Executive Director, Economic Equity and Opportunity
About the role
The Executive Director of Harris County’s Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO) will lead the County's efforts to promote economic opportunity, inclusive procurement, and small business development as directed by the Commissioner’s Court. The individual in this role will be 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.
Responsibilities
Leads the department's strategic planning process and implementation, which includes active engagement with leadership to develop and establish a five-year strategic plan, vision, and long-term goals, ensuring alignment with the Harris County strategic plan.
Oversees 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.
Facilitates access to capital, loans, and grants for businesses and nonprofits, and ensures grant compliance by tracking performance, consulting with funders, and interpreting statutory requirements.
Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the development, implementation, and performance of the department's programs, contracts, and services by establishing and executing long-term economic development strategies that advance community business growth, workforce development, job training, and worker protections.
Drives organizational accountability through performance management, governance, and continuous evaluation to ensure initiatives are effectively implemented, resources are optimized, measurable outcomes are achieved, and economic disparities are reduced in alignment with County priorities.
Provides expert advice and recommendations to County leadership and officials to integrate economic goals into broader economic development plans, incorporating best practices and addressing emerging trends in economic equity and opportunity.
Develops and maintains a system for tracking and analyzing wage rates across County sectors to identify disparities, ensure compliance with fair wage practices under laws such as the Davis Bacon Act, 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 collaboratively with the Harris County Attorney’s Office, Infrastructure Departments and the Purchasing Agent.
Builds and maintains strong 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 and enforce Harris County worker protections and workplace safety standards.
Serves as the department's executive representative and strategic advisor to Commissioners Court by providing policy recommendations, operational updates, and expert guidance on departmental initiatives, contracts, and matters requiring Court action. Leads cross-departmental coordination to advance County priorities, align enterprise initiatives, and resolve complex operational issues while cultivating collaborative partnerships with County leadership, Court offices, community organizations, business leaders, advocacy groups, and other key stakeholders to strengthen service delivery and achieve measurable organizational outcomes.
Prepares 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
Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Business Administration, Economics, Finance 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.
Five (5) or more years of progressive management experience leading large teams with a track record of building staff capacity and driving organizational outcomes.
Three (3) or more years of direct experience managing a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).
Qualifications
Proven track record of leadership in developing and implementing economic equity initiatives.
Strong management and personnel development skills.
Strong analytical skills and experience with wage rate monitoring and analysis.
Ability to set a clear departmental vision and translate high-level policy goals into actionable operational plans.
Ability to simultaneously oversee multiple high-priority initiatives across varying timelines and complexity levels.
Knowledge of project management frameworks and tools used to track and report on progress across a large portfolio of work.
Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate progress, risks, and outcomes clearly to diverse audiences including Commissioners Court, department heads, and the public.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
Skill in developing and maintaining regular reporting cadences that keep leadership and partners consistently informed.
Ability to establish a culture of accountability within the department, setting clear expectations for staff performance and deliverables.
Demonstrated ability to advance policy changes and influence decision-making processes.
Commitment to excellence in execution of directives and deliverables.