Director of Planning & Economic Development

Job Description

Overview

Under general administrative direction, the Director of Planning and Economic Development, is responsible for planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the Planning and Economic Development Department's planning, economic development, and community development divisions which include the comprehensive plan, area development plans, public improvement districts, five-year consolidated plan, annual action plan, affordable housing, responding to homelessness, Tax Increment Reinvestment zones, Corpus Christi Business & Job Development Corporation, Corpus Christi B Corporation, hotel occupancy tax, project financing zone, economic development incentive agreements, and increasing tourism through the operating and capital programs for the Hilliard Center and capital programs and development support for the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History, Art Museum of South Texas, Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center, Harbor Playhouse, and Art Center of Corpus Christi.

Responsibilities

• Assumes management responsibility for all department services and activities, including planning, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development entitlement awards, affordable housing, responding to homelessness, and economic development programs and funding mechanisms such as infill development, redevelopment, Corpus Christi Business & Job Development Corporation (Type A), Corpus Christi B Corporation (Type B), Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ), Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), Project Financing Zone (PFZ), small business development, industrial districts, 380 agreements, the Hilliard Center, and City-owned SEA district tourism facilities.

• Attends City Council and Board meetings and take necessary action regarding Council and Board agenda items to promote planning, community development, and economic development programs, policies, and initiatives.

• Acts as official departmental representative to other city departments, City Manager's office, elected City Council officials, and outside agencies.

• Explains, justifies, and defends departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive, critical, and controversial issues.

• Evaluates assigned programs, plans, and agreements to ensure efficiency, cost effectiveness, and compliance with local, State, and Federal regulations, guidelines, and policies.

• Ensures financial transparency and accountability across all departmental programming and agreements.

• Develops and manages the department and related budges including operations, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant through the Five-year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation, HOT, TIRZ, Type A, and Type B.

• Develops and manages the capital improvement plan for the Hilliard Center and City-owned SEA District Facilities.

• Develops and implements an approved project and financing structure for the Project Financing Zone for the Hilliard Center.

• Oversees the development and execution of programs, policies, and plans to increase tourism to Corpus Christi, provide economic development benefits, create affordable housing, provide homeless services, implement community development activities, and create opportunities or neighborhood and area improvement, and smart community growth through effective planning.

• Coordinates with Intergovernmental Relations to evaluate regional, state, and federal proposed and actual changes in laws, regulations, and policies and develop cohesive strategies in support or in defense of City positions, initiatives, programs, land use, and ordinances.

• Provides staff support to boards and commissions, attends professional meetings, stays abreast of new trends and innovations for departmental divisions.

• Manages and supervises employees, evaluates staff, provides and coordinates training initiatives and works with management and employees to correct deficiencies.

• Implements and administers disciplinary and termination procedures.

• Performs other related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

• May be asked to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Exempt - Full-Time

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement

• In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS)

• Ten (10) years of professional experience

Preferred

• Master's degree

Licenses and Certifications

Required

• A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire.

Required within four (4) years of hire

• Certified Economic Developer (CeCD)

Employment Testing

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• Criminal Background Check: Yes

• Motor Vehicle Record Check: Yes

• Drug Screening: Yes

• Physical Exam: Yes

Other Information:

Relocation Package

The City offers an excellent relocation assistance package that includes up to $20,000 for the following housing and moving expenses:

Temporary housing assistance

• Two (2) visits to the City which may include two (2) round trip flights or mileage (including hotel, car rental, etc.) for the purpose of obtaining temporary or permanent living arrangements.

• Reimbursement for moving company expenses

Additional Incentive

Accrued Vacation

• Additional accrued annual vacation hours based on years of experience

Basis of Rating

A recruitment consultant will evaluate all applications against the posted qualifications and may request additional information. The city may also conduct additional skill assessment tests, in addition to the panel interview.

Supplemental Information

• Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi.

The City of Corpus Christi is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.

Closing Date/Time: September 22, 2026