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Economic Development Director Jobs in Austin, TX

EdgeConneX

Director, Public Affairs

Austin, TX · On-site

Director, Public Affairs Location: Austin, TX Key Responsibilities * Government Relations & Direct ... Strong understanding of data centers, utility regulation, electricity markets, economic development ...

EdgeConneX

Director, Public Affairs

Austin, TX · On-site

Director, Public Affairs Location: Austin, TX Key Responsibilities * Government Relations & Direct ... Strong understanding of data centers, utility regulation, electricity markets, economic development ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Austin, TX

Economic Development Director information

See Austin, TX salary details

$48.1K

$122.8K

$200.2K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Austin, TX is $122,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,700.00 and $152,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an economic development director?

An economic development director is a city government employee who helps spur the city economy. Your two biggest responsibilities are to persuade new businesses to move into your town and to encourage existing businesses to expand. You attend fundraising events for civic and business groups and interact with donors to make connections with potentially valuable economic partners. Your duties include developing strategic programs for economic and financial growth, analyzing market trends, writing city tax policy proposals, and advising the city manager and the city council.

What does an economic development director do?

An Economic Development Director is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to promote economic growth within a community or region. They work to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and encourage job creation by collaborating with local government officials, business leaders, and community organizations. Their duties often include managing economic incentive programs, overseeing redevelopment projects, and conducting market research to identify opportunities for development. Ultimately, their goal is to improve the local economy and enhance the quality of life for residents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Director, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and public policy, typically supported by a degree in economics, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with economic modeling software, GIS tools, and grant management systems is often required, along with certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Strong leadership, strategic communication, and relationship-building abilities help foster collaboration among public, private, and community stakeholders. These skills are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, securing funding, and driving sustainable economic progress in a community or region.

What are the main challenges economic development directors face when balancing community needs and business interests?

Economic Development Directors often need to align the interests of local businesses, government stakeholders, and community members, which can be challenging due to differing priorities. For example, attracting new businesses might conflict with preserving community character or addressing affordable housing. Success in this role frequently involves transparent communication, creative problem-solving, and building consensus through public engagement and strategic partnerships. Navigating these complexities requires adaptability and a strong understanding of both economic trends and local needs.

What is the difference between Economic Development Director vs Economic Development Specialist?

AspectEconomic Development DirectorEconomic Development Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Economics, Business, or Public Administration; experience in economic planningSimilar credentials, often with less managerial experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in government agencies or economic development organizationsSupport role, assisting with projects and research
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, regional agencies, economic development firmsLocal government departments, economic development offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in economic developmentLearning about supporting roles in economic growth projects

The main difference between an Economic Development Director and an Economic Development Specialist lies in their level of responsibility and leadership. The Director oversees strategic planning and manages teams, while the Specialist focuses on supporting projects and research. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work within government or economic organizations, but the Director holds a higher managerial position.

More about Economic Development Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Austin, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Austin, TX?

For Economic Development Director jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,844 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Executive Director of Strategic Development

City of Liberty Hill (TX)

Liberty Hill, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description 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 efforts of 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.

Examples of Duties 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 Engagement: Prepares reports, presentations, economic data analyses, and performance metrics. Communicates economic development activities, project updates, and opportunities to leadership and stakeholders. Maintains professional relationships with residents, businesses, media representatives, and community organizations.

Promotes transparency and effective communication regarding economic development initiatives. 7. Professional Development and Other Duties: Maintains knowledge of economic development trends, best practices, regulations, and industry standards.

Participates in professional organizations, conferences, and training programs. Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides leadership, direction, and oversight to assigned staff, consultants, contractors, interns, and economic development partners.

Responsible for establishing goals, assigning work, evaluating performance, and supporting professional development. Decision-Making Authority: The Executive Director exercises considerable independent judgment and discretion in: Developing economic development strategies. Evaluating business recruitment and expansion opportunities.

Recommending incentives and development agreements. Managing EDC programs and resources. Developing budget recommendations.

Prioritizing economic development projects. Advising executive leadership and elected officials. Interpreting economic data and market trends.

Establishing partnerships with public and private organizations. Decisions involving major financial commitments, contracts, incentives, policy changes, or significant economic impacts are made in coordination with the City Manager, EDC Board, Finance Department, and City Council as appropriate. Typical Qualifications Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: Economic development principles and practices.

Municipal government operations and public administration. Texas economic development tools and incentives. Business recruitment and retention strategies.

Real estate development principles. Public-private partnerships. Municipal budgeting and financial analysis.

Grant programs and economic development funding sources. Strategic planning and organizational leadership. Community development trends and demographic analysis.

Skills in: Strategic leadership and project management. Negotiation and relationship management. Public speaking and executive presentations.

Financial analysis and economic impact evaluation. Policy analysis and recommendation development. Written communication and report preparation.

Building partnerships with businesses and government organizations. Managing multiple complex projects simultaneously. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in: Business Administration Economics Public Administration Political Science Marketing Urban Planning Related field Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, municipal government, community development, planning, business development, tourism, or related field.

Two (2) years of management or supervisory experience. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, or related field. Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.

Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification. Experience working with Texas municipalities. Licenses and Certifications: Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver License.

Ability to obtain economic development certification within an established timeframe preferred. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Primarily performs work in an office environment.

Frequently sits, stands, walks, communicates, and operates computer equipment. Requires occasional travel to development sites, meetings, conferences, and community events. May require occasional lifting, carrying, or moving materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Must be able to attend evening meetings and community events as needed. Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment but includes frequent interaction with businesses, developers, community organizations, elected officials, and governmental agencies. The position may require travel throughout the City, region, and state.

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