Executive Director of Strategic Development

Location: Liberty Hill

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 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.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
The following duties represent the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
1. Economic Development Strategy and Leadership:

• 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.

2. Business Recruitment, Retention, and Expansion:

• 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.

3. Economic Development Programs, Incentives, and Projects:

• 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.

4. Budget and Financial Administration:

• 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.

5. Government Relations and Public Administration:

• 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.

6. Communication, Reporting, and Community…