Downtown Houston

Summary of Opportunity:

The Deputy Director of Economic Development is a visionary leadership role responsible for amplifying the economic, demographic, and social context of Downtown Houston. This position serves as the organization’s primary architect for research-driven strategy, ensuring that every economic initiative—from retail recruitment to space activation is backed by robust data and a commitment to inclusive growth. This role is not only a steward of the internal project pipeline but a prominent public-facing spokesperson dedicated to building a resilient, equitable, and human-centric urban core.

About Downtown Houston+

Downtown Houston+ (DTH+) comprises organizations that champion and enhance Downtown Houston, including Central Houston Inc. / Central Houston Civic Improvement, the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, and the Houston Downtown Management District.

Central Houston, Inc. / Central Houston Civic Improvement

Founded in 1983, Central Houston, Inc. creates a community to advocate and advance the vision for Downtown. Led by a prestigious board of corporate and community leaders, it is a non-profit organization funded by its members. Central Houston Civic Improvement is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable affiliate of Central Houston, Inc., and serves as the fiscal agent for catalyst projects.

Houston Downtown Management District

In 1996, the Texas legislature created the Houston Downtown Management District to protect and beautify the public realm, provide programming and marketing, and plan and catalyze economic development. Guided by a diverse board, it is funded through a fair and proportionate assessment of real property.

Downtown Redevelopment Authority / TIRZ #3

Downtown Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ #3 improves Downtown's economic well-being through capital and operational investments in parks, infrastructure, safety, and other public realm improvements. It is governed by a city-appointed or confirmed board. These improvements are made possible by reinvesting incremental property taxes within its zone's boundaries.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Departmental Leadership & People Management

• Provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and performance management for the Economic Development function.
• Directly supervise and provide strategic direction to the Small Business Manager and Research Manager positions.
• Guide the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of small business support initiatives, including grant and incentive programs such as Thrive, Al Fresco, Façade Improvement, and related entrepreneurial ecosystem efforts.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of market intelligence, demographic data, real estate analytics, and district performance metrics to support economic development decision‑making.
• Align research findings and market insights with business recruitment, retention, and activation strategies to address market gaps, reduce structural vacancies, and strengthen Downtown Houston’s commercial environment.
• Establish departmental priorities, performance objectives, and reporting mechanisms that support organizational goals and measurable outcomes.

Market Repositioning, Incentives & Project Support

• Support adaptive reuse initiatives, building modernization efforts, and other strategic redevelopment opportunities that contribute to Downtown Houston’s economic growth and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with TIRZ leadership, public agencies, property owners, developers, and investment partners to identify and advance financing tools, incentive programs, and public-private partnership opportunities that encourage district reinvestment.
• Partner with Planning and Urban Design staff to strengthen street-level activation, retail performance, and ground-floor vibrancy throughout Downtown Houston.
• Identify opportunities to leverage public realm investments, activated public spaces, streetscape improvements, and underutilized properties to support entrepreneurship, micro-retail activity, and economic activation.
• Develop and implement strategies that diversify Downtown Houston’s business and tenant mix, including efforts related to grocery and fresh food access, neighborhood-serving retail, entertainment uses, and evening and weekend activity generators.
• Monitor economic and real estate trends to identify emerging opportunities, risks, and market shifts that may impact Downtown Houston’s long-term economic performance.

Economic Research, Reporting & Thought Leadership

• Lead the development and publication of economic reports, market analyses, annual reviews, investment profiles, and performance dashboards that support Downtown Houston’s market positioning.
• Oversee the preparation of economic development reporting and investment mapping initiatives that communicate Downtown Houston’s strengths, opportunities, and economic impact to key audiences.
• Translate complex economic, demographic, real estate, and performance data into actionable recommendations and compelling narratives for public, private, and institutional stakeholders.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends, best practices, and innovative approaches in economic development, downtown revitalization, place management, and urban investment.

Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations

• Serve as a primary liaison to brokerage, development, investment and business communities to support business recruitment, investment attraction, and collaborative economic development efforts.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with developers, investors, property owners, business leaders, public agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Represent Downtown Houston+ at conferences, industry events, public meetings, panels, media engagements, and stakeholder forums.
• Serve as a public spokesperson for economic development initiatives by communicating market conditions, investment opportunities, and district performance to a variety of audiences.

Board & Executive Engagement

• Prepare executive-level briefings, technical analyses, performance dashboards, and strategic recommendations for organizational leadership.
• Develop decision-support materials and board-facing reports for Central Houston, Inc., Houston Downtown Management District, and Downtown Redevelopment Authority leadership.
• Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership regarding economic development priorities, market conditions, investment opportunities, and organizational initiatives.

Other General Duties & Responsibilities

• Consistently demonstrates the Organization’s Core Values.
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and established expectations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.

Minimum Education, Experience & Other Credentials

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Business Administration (MBA), Public Policy, Economics, or a related field required.
• Minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, urban leadership, real estate strategy, downtown management, redevelopment, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience leading economic development initiatives, market analysis efforts, business recruitment activities, redevelopment strategies, or place management programs.
• Proven experience managing professional staff and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder groups.
• Familiarity with public‑private financing tools, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs), redevelopment authorities, and related economic development mechanisms preferred.
• Familiarity with Houston‑area market dynamics, downtown stakeholder networks, and commercial real estate trends preferred.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills required.

Core Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Economic Development & Market Strategy: Strong knowledge of economic development principles, business recruitment, market positioning, investment attraction, and downtown revitalization strategies.
• Real Estate & Redevelopment Expertise: Understanding of commercial real estate dynamics, adaptive reuse opportunities, redevelopment strategies, incentive-based investment approaches, and public‑private partnership structures.
• Built Environment & Economic Performance Perspective: Demonstrated understanding of how the built environment, public realm investments, and district development patterns influence economic activity, private investment, business attraction, and long‑term property value.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead professional teams, establish strategic priorities, manage competing demands, and drive results across multiple initiatives and stakeholder groups.
• Communication & Executive Presence: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex economic, demographic, real estate, and market information into persuasive narratives, executive briefings, board presentations, and public‑facing communications.
• Research & Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret market intelligence, economic data, demographic trends, and performance metrics to develop actionable recommendations and support strategic decision‑making.

• Salary commensurate with the senior management and strategic oversight responsibilities of the Deputy Director role
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance after 60 days
• 401(k) with match after 90 days