DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

THE JOB OPPORTUNITYThe City of Cedar Hill, Texas is seeking an innovative, community-oriented servant leader to join our family as the next Director of Economic Development.

ABOUT CEDAR HILLNestled 20 minutes southwest of downtown Dallas and 30 minutes from downtown Fort Worth, Cedar Hill is centrally located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, one of the fastest growing regions in the nation.

Known as the Hill Country of the Metroplex, Cedar Hill’s lush, tree-lined rolling hills and wide open green space are home to a unique combination of flora and fauna unlike any other in the State. At 880 feet above sea level, Cedar Hill boasts the highest elevation between the Red River and the Gulf of Mexico. This distinctive collection of natural assets has attracted partnerships with the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Cedar Hill State Park, Dallas County, local schools, and other organizations that are committed to preserving open spaces and critical ecosystems in one of the largest planned preserves in North Texas.

The City has grown from a small rural town of 6,850 in 1980 to a thriving suburb with an estimated popula-tion of 49,148 in 2020. Cedar Hill is a regional entertain-ment and dining hub that features a mix of specialty boutiques, national retail stores, and fine dining expe-riences. As the community has grown, Cedar Hill has retained its distinctive character as a place where no one is a stranger and residents and visitors experience exceptional services and quality of life.

Cedar Hill is home to Northwood University and Strayer University, which offer workforce develop-ment and continuing education programs. Cedar Hill Independent School District leads the way in the region, incorporating innovative curricula into every grade level, in each content area, and on all campuses. A wide selection of charter and private schools add to the expansive set of educational choices available to families and newcomers to Cedar Hill.

ECONOMIC PROFILE

The City, working in conjunction with the Cedar Hill Eco-nomic Development Corporation (CHEDC) and the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce, promotes economic develop-ment opportunities to regional, national, and international businesses. Startups, expanding businesses and established brands find that the business climate in Cedar Hill is perfect for opening or relocating their retail business or office space. This thriving area is also home to some of the best industrial spaces in Dallas-Fort Worth.

The proximity to DFW Airport, railways, and other shipping and business locations make it an ideal match for manufac-turing, fulfillment, and processing centers. The City of Cedar Hill currently has four industrial parks and several  large in-dustrial-zoned tracts of land capable of accommodating fu-ture development in this sector.

The CHEDC owns lots in the 150-acre rail-served Cedar Hill Business Park, which is managed by the Business Park Prop-erty Owners Association and marketed by the City to prospec-tive industries. Recently ranked in the “Top 25 Office Parks in North Texas” by the Dallas Business Journal, the Cedar Hill Business Park is located on the BNSF rail line with easy ac-cess to State Highway 67. Successful brands from a variety of industries have chosen the Cedar Hill Business Park for their manufacturing, office, and warehousing needs.

CEDAR HILL DEMOGRAPHICS

Population............................49,148Median Age..................................34Median Income.............$73,658Owner Occupied..................74%Average Commute......30 minLand Area...................35.2 sq. mi

FAST FACTS• 20 minutes from downtown

Dallas

• US-67/rail-served business park

• Pro-business community with a workforce of over 1 million within a 30-minute drive time

• Low taxes, low cost of living, high quality of life

• Over 3 million square feet of retail and Class A office space

• Offers agressive economic development incentives to facilitate and energize relo-cation and expansion

GOVERNMENT AND ORGANIZATIONCedar Hill is governed by a council-manager form of government. The mayor and six council mem-bers are the legislative body of the City and focus on community goals, major projects, and stra-tegic planning. The city council appoints a professional manager to oversee the delivery of public services. The City Manager provides day-to-day executive leadership and administration to the municipal organization. Greg Porter was appointed City Manager in January 2015 and has served in various capacities within the City for over 35 years.

The City of Cedar Hill provides a full complement of traditional municipal services including a police department, fire protection, engineering and public works, street maintenance, building inspec-tion and code enforcement services, planning and zoning, parks and recreation services, a public library, municipal court, and human resources. For the current fiscal year, the General Fund Budget is approximately $40 million providing a workforce of 347 full-time employees and 57 regular part-time employees.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

City Website cedarhilltx.comCHEDC Website cedarhilledc.comCity Culture (Video) cedarhilltx.com/jobsAnnual Report cedarhilltx.com/annualreportCedar Hill ISD chisd.netHillside Village shophillsidevillage.com

POSITION SUMMARYThis position is responsible for leading Economic Development personnel, programs, facilities, bud-gets, and activities in a manner consistent with the City’s vision, mission, values, and culture.

Under the general guidance and direction of the City Manager, the purpose of this position is to retain and expand the economic viability of the City by interacting with business and industry. This is accomplished by communicating with representatives of business and industry towards devel-opment of a working relationship within the City. This position also serves as director and manages the Type A Economic Development Corporation, attracting new tax base by marketing the city, retaining existing businesses and industries, attract-ing new businesses and industries, attracting other needed facilities, and interfacing with other City employees and citizens.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATEThe ideal candidate for this role will be flexible in their thinking with the ability to cultivate a full spectrum of development as envisioned and directed by the community. To be successful, candi-dates must possess a collaborative spirit and appreciate diversity in all aspects, with the ability to weave their tools within the City in an effort to establish a broad economic development tool chest.

