Economic Development and Tourism Director

Job Summary:

The Economic Development and Tourism Director is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing strategies to promote economic growth, business attraction, and tourism within the City of Clute. This role involves working closely with government officials, local businesses, investors, and community stakeholders to enhance the local economy, create job opportunities, and boost tourism-related activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Economic Development:

• Develop and implement economic development strategies to attract new businesses, retain existing businesses, and support business expansion.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for commercial, industrial, and retail development.
• Oversee marketing, recruiting and retaining of retail, commercial and tourism related businesses with major emphasis on retail development.
• Serve as a liaison between the City of Clute and business community, including entrepreneurs, developers, and investors.
• Manage business incentive programs, grants, and funding opportunities to support local economic growth.
• Monitor economic trends, market conditions, and demographic changes to inform policy decisions.
• Work with local, state, and federal agencies on economic development initiatives.
• Designs, coordinates, and implements promotional activities that showcase the city, including sales, special events, and continuous public information.
• Supervises the development and maintenance of a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community for economic development purposes. Prepares and maintains information on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, financing tools, etc.
• Develop internal and external reporting and presentations for stakeholders, partner agencies, City Council and the Public.

Tourism Development:

• Develop and execute tourism marketing strategies to attract visitors, boost local businesses, and enhance the City of Clute’s brand.
• Promote local attractions, events, and recreational activities through partnerships, advertising, and outreach efforts.
• Manage relationships with tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions.
• Oversee tourism-related grant programs and funding opportunities to enhance tourism infrastructure.
• Represent the City of Clute at industry events, trade shows, and conferences.

Community & Business Engagement:

• Build strong relationships with business owners, community leaders, and economic development organizations.
• Organize business roundtables, networking events, and public forums to discuss economic growth strategies.
• Support workforce development initiatives in collaboration with local education and training institutions.
• Foster partnerships with regional and state agencies to drive economic development.

Marketing & Communications:

• Oversee the creation of promotional materials, online content, and branding efforts for economic development and tourism.
• Manage the department’s website, social media, and public relations initiatives.
• Develop reports and presentations for city leadership, business groups, and the public.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Apply for and administer grants, incentives, and funding programs related to economic and tourism development.
• Prepare reports, data analysis, and recommendations for elected officials and city leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy or Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Economics or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 3 to 5 years of experience in economic development, tourism, business recruitment, or a related field.
• Competency in Public Speaking and presentation.
• Strong understanding of economic development strategies, business incentives, and tourism promotion.
• Experience working with government agencies, businesses, and community organizations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of grant writing, funding programs, and financial management.
• Ability to analyze data, market trends, and economic reports to inform decision-making.

· Exhibits desirable and appropriate behavior including integrity, ability to get along with others, “team player,” industriousness, intelligence, sense of urgency and independent judgment to provide for a cohesive, productive unit.

· Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, accurately and efficiently.

· Basic knowledge of office equipment, computers, computer software (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, etc.) and Internet search tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as an Economic Development Professional (CEcD) or equivalent.
• Familiarity with municipal government operations and policies.
• Experience with real estate development, zoning, and land use planning.
• Proficiency in digital marketing, Social Media, GIS software, and economic impact analysis tools.

Work Environment & Conditions:

• Work is primarily conducted in an office setting, with occasional travel for meetings, conferences, and site visits.
• Requires attendance at evening and weekend events.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000