Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Economic Development Director leads and manages the City’s economic development strategy to attract, retain, and expand business and industry within the City of Duncanville. This position is responsible for fostering strategic partnerships, promoting commercial and industrial development, and implementing initiatives that create quality jobs and strengthen the City’s tax base. The Director advances projects and programs that align with the City’s vision, Comprehensive Plan, and long-term economic goals while serving as a key liaison between the City, business community, developers, and regional partners.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Note: This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position.

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Establishes and implements the strategic direction of the Office of Economic Development in alignment with City Council priorities and the Comprehensive Plan.
• Translates City strategy into operational goals, measurable outcomes, and performance standards
• Monitors economic trends, market conditions, and organizational performance to adapt strategies and ensure goal achievement.
• Builds and maintains effective departmental infrastructure to support quality service delivery and long-term growth.

Department Management & Administration

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates all operations of the Office of Economic Development and associated entities, including the Duncanville Community Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) and the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure effective and compliant operations.
• Prepares and manages departmental and DCEDC budgets; monitors expenditures and financial performance.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and City policies.

Business Development & Project Management

• Leads initiatives to attract, retain, and expand commercial and industrial development within the City.
• Guides developers, business owners, and stakeholders through the development lifecycle, including regulatory approvals and interdepartmental coordination.
• Oversees economic development projects from concept through completion, ensuring timely progress and compliance with applicable standards.
• Builds and maintains strategic relationships with site selectors, consultants, brokers, business leaders, and regional partners.

Financial & Resource Stewardship

• Oversees responsible fiscal management, including revenue forecasting, incentive analysis, and cost control.
• Establishes and maintains internal controls and sustainable business practices. Identifies and secures funding opportunities, including grants and state/federal programs.
• Evaluates return on investment for economic development initiatives and incentive agreements.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Development

• Provides leadership, direction, and performance management for departmental staff.
• Promotes employee engagement, professional development, and accountability.
• Aligns staff strengths with organizational priorities and addresses performance issues promptly and constructively.
• Fosters a culture of safety, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Customer & Community Engagement

• Establishes and maintains a customer-centric environment focused on exceptional service to businesses, residents, and stakeholders.
• Serves as a primary liaison to developers, property owners, elected officials, and community organizations.
• Responds to inquiries, concerns, and development-related issues with professionalism and transparency.
• Encourages community involvement and promotes public awareness of economic development initiatives.

Political & Executive Leadership

• Demonstrates political acumen and understanding of municipal governance processes.
• Advises executive leadership and City Council on economic development matters.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to City Council, boards, commissions, and community groups.
• Represents the City at local, regional, and state economic development functions.

Technical Expertise & Future Planning

• Serves as the City’s subject matter expert on economic development tools, incentives, and redevelopment strategies.
• Applies data-driven analysis to guide decision-making and risk management.
• Anticipates emerging economic, demographic, and market trends and develops long-range strategies accordingly.
• Leads planning efforts to ensure the department remains adaptable and positioned for future growth.
• Performs additional duties as assigned that fall within the scope of the job functions.

Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning or a related field, and six (6) years of related work experience, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience. A Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be accepted on a year for year basis. The total qualifying equivalent combination is ten (10) years.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Texas Local Government Code, including Type B Economic Development Corporations and Hotel Occupancy Tax statutes and permitted uses.
• Knowledge of community and economic development principles, best practices, and equitable development strategies.
• Knowledge of federal and state economic development assistance programs and funding mechanisms.
• Knowledge of real estate laws, development regulations, and public-private partnership structures.
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting, fiscal administration, and financial management practices.
• Knowledge of contract negotiation, administration, and compliance monitoring.Advanced technical skills in economic development program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Skilled in strategic planning, performance measurement, and data-driven decision-making.
• Skilled in financial analysis, budget development, and use of financial management software.
• Skilled in negotiating development agreements and managing complex contracts.
• Advanced written communication skills, including preparation of reports, agreements, speeches, and presentations.
• Advanced reading comprehension skills, including the ability to interpret legal documents, financial reports, site plans, construction drawings, and environmental assessments.
• Advanced analytical and mathematical skills to evaluate fiscal impacts, incentives, and economic projections.
• Ability to lead and manage a department, including establishing organizational goals, aligning staff resources, and evaluating performance outcomes.
• Ability to make and recommend final policy decisions within broad strategic parameters.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and sound decision-making in complex and politically sensitive situations.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with business leaders, community organizations, elected officials, and regional partners.
• Ability to align budgetary resources with organizational priorities and adjust strategies to meet fiscal objectives.
• Ability to operate effectively with broad strategic direction and accountability for end results.
• Ability to communicate complex economic, financial, and regulatory concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The candidate must have a valid, US, driver’s license.
• Current Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Certification preferred.

ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE
This position is eligible for hybrid-remote, flexible hours, and 4 10-hour days scheduling upon the successful completion of a six-month probationary period and at supervisor’s discretion.