Vice President, Economic Development (Regional Economic Development)

Job Title: Vice President, Economic Development (Regional Economic Development)

Job ID: 27744415

Work Hybrid: Yes

Location: Houston, TX, Hybrid

Other Location

Description

Why the Partnership
When you join the Greater Houston Partnership, you get the opportunity to work with an organization helping guide the future of the Houston region. Our team of professionals work across multiple disciplines, including: Economic Development (Regional and International), Executive, Finance & Accounting, Marketing & Communications, Member Engagement, Public Policy, Regional Workforce Development, Research, Talent & Inclusion, Resources, and the Center for Houston’s Future.

The Greater Houston Partnership works to make Houston one of the best places to live, work and build a business. As the economic development organization for the region, the Partnership champions growth across 12 counties by bringing together business and civic-minded leaders who are dedicated to the area’s long-term success. Representing more than 900 member organizations and approximately one-fifth of the region’s workforce, the Partnership is the place companies come together to make an impact.

We look forward to telling you more about the organization and helping determine if a career with the Partnership is right for you!

Today, We Are Looking For
The Vice President, of Regional Economic Development (RED), oversees the implementation of regional business attraction, business retention & expansion as well as marketing initiatives/programs that position the Houston region as a global location of choice for business relocations, expansions, and startups, all to positively affect regional job creation, capital investment, and overall market growth. The RED Vice President provides supervision and day-to-day operational direction to approximately four direct reports, (ED Managers, Directors, and Coordinator) on all economic development projects in support of the mission to make Houston one of the world’s best places to live, work, and build a business.

The VP, of RED will lead and manage the organization’s business recruitment, business development, business retention, and expansion programs. This includes generating leads and closing deals as well as coordinating with ED Marketing and International Investment & Trade departments to get results. The VP, of RED will partner with regional economic development allies, and engage members to get results which is critical to success in this role. This person will be responsible for successfully managing many stakeholders, both inside and outside the organization, including government and elected officials and C-level executives from major corporations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The following responsibilities are essential to job performance:

Direct and lead business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts to create jobs and attract capital investment to the region within the regional economic development strategy and targeted industry sectors.
Manage and lead business development efforts of the team with a pipeline of prospective companies through a team approach in connection with key software tools such as a customized Salesforce database.
Develop, engage, and advance an active network of partners, allies, corporate executives, real estate brokers, and site consultants to positively affect results through Partnership Committees, HREDA (Houston Regional Economic Development Allies), and related groups.
Coordination of site visits, events, and initiatives which include regional allies, elected officials, business leaders, and educational institutions, as examples, to create and develop opportunities.
Work in collaboration with GHP marketing and research teams to prepare messages and conduct proactive outreach to targeted companies, regions, and individuals.
Manage the collection and reporting of metrics and results using Salesforce CRM.
Oversee standardization and training of division-wide staff in prospect management and business development processes as needed.
Plan, coordinate, and deliver assistance, information, and services to assigned leads and prospects. Services and information include but are not limited to, the following: marketing and community information, custom proposals, sites and facilities, special incentives, permitting, workforce recruitment/training, briefings/orientation, site visits, VIP introductions, regional ally support/referral, press releases, ground-breaking/open houses, and other assistance necessary to recruit, expand and retain companies.
Obtain and maintain knowledge of assigned target industries, industry trends and influencers, expansion/relocation factors, and local companies in the target industries.
Support and assist SVP in shaping working groups and committee structures under the GHP economic development committee and subcommittee structures.
Manage the professional development and education of assigned staff, including coaching, career development, and other supervisory functions.
Represent Economic Development and The Greater Houston Partnership organization at assigned special functions, seminars, trade shows/exhibitions, business development meetings, and missions-- domestically and abroad.
Work in close collaboration with the International Investment & Trade team of the economic development division as required to support foreign direct investment leads, prospects, trade shows, and briefings to international delegations.
Support the GHP Public Policy, Workforce, and Membership teams by advising or providing guidance on local, state, and federal legislation, workforce issues, or member engagement and events.
Support the executive leadership team with special assignments and requests.
Work closely with Partnership staff to recruit and engage new members to the organization.
Work with confidential matters.
Other duties as assigned.

Leading Others

Effectively identify and develop talent, advancing high performers. Assist team members in their development as individuals and professionals.
Partner with the SVP to goals and direction of the department and maintain budget parameters for the team.
Direct the activities of the team as described above, setting priorities and delegating responsibility to staff.
Set performance metrics that drive the team’s success.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are desirable for job success:

Excellent verbal, written, analytical, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop a pipeline of business prospects from numerous sources; and close complex sales through multifunctional teams.
History of influencing and leading multifunctional groups both inside and outside of organizational structure.
Ability to cultivate key accounts and manage strategic alliances.
Strategic and results-oriented approach.
Diplomatic and collaborative approach to working within a large region.
Skilled in guiding, anticipating, and championing a lengthy sales approach.
Strong public speaking as well as written and verbal communication skills.
Familiarity with Texas as well as Greater Houston City and County tax and incentive programs helpful.
Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment with minimal supervision.
Ability to prioritize simultaneous assignments.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Professional appearance.
Proficient in Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Salesforce, and advanced internet search techniques.
Flexibility to work and travel both domestically and internationally.
Bilingual is helpful but not mandatory.

Education Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, economics, urban planning, or a closely related field is required. MBA or other master’s degree in the same is desirable.

Required Experience
Requires a background in business development, economic development, commercial real estate, marketing, corporate sales, or other equivalent experience; with a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic development. Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) is helpful but not mandatory.

Physical Requirements

Good vision and hearing acuity (with adaptive aids if necessary).
Manual dexterity and skillful use of computer keyboard.
Physical exertion includes bending, pushing, standing, and walking. Must be able to move or lift approximately 25 pounds on occasion.

Mental and Aptitude Requirements

Job requires the ability to hear, see, and talk; analytical, conceptual, problem-solving, planning and decision-making skills.

Safety Requirements
Adhere to office safety policies.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

The Greater Houston Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Employer.