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Economic Development Director Jobs in Houston, TX

Gfoat

Director of Economic Development

Conroe, TX · On-site

$116.88 - $142.85/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Director of Economic Development is responsible for ensuring the consistency and delivery of the CIDC message relative to development and implementation of the CIP Strategic Plan.

City of Conroe

Director of Economic Development

Conroe, TX · On-site

$110.38 - $149.34/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Director of Economic Development is responsible for ensuring the consistency and delivery of the CIDC message relative to development and implementation of the CIP Strategic Plan.

iHealth Labs

Business Development Director

Houston, TX · On-site

Qualifications * BS/BA in business administration, healthcare economics, or relevant field * Must have proven working experience as a business development director, sales executive or relevant role ...

Electric Hydrogen

Director, Development

Houston, TX · On-site

$226K - $266K/yr

... seeking a Director, Project Development to join our team. In this role, you will lead the ... Develop, maintain, and evaluate project economic models and proformas, identifying and mitigating ...

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

Economic Development Director information

See Houston, TX salary details

$46.3K

$118.3K

$192.8K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Houston, TX is $118,298.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $146,500.00 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 Houston, TX?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,298 per year, or $56.9 per hour.

Economic Development Analyst

City of Missouri City

Missouri City, TX • On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Definition The City of Missouri City, known as the "Show Me City," is seeking an Economic Development Analyst. The Economic Development Analyst performs advanced professional, analytical, and project management work in support of the City's economic development initiatives, redevelopment efforts, business retention and expansion programs, real estate development activities, strategic planning efforts, and special projects. This position serves as an analyst for economic development projects and provides research, financial analysis, market intelligence, incentive evaluation, development feasibility assessments, and project coordination support to facilitate business investment, job creation, tax base growth, and the implementation of the City's strategic economic development objectives.

The Economic Development Analyst exercises sound judgment in evaluating complex economic, demographic, financial, and development data and provides recommendations to departmental leadership, City management, elected officials, developers, brokers, site selectors, business leaders, and community stakeholders. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical, communication, and project management skills and will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment dedicated to advancing the City's economic growth and development goals. Reporting Relationship: Economic Development Director.

Examples of Work Conducts economic, demographic, fiscal, market, and statistical analyses to support economic development initiatives and strategic decision-making. Researches and evaluates economic trends, target industries, labor market conditions, development opportunities, and competitive market data. Prepares economic impact, fiscal impact, cost-benefit, return-on-investment, and revenue analyses for proposed developments, redevelopment projects, and incentive agreements.

Assists in the implementation and periodic update of the City's economic development strategy, redevelopment plans, and target industry initiatives. Monitors key economic indicators and maintain data systems, performance metrics, and market intelligence resources. Coordinates and supports economic development projects, including business recruitment, retention, expansion, and redevelopment initiatives.

Conducts research and feasibility analyses related to commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and redevelopment opportunities. Assists in evaluating development proposals, incentive requests, and public-private partnership opportunities. Prepares technical reports, presentations, dashboards, briefing materials, correspondence, and agenda items for City Council, boards and commissions, executive leadership, and other stakeholders.

Presents analytical findings and recommendations to internal and external audiences. Responds to requests for information from businesses, developers, site selectors, elected officials, media representatives, and the public. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with businesses, developers, regional partners, governmental agencies, and community organizations.

Coordinates special projects and perform other related duties as assigned. Education, Experience, or Certification Required: Master's degree in Public Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Geography, Business Administration, Finance, or a closely related field. The ideal candidate possesses one or more of the following qualifications: Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and/or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Experience leading or supporting economic development initiatives within a municipal or county government. Demonstrates experience with commercial, industrial, or mixed-use real estate development and redevelopment projects. Proficiency in preparing and interpreting economic impact, fiscal impact, cost-benefit, and financial feasibility analyses to support strategic decision-making.

Experience negotiating, administering, and monitoring economic development incentive programs and performance agreements. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data visualization tools, and advanced financial modeling techniques to support economic analysis and reporting. Supplemental Information The Department of Human Resources & Organizational Development may consider an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.Works as an essential employee before, during, and after emergencies or disasters, whether natural or man-made

Subject to emergency operations recall and other assignments necessary to maintain continuity of City services. Department of Human Resources & Organizational Development Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 403-8500 humanresources@missouricitytx.gov http://missouricitytx.gov An Equal Opportunity Employer

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