Job Details

Overview

Executive Director, Economic Equity and Opportunity. Under the supervision and direction of the County Administrator, the Executive Director will lead the County's efforts to promote economic equity and enhance opportunities for all residents. The position is responsible for the strategic oversight of programs and initiatives aimed at reducing economic disparities, fostering inclusive economic growth, and ensuring fair wage practices across the County. The role includes monitoring wage rates, advocating for equitable economic policies, and collaborating with various stakeholders to drive systemic change.

Base pay range: $200,000.00/yr - $259,000.00/yr

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Vision: Lead the department's strategic planning process and implementation, including active engagement with leadership to develop a one- to five-year strategic plan, vision, and long-term goals, ensuring alignment with the Harris County strategic plan.
• Funding and Financial Management: Oversee the annual preparation and administration of the department's budget by gathering financial data, program outcomes, and past performance to project and request needed resources. Facilitate access to capital, loans, and grants for businesses and nonprofits, and ensure grant compliance by tracking performance, consulting with funders, and interpreting statutory requirements.
• Program Development and Impact: Oversee the development and implementation of programs and Harris County contracts and services by establishing long-term economic development strategies, supporting community business growth, expanding workforce development and job training, and protecting workers' rights, ensuring programs effectively reach target populations, reduce economic disparities, and achieve desired outcomes.
• Economic Equity Policy and Advisory: Provide expert advice and recommendations to County leadership to integrate economic goals into broader economic development plans, incorporating best practices and addressing emerging trends in economic equity and opportunity.
• Compliance and Wage Monitoring: Develop and maintain a system for tracking and analyzing wage rates across County sectors to identify disparities, ensure compliance with fair wage practices under applicable laws, lead initiatives to address areas of concern, monitor and enforce contract compliance, subcontractor utilization, and wage rate standards, and ensure overall legal and regulatory compliance by working with the Harris County Attorney's Office.
• Community and Business Development: Build and maintain relations with community organizations, local businesses and leaders, and government agencies to support the formation, survival, and growth of small and micro businesses; increase access to quality jobs with a living wage, promote household financial stability, increase income and assets and reduce debt burden, expand equitable employment opportunities and participation of Minority-, Women-, Small-, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and strengthen worker protections and workplace safety standards.
• Representation and Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the department by attending community meetings, presenting at conferences, speaking at public forums, providing program updates and resolving contract payment issues at Commissioners Court, and fostering strong relationships with internal and external partners to support effective and efficient County operations.
• Reporting and Communication: Prepare reports and presentations to communicate department activities, program outcomes, findings, and recommendations to Commissioners Court and their staff, external partners, the Office of County Administration, and the public.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Ten (10) years of experience in economic development, public policy, or a related field, with a focus on equity and inclusion.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proven leadership in developing and implementing economic equity initiatives; strong analytical skills and experience with wage rate monitoring and analysis; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to advocate policy change and influence decision-making processes.

Other Information

• Equal Opportunity Employer: Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For accommodations, call (713) ###-#### or email ...@bmd.hctx.net.
• Criminal history check: This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
• Application documents: Required supporting documents include a Cover Letter and Updated Resume. Only information stated on the application will be used for consideration.
• Education and experience noted on the application must be documented in the application materials.
• Position Type and Hours: Regular Full-time. Hours may be discussed during the departmental interview and may require working before, during, or after emergencies or disasters.
• Salary and Benefits: $200,000 - $259,000 annually, depends on qualifications, based on 26 pay periods, plus benefits.
• Reporting Relationships: Reports to the County Administrator.
• Other: Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Positions may close prior to the advertised closing date at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Note: This description retains the core responsibilities, qualifications, and notes while removing extraneous boilerplate and non-essential lines. It uses allowed HTML tags only.