Deputy Director of economic Deveolpment at Downtown Houston +

Houston, Texas, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

20 Jun, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Urban Planning, Economic Development, Real Estate Strategy, People Management, Market Intelligence, Public-Private Partnerships, Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Financial Incentives, Retail Recruitment, Data Analysis, Public Speaking, Policy Framework, Asset Repositioning, Project Management, Executive Reporting

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Role Overview 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. Key Responsibilities1. Departmental Leadership & People Management ● Strategic Team Management: Directly manage and provide policy, operational, and strategic direction to two key departmental pillars: ○ The Small Business Manager: Direct the strategic focus and policy framework for small business grants (Thrive, Al Fresco, Façade) and entrepreneurial ecosystems. ○ The Research Manager: Oversee the tracking of market intelligence, real estate analytics, and district metrics, turning raw data into actionable economic strategies. ● Pipeline Integration: Align research-driven insights with storefront execution, ensuring that small business assistance directly targets identified market gaps and structural vacancy priorities. 2. Market Repositioning, Incentives & Project Support ● Asset Repositioning & Market Incentives: Provide strategic support on high-impact adaptive reuse projects and building modernizations as needed. Collaborate with TIRZ leadership, public agencies, and private developers to explore creative financing tools, public-private incentive structures, and economic mechanisms that lower barriers to district reinvestment. ● Retail & Ground-Floor Performance: Partner with the Planning & Urban Design team to advance street-level vibrancy, building a resilient and contiguous ground-floor retail environment that serves workers, residents, and visitors alike. ● Public Realm Monetization: Coordinate with planning efforts (Public Realm Action Plan, Cool + Connected Corridors) to turn improved streetscapes, activated plazas, and underutilized parcels into economically viable spaces for micro-retail, creators, and local entrepreneurs. ● Industry Mix Resiliency: Actively strategize to future-proof downtown’s tenant mix, shifting recruitment efforts to include diverse services, grocery/fresh food development, and evening/weekend economy drivers. 3. Community Influence & Thought Leadership ● The "State of Downtown" Narrative: Oversee the creation and publication of high-level economic reporting, annual market reviews, and investment maps that position Downtown Houston as a premier destination for regional and national capital. ● Relationship Stewardship: Serve as the primary, relationship-based liaison to the brokerage, development, and investment communities to foster property recruitment and collaborative space-sharing models. ● Public Spokesperson: Act as a key organizational voice at industry events, panels, and media briefings, translating planning metrics into value-driven economic stories. 4. Board & Stakeholder Engagement ● Executive Advisory: Author "decision-ready" technical briefs and performance dashboards for executive leadership and the boards of Central Houston, Inc., the Houston Downtown Management District (HDMD), and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA). Requirements & Qualifications ● The "Dual-Lens" Professional: Deep, expert-level understanding of the intersection of Urban Planning and Economic Development, with a clear perspective on how streetscape comfort, walkability, and design drive private investment and property value. ● Experience: 8–10+ years of professional experience in urban leadership, real estate strategy, economic development, or a Business Improvement District (BID) / place management organization. ● Proven Management: A track record of successfully managing high-performing specialist teams (such as research and program administration staff) and working seamlessly across cross-functional departments. ● Houston Context Fluency (Preferred): Familiarity with the unique dynamics of Houston’s real estate market, public-private funding tools (TIRZ/redevelopment authority frameworks), and downtown stakeholder networks. ● Communication Master: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex real estate data, corporate metrics, incentive structures, and planning concepts into accessible, persuasive narratives for public presentation and executive boards. ● Education: Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Business Administration (MBA), Public Policy, or a related field. Salary: Commensurate with the senior management and strategic oversight responsibilities of the Deputy Director role. Downtown Houston+ is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

Lead the economic and social strategy for Downtown Houston by managing research and small business teams to drive inclusive growth. Act as a primary spokesperson and liaison to the investment community to enhance urban vibrancy and property value.