Director of Economic Development
National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), Austin, TX, United States
Overview
ANOUTSTANDINGCAREEROPPORTUNITY Austin’s rapid growth and national reputation as a hub for innovation, culture, and opportunity create a unique environment for the next Director of Economic Development to make a lasting impact. This is a rare chance to lead a high-performing team in one of the country’s most dynamic cities—driving inclusive growth, shaping redevelopment, and building pathways to prosperity for all Austinites. ABOUT AUSTIN Austin offers a wide variety of experiences, including restaurants, museums, nature trails, world-class arts and culture events, local retailers and vintage shops, and sports events such as Austin FC at Q2 Stadium. Greater Austin is a fast-growing region; it is the 13th largest city in the U.S. and is projected to be the 3rd largest metro by 2100. Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country, Austin features rolling terrain, trails, and numerous leisure options. To learn more about the City, visit the City website. The Department
The Economic Development Department’s purpose is twofold: reducing financial pressure on residents by increasing the commercial tax base of the City and reducing poverty and its associated social costs by investing in the City\'s rapid growth and creating new pathways to good jobs and well-paying careers for all residents. Achieving this work involves a staff of 58 full-time equivalent positions and an annual operating budget of approximately $32.4 million. Supporting the Director are a Deputy Director, a Department Executive Assistant, and an Equity & Inclusion Coordinator. The Position
Reporting to an Assistant City Manager, the Director of Economic Development leads a dynamic department charged with advancing Austin’s inclusive growth. The Director oversees programs and services including small business support, downtown services, redevelopment, and international initiatives. Key responsibilities include department leadership and strategy, citywide representation, financial stewardship, community engagement and issue resolution, cross-departmental collaboration, market analysis and strategy development, business promotion and investment, support for entrepreneurs, and special initiatives and redevelopment. The ideal candidate will bring strategic insight, collaborative leadership, and practical experience in guiding inclusive economic growth, exceptional communication skills, ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences, transparency and responsiveness in managing expectations, experience leading teams through organizational change, expertise in traditional economic development tools and proven ability to structure and execute Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), and a track record in community revitalization with a deep commitment to equity. Salary & Benefits
The salary range for the Director of Economic Development is
$219,000 to $229,000 , with placement based on qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, compensated leave, short-term disability, and retirement benefits. Optional benefits include supplemental life insurance, a 457 deferred compensation plan, long-term disability plan, and a legal plan. Visit the City benefits page for details. Application & Selection Process
Interested candidates should apply no later than
Monday, April 6, 2026 . Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter online at the listed site. Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact one of the recruiters before submitting materials. Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg at mosaicpublic dot com | (916) 581-1426 Qualifications
The following are the minimum requirements for the position: Education:
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, economic development, or a field related to the job. Experience:
Seven (7) years of experience in oversight or managing projects and programs in economic development, economics, business assistance, public and/or private finance, or workforce development. Graduation with a Master\'s degree may substitute for two years of experience.
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ANOUTSTANDINGCAREEROPPORTUNITY Austin’s rapid growth and national reputation as a hub for innovation, culture, and opportunity create a unique environment for the next Director of Economic Development to make a lasting impact. This is a rare chance to lead a high-performing team in one of the country’s most dynamic cities—driving inclusive growth, shaping redevelopment, and building pathways to prosperity for all Austinites. ABOUT AUSTIN Austin offers a wide variety of experiences, including restaurants, museums, nature trails, world-class arts and culture events, local retailers and vintage shops, and sports events such as Austin FC at Q2 Stadium. Greater Austin is a fast-growing region; it is the 13th largest city in the U.S. and is projected to be the 3rd largest metro by 2100. Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country, Austin features rolling terrain, trails, and numerous leisure options. To learn more about the City, visit the City website. The Department
The Economic Development Department’s purpose is twofold: reducing financial pressure on residents by increasing the commercial tax base of the City and reducing poverty and its associated social costs by investing in the City\'s rapid growth and creating new pathways to good jobs and well-paying careers for all residents. Achieving this work involves a staff of 58 full-time equivalent positions and an annual operating budget of approximately $32.4 million. Supporting the Director are a Deputy Director, a Department Executive Assistant, and an Equity & Inclusion Coordinator. The Position
Reporting to an Assistant City Manager, the Director of Economic Development leads a dynamic department charged with advancing Austin’s inclusive growth. The Director oversees programs and services including small business support, downtown services, redevelopment, and international initiatives. Key responsibilities include department leadership and strategy, citywide representation, financial stewardship, community engagement and issue resolution, cross-departmental collaboration, market analysis and strategy development, business promotion and investment, support for entrepreneurs, and special initiatives and redevelopment. The ideal candidate will bring strategic insight, collaborative leadership, and practical experience in guiding inclusive economic growth, exceptional communication skills, ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences, transparency and responsiveness in managing expectations, experience leading teams through organizational change, expertise in traditional economic development tools and proven ability to structure and execute Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), and a track record in community revitalization with a deep commitment to equity. Salary & Benefits
The salary range for the Director of Economic Development is
$219,000 to $229,000 , with placement based on qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, compensated leave, short-term disability, and retirement benefits. Optional benefits include supplemental life insurance, a 457 deferred compensation plan, long-term disability plan, and a legal plan. Visit the City benefits page for details. Application & Selection Process
Interested candidates should apply no later than
Monday, April 6, 2026 . Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter online at the listed site. Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact one of the recruiters before submitting materials. Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg at mosaicpublic dot com | (916) 581-1426 Qualifications
The following are the minimum requirements for the position: Education:
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, economic development, or a field related to the job. Experience:
Seven (7) years of experience in oversight or managing projects and programs in economic development, economics, business assistance, public and/or private finance, or workforce development. Graduation with a Master\'s degree may substitute for two years of experience.
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