Economic Development Manager Jobs in Houston, TX

Under limited supervision, promotes, facilitates, and coordinates efforts supporting economic growth, attracting investment, and fostering a business-friendly environment to enhance the community’s economic prosperity. Leads initiatives that drive business attraction, support local entrepreneurs, and promotes sustainable growth throughout the community.

Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Assists in managing, facilitating, and monitoring third-party consultants engaged in business attraction and lead generation efforts.
• Implements strategic initiatives, including the Business Retention and Expansion Plan, while preparing detailed RFI responses and advancing both workforce development and downtown revitalization efforts to position Cleveland as a competitive, investment-ready community.
• Conducts and refines market research to identify and pursue business opportunities aligned with the region’s strengths and target industries; organizes and coordinates logistics for business attraction/recruitment missions, trade show participation, and meetings.
• Researches, compiles, and drafts responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) from state, regional economic development organizations (EDOs), and site selector project leads.
• Collaborates with the local Chamber of Commerce to develop and implement a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program.
• Conducts regular visits to businesses, organize roundtables, and coordinates events to identify business needs and provide solutions for long-term success.
• Acts as a liaison between businesses and local resources, facilitating connections and developing programs to support business operations and growth.
• Works with private-sector developers, investors, City staff, and community stakeholders to advance redevelopment efforts.
• Evaluates and recommends governmental measures related to land use, public utilities, community facilities, housing, and transportation for redevelopment and revitalization initiatives.
• Assists in developing incentive policies and strategies to encourage new investment in key areas.
• Collaborates with educational institutions, government agencies, businesses, and workforce development offices to create training programs aligned with industry needs.
• Researches and pursues state and national funding opportunities to support economic and workforce development, as well as infrastructure initiatives.
• Prepares and submits grant proposals to secure financial resources for economic development programs.
• Represents the Economic Development Corporation at community events, business meetings, and public forums; assists with department sponsored events and communicates key initiatives to the public.
• Analyzes data related to economic development outcomes, incentive compliance, and program performance to guide strategic decisions.
• Supports the Community Development Director in program development, budgeting, meetings, agendas, events, and strategic planning.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Construction plans, terminology, practices, and basic math.
• Development plans, terminology and practices.
• Project management to coordinate economic development initiatives.
• Business recruitment, community redevelopment and workforce partnerships.
• Grant guidelines and funding sources supporting strategic plans.
• Policies that guide redevelopment and investment strategies.
• Market research and data analysis.
• Modern office practices and procedures.

• Read, analyze, and interpret reports and documents.
• Write reports and business correspondences.
• Present information and respond to questions from customers and the general public.
• Apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
• Interpret and apply ordinances and regulations.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, zoning codes, and development feasibility.
• Communicate clearly and concisely.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships.

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Planning, Business, Public Administration, Communications, or a closely related field is preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A minimum of two (2) to four (4) years of experience in economic development, community development, municipal government, urban planning, business development, or a related field is required, with experience in an Economic Development Corporation (EDC) or municipal government setting preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts, as well as project coordination and stakeholder engagement, is required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience supporting economic development initiatives, including research, data analysis, grant assistance, and reporting, is preferred.
• Experience working with local businesses, developers, and community organizations is required. Familiarity with economic development tools, incentives, and programs is preferred.
• Professional certification or membership in a recognized economic development organization (such as IEDC or TEDC) is preferred.

• A valid Texas driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
• Completion of the TEEX Basic Economic Development Course is required or must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.
• Certification or membership with a recognized economic development organization (such as the Texas Economic Development Council) is preferred.