Economic Development Manager Jobs in Houston, TX

Job Summary Join a team dedicated to strengthening the local economy and creating opportunities for businesses and residents to thrive. The Economic Development Specialist plays a vital role in advancing strategic initiatives through data analysis, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement that support business attraction, retention, and expansion. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping shape a competitive, resilient, and business-friendly community.

The Economic Development Specialist provides essential technical, analytical, and administrative support to the Economic Development Division to foster a resilient local economy. By maintaining data systems and coordinating high-level projects, this position ensures the City remains competitive in business recruitment and proactive in retention efforts. The Specialist serves as a key liaison, ensuring that the data-driven insights and administrative precision required for boards, developers, and the business community are delivered with excellence.

Duties Project Data & Program Support Responsible for updating and maintaining accurate information for economic development metrics, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and outcomes. Provides administrative and technical support for business retention and expansion programs, including the grants and other incentive initiatives. Coordinates logistics for site visits and prepares professional briefing documents, presentation materials, and project packets.

Maintains confidential project information within the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, ensuring records remain current and accurate. Administrative, Operations, & Board Support Prepares agendas, reports, minutes, and other materials for City Council, Municipal Development District, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, and Redevelopment Authority and various boards or committees. Performs budget-related tasks including invoice processing, travel coordination, purchasing, and expense tracking.

Screens and handles a variety of economic development inquiries from the public, developers, and business community by telephone, email, and in person. Coordinates logistics for meetings, events, and conferences, including setup, breakdown, and technical support. Coordinates with internal departments to ensure contracts, agreements, and key documents are reviewed and processed appropriately.

Communications, Outreach & Marketing Updates economic development content for the City's website and social media platforms. Supports vendor events, business outreach activities, and community programs that promote businesses and other economic development initiatives. Assists with downtown economic revitalization strategies focused on historic preservation, awareness, and educational programming.

Supports with lead generation, lead follow-up, and general business outreach. Performs all other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Required: Associate's Degree from an accredited college or institution in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

One year of professional experience in a related role. Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days). OR An equivalent combination of education, experience, certification and/or licenses sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or institution in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Prior municipal government experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of economic development practices and business retention strategies.

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to organize complex information and maintain accurate records. Proficiency with CRM systems, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to work collaboratively with internal departments, businesses, and community partners. Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers and the public. Here at the City of Baytown, in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you bring.

We strive to provide a workplace where differences are honored, with a workforce that reflects the diversity of the people we serve. Attendance is an essential function of this position. The City reserves the right to require an employee in this position to work more than 40 hours a week.

This position provides services or performs duties for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of your job. In the event of an evacuation, the incumbent in this position may be required to remain to perform needed services.

Overall Position Strength Demands Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.