• Together with key partners, develop and implement a proactive strategy for economic develop-ment and competitive incentives that maximize job creation and economic opportunities. This includes: using best practices and extensive research to develop real estate offerings; infrastruc-ture that encourages job creation; development and finance programs; business incentives and other identified needs. The goal is to establish a world-class program and gain the attention of key internal and external decision makers for potential projects.

• Interface with other community leaders and committees to coordinate and implement strate-gic solutions.

• Provide timely and relevant information on the best practices and competitive position to the City Manager and Cedar Hill Economic Development Board that allows them to make strategic decisions on behalf of the organization’s stakeholders and the citizens of Cedar Hill.

• Represent Cedar Hill Economic Development on relevant boards and committees and make recommendations to other organizations that help achieve the City’s economic development goals.

• Oversee the work of the Cedar Hill Economic Development staff to achieve the organization’s goals.

• Through consultation with the City Manager and Board, develop incentive packages with busi-nesses considering Cedar Hill for job creation projects.

• Serve as the public spokesperson for Cedar Hill Economic Development to ensure a positive relationship with elected officials, relevant boards, organizations, media and the community at large.

• Work with City of Cedar Hill officials on development services to ensure timely approvals and seamless processes for Cedar Hill Economic Development clients which includes coordinating direct access to decision-makers.

• Oversee and direct marketing efforts of the organization.

• Create operating and development budgets that ensure financial stability and prudent uses of Cedar Hill Economic Development funds.

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

• Fulfill any special assignments or duties as directed by the City Manager and Cedar Hill Eco-nomic Development Board.

• Direct appropriate talent and resources to ensure workforce development meets current and future needs.

Responsibilities And Requirements

• Understanding of Texas Type-A and Type-B funding structures and Finance Law

• Knowledge of relevant marketing and information dissemination techniques as well as eco-nomic development issues and demonstrates a track record of delivering results

• Ability to network and leverage existing relationships to execute goals of the organization

• Knowledge of workforce development and how to determine and attract the “right kind of jobs” for this community

• Adept and collaborative Director comfortable with multiple projects, audiences, and timelines with the ability to analyze data, exercise sound judgment and ability to arrive at valid conclusions

• Capability to utilize applicable technologies and datasets in decision-making and marketing

• Skilled in use of Microsoft products, social media platforms, Google Apps, and additional appli-cable software/tools

• Ability to travel as needed

• Organized and capable of providing information on-demand

• Excellent writing, listening, presentation and verbal communications skills, including public speaking to a wide variety of audiences and dealing with people of varying backgrounds and disciplines

• A driven and action-oriented individual with the ability to work cohesively with all parties/part-ners necessary to close deals and ensure effective implementation

• Capacity to design and implement long-range development programs and policies designed to help raise the competitive profile of Cedar Hill and coordinate these issues at the local, state, and national level

• History of influencing diverse organizations and stakeholders with both unified planning and tactical delivery of development results

• Proficiency to work collaboratively and build consensus around economic development initia-tives

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCESuccessful candidates for the position of Director of Economic Development will possess, at a minimum, the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Urban Planning, Marketing, Real Estate, Public/Business Administration, Management or a related field is required. A Master’s Degree is preferred.

• At least seven years of related experience required, along with supervisory experience.

• Valid Driver’s License required, meeting City driving standards. Candidates from out of state must be able to obtain a Texas license.

• Economic Development Certification required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position is up to $153,637 annually, depending on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. The following benefits package is also offered:

Security for the Present: 

• Health Plan, starting at only $227/month for family coverage

• Dental Plan

• Vision Plan

• Additional Supplemental Plans

• Medical and Dependent Day Care Reimbursement Account (FSA)

Security for the Future: 

• TMRS Retirement Plan (Employee con-tributes 7% pre-tax, City provides 2 to 1 matching, vesting after 5 years, with option of retirement, at any age, with 20 years of service)

• Deferred Compensation Plans through ICMA and Nationwide

Additional Benefits: 

• Education Reimbursement Assistance

• Alan E. Sims Cedar Hill Recreation Center Employee Membership (Family membership discounts available)

• Longevity

Leave Benefits: 

• Vacation 

• Sick

• 11 Paid City Holidays

HOW TO APPLYTo be considered for this position and to receive a copy of the pre-interview questionnaire for this position, please contact Anthony Michelic with The PACE Group by phone at 817.915.4156 or send an email with a statement of interest and résumé to anthony@thepacegroup.com. In your interest statement, please include your current position title and highlights of your accomplishments in your current position. Applicants selected as finalists for the position will undergo verification of current and previous em-ployment (via open record requests), verification of education, criminal history background check, driving record check, and verification of professional references. Information from your application and résumé may be subject to release to the public, under the Public Information Act, at any time during the hiring process.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Cedar Hill will make every rea-sonable effort to accommodate your needs. For any special requests, please call Human Resources at 972-291-5100, ext. 1068.

For questions about the position, please contact Anthony Michelic with The PACE Group, at antho-ny@thepacegroup.com or call at 817.915.4156.

The City of Cedar Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of genetic information in compliance with GINA, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, vet-eran status, age, or disability in hiring, conditions, or termination of employment. Final applicants for employment with the City of Cedar Hill are subject to drug testing and background screening.