt burden, expand equitable employment opportunities and participation of Minority-, Women-, Small-, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and strengthen and enforce Harris County worker protections and workplace safety standards.
• Representation and Stakeholder Engagement: Serves as the department's executive representative and strategic advisor to Commissioners Court by providing policy recommendations, operational updates, and expert guidance on departmental initiatives, contracts, and matters requiring Court action. Leads cross-departmental coordination to advance County priorities, align enterprise initiatives, and resolve complex operational issues while cultivating collaborative partnerships with County leadership, Court offices, community organizations, business leaders, advocacy groups, and other key stakeholders to strengthen service delivery and achieve measurable organizational outcomes.
• Reporting and Communication: Prepares reports and presentations to communicate department activities, program outcomes, findings, and recommendations to Commissioners Court and their staff, external partners, the Office of County Administration, and the public.

Other Duties:

• Employees are responsible for executing the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as any other duties as assigned. Some positions may require employees to work before, during, or after an emergency or disaster, at the department's discretion.
• This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all…