Economic & Local Business Development Director

Salary : $126,000.00 - $162,000.00 Annually

Location : San Marcos, TX

Job Type : Full-time Exempt

Job Number : 2026

Department : City Manager's Office

Opening Date : 11 / 03 / 2025

Closing Date : 11 / 30 / 2025 12 : 00 AM Central

FLSA : Exempt

Work Hours : Monday - Friday; 8 AM - 5 PM

JOB SUMMARY

The Economic and Local Business Development Director plans, organizes, and implements economic development functions from conception to completion. This includes local business retention and expansion, business attraction, incentive programs, research, and strategic planning. The role is responsible for implementing economic development goals and objectives, managing staff, and coordinating with local businesses, government agencies, City departments, boards, commissions, and partner organizations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following list outlines the core responsibilities of this position. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

• Administer the City's Economic Development Policy, focusing on business attraction, retention, diversification, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.
• Serve as Board Liaison to the Economic Development San Marcos Board.
• Manage assigned staff, including hiring, training, coaching, performance evaluation, and goal setting.
• Implement a multi-faceted incentive policy aligned with City goals and community values.
• Conduct research and financial analysis for candidate projects, including ROI assessments.
• Facilitate contract negotiations (e.g., Chapter 380 agreements) and coordinate development entitlements.
• Focus on target industries and priority areas as identified by City Council.
• Partner with HCEDP and other agencies on economic and workforce development strategies.
• Utilize Opportunity Zones and related federal incentive tools to attract long-term investments.

Local Business Retention, Expansion, and Workforce Development :

Business Recruitment and Support :

Policy and Program Knowledge :

Representation and Community Engagement :

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally. Frequent activities include sitting, speaking, hearing, and using a computer. Occasional site visits may involve walking on uneven surfaces.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with occasional fieldwork. Travel may be required for meetings, site visits, or events.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work / life balance.

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BENEFITS

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

Choice Plus PPO Plan

Base Vision Plan

Retirement

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work / life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

01

Do you have a bachelor's degree or higher in Business, Public Administration, Economics, or Finance?

02

Do you have five (5) years of experience in economic or business development program administration?

03

Do you have five (5) years of experience with developer agreements involving incentives (e.g., TIRZ, PID)?

04

Do you have an Economic Development Certification?

05

Do you have a valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment?

Required Question