City of Laredo
Economic Development Manager, (A267510-1), 210, Administration
City of Laredo, Laredo, Texas, United States, 78045
Overview
To manage and administer economic development programs that promote investment, job creation, and business expansion within the City. Oversees state and federal incentive programs, grant development, and contract compliance while providing strategic guidance, drafting legal documents, and presenting economic initiatives to City leadership. Supports departmental operations and assumes management responsibilities in the absence of the Department Director and Assistant Director.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Oversees and evaluates state and federal programs supporting small business development, workforce expansion, and job creation.
Ensures alignment with City strategic objectives, develops program improvements, and coordinates with internal and external partners to optimize program deliverables.
Prepares and evaluates contracts, incentive agreements, MOUs, professional service agreements, and other legally binding documents for accuracy and compliance prior to legal review.
Ensures contract terms reflects City objectives and regulatory requirements.
Identifies grant opportunities, performs research, drafts grant applications, and manages grant reporting for economic development projects.
Coordinates with City departments and external entities to ensure grant requirements and timelines are met.
Develops agenda items, supporting documents, and presentations for economic development programs, incentive agreements, and funding requests.
Provides recommendations and presents program impacts to City Council, leadership, and stakeholder groups.
Oversees daily operations including payroll, procurement, customer service, and staff guidance.
Ensures continuity of departmental activities and supports team performance and workflow alignment.
Monitors compliance with active tax incentive agreements, consulting contracts, and professional services.
Prepares compliance reports for the Texas Comptroller's Office and communicates with participating entities to ensure all requirements are met.
Participates in special projects, assists with business recruitment and retention, conducts research, and supports strategic planning initiatives to enhance economic growth and public‑private partnerships.
Will be required to drive a City vehicle for city business use.
Performs other duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES Skills and Abilities
Skilled in research, analysis, and project coordination.
Skilled in public speaking and presenting complex information.
Skilled in program development and performance monitoring.
Skilled in drafting and reviewing technical and legal documents.
Skilled in contract monitoring and evaluations.
Ability to interpret regulatory and reporting requirements.
Ability to communicate clearly with elected officials and the public.
Ability to assign tasks, monitor work quality, and ensure service continuity.
Ability to conduct data analysis and interpret regulatory guidance.
Ability to identify risks, inconsistencies, and compliance issues.
Ability to analyze complex program requirements and determine compliance.
Ability to collaborate with businesses, community partners, and government agencies.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.
Knowledge of
Knowledge of economic development principles and state/federal incentive programs.
Knowledge of contract management and legal terminology.
Knowledge of grant writing and project management skills.
Knowledge of federal and state funding processes.
Knowledge of municipal governance and reporting requirements.
Knowledge of municipal operations and administrative procedures.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures
Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
Never
Construction site
Seldom
Construction site
Confined space
Warehouse environment
Sometimes
Street environment (near moving traffic)
Frequently
Office or similar indoor environment
Outdoor environment
Vehicles
Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
Seldom
Individuals who are hostile or irate
Individuals with known violent backgrounds
Communicable diseases
Moving mechanical parts
Fumes or airborne particles
Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)
Sometimes
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
Travel Position will require the employee to travel
Sometimes:
Regional travel
National travel
International travel
Frequently:
Local travel
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited* college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Urban Planning, or related field
At least three (3) years of experience in economic development, grants management, business development, public administration, project management, or a related field with at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
*Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)
Required Licenses or Certifications
Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety‑sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Disability Accommodations A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480, two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.
Equal Opportunity Statement City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.
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ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Oversees and evaluates state and federal programs supporting small business development, workforce expansion, and job creation.
Ensures alignment with City strategic objectives, develops program improvements, and coordinates with internal and external partners to optimize program deliverables.
Prepares and evaluates contracts, incentive agreements, MOUs, professional service agreements, and other legally binding documents for accuracy and compliance prior to legal review.
Ensures contract terms reflects City objectives and regulatory requirements.
Identifies grant opportunities, performs research, drafts grant applications, and manages grant reporting for economic development projects.
Coordinates with City departments and external entities to ensure grant requirements and timelines are met.
Develops agenda items, supporting documents, and presentations for economic development programs, incentive agreements, and funding requests.
Provides recommendations and presents program impacts to City Council, leadership, and stakeholder groups.
Oversees daily operations including payroll, procurement, customer service, and staff guidance.
Ensures continuity of departmental activities and supports team performance and workflow alignment.
Monitors compliance with active tax incentive agreements, consulting contracts, and professional services.
Prepares compliance reports for the Texas Comptroller's Office and communicates with participating entities to ensure all requirements are met.
Participates in special projects, assists with business recruitment and retention, conducts research, and supports strategic planning initiatives to enhance economic growth and public‑private partnerships.
Will be required to drive a City vehicle for city business use.
Performs other duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES Skills and Abilities
Skilled in research, analysis, and project coordination.
Skilled in public speaking and presenting complex information.
Skilled in program development and performance monitoring.
Skilled in drafting and reviewing technical and legal documents.
Skilled in contract monitoring and evaluations.
Ability to interpret regulatory and reporting requirements.
Ability to communicate clearly with elected officials and the public.
Ability to assign tasks, monitor work quality, and ensure service continuity.
Ability to conduct data analysis and interpret regulatory guidance.
Ability to identify risks, inconsistencies, and compliance issues.
Ability to analyze complex program requirements and determine compliance.
Ability to collaborate with businesses, community partners, and government agencies.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.
Knowledge of
Knowledge of economic development principles and state/federal incentive programs.
Knowledge of contract management and legal terminology.
Knowledge of grant writing and project management skills.
Knowledge of federal and state funding processes.
Knowledge of municipal governance and reporting requirements.
Knowledge of municipal operations and administrative procedures.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures
Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
Never
Construction site
Seldom
Construction site
Confined space
Warehouse environment
Sometimes
Street environment (near moving traffic)
Frequently
Office or similar indoor environment
Outdoor environment
Vehicles
Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
Seldom
Individuals who are hostile or irate
Individuals with known violent backgrounds
Communicable diseases
Moving mechanical parts
Fumes or airborne particles
Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)
Sometimes
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
Travel Position will require the employee to travel
Sometimes:
Regional travel
National travel
International travel
Frequently:
Local travel
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited* college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Urban Planning, or related field
At least three (3) years of experience in economic development, grants management, business development, public administration, project management, or a related field with at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
*Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)
Required Licenses or Certifications
Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety‑sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Disability Accommodations A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480, two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.
Equal Opportunity Statement City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.
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