Economic Development Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Director

Position Summary

The Bullard Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is seeking an experienced, energetic, and strategic professional to serve as its Executive Director. The Executive Director will lead the organization's efforts to promote economic growth, business development, job creation, and quality investment within the City of Bullard and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Located in the rapidly growing Tyler Metropolitan Statistical Area and primarily situated within Smith County, Bullard is experiencing significant residential and commercial growth driven by its strategic location, exceptional quality of life, strong schools, and proximity to the regional economic hub of Tyler. Bullard has become one of the most desirable communities in East Texas for families, businesses, and investment due to its small-town character, community pride, and continued growth.

A key strength of the community is the Bullard Independent School District, which is widely recognized throughout the region for academic achievement, student programs, athletics, and community support. The area also benefits from access to major higher-education and work force training institutions in the Tyler region, including Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Tyler, both of which contribute significantly to workforce development, talent attraction, and regional economic competitiveness.

Reporting directly to the City Manager and working closely with the BEDC Board of Directors, City Council, local businesses, developers, regional partners, and community stakeholders, the Executive Director will serve as the primary leader and advocate for economic development initiatives that strengthen Bullard's tax base and enhance the community's long-term prosperity. The BEDC is funded through a dedicated economic development sales tax and focuses on advancing strategic growth opportunities, supporting existing businesses, recruiting new investment, and facilitating infrastructure and development initiatives aligned with the community's vision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Economic Development Leadership

• Lead and implement the economic development strategy for the City of Bullard and ETJ.
• Recruit new commercial, retail, office, industrial, and mixed-use development projects to the community.
• Support the retention and expansion of existing businesses.
• Develop and maintain relationships with developers, brokers, business leaders, property owners, and regional/state economic development organizations.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for strategic growth and investment.

Project Management & Development

• Manage economic development projects from prospect inquiry through project completion.
• Coordinate with city staff, utilities, developers, and outside agencies to facilitate development projects.
• Assist with development agreements, incentives, infrastructure coordination, and project negotiations as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive economic development prospects and projects.

Organizational & Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare and administer the BEDC annual budget and work program.
• Provide support and recommendations to the BEDC Board and City leadership.
• Prepare board agendas, reports, presentations, and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Texas laws governing economic development corporations, public meetings, public information, procurement, and financial reporting.
• Manage contracts, consultants, and professional service providers as assigned.

Marketing & Community Relations

• Promote Bullard as a competitive location for business investment and development.
• Develop marketing materials, property inventories, and business recruitment strategies.
• Represent BEDC at conferences, meetings, community events, and regional economic development functions.
• Foster partnerships with schools, workforce organizations, chambers of commerce, and community groups.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in economic development, business administration, public administration, finance, marketing, planning, or a related field required.
• Valid Texas Driver's License required.
• Knowledge of economic development, business development, municipal operations, planning, real estate development, or related fields preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with economic development corporations, municipalities, publicprivate partnerships, or community development organizations preferred.
• Familiarity with Texas economic development tools, incentive agreements, infrastructure development, and business recruitment practices preferred.

Knowledge, Slcills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of economic development principles, business recruitment, real estate development, and community development practices.
• Ability to prepare reports, presentations, budgets, and strategic plans.
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, boards, business leaders, and the public.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.