Executive Director of Economic Development

Posted: 23-Jun-26 | Location: Mansfield, Texas | Type: Full Time

About the Role

The City of Mansfield, Texas, is seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director of Economic Development. Located in one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation, Mansfield offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of a thriving community that combines strategic location, strong fiscal stewardship, and a high quality of life. As the city continues to experience significant residential and commercial growth, the Executive Director will play a pivotal role in advancing economic vitality, attracting transformative investment, and guiding innovative development initiatives that will define Mansfield’s success for generations to come.

About Mansfield

Mansfield is strategically located in the south-central area of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, 25 miles from Dallas and 20 miles from Fort Worth. It borders the cities of Arlington on the north, Grand Prairie on the east, Fort Worth on the west, and portions of Johnson and Ellis Counties. The City of Mansfield is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, with a population estimated to reach 91,336 by the end of the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Mansfield covers 36.69 square miles, of which approximately 20.6% remains undeveloped.

Recognized as a “Best City” for families and small businesses, Mansfield is a highly attractive place to work and live. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked Mansfield #27 in the nation and #9 in Texas as a top place to live. Consumer Affairs named Mansfield the 6th best city to move to in Texas in 2025.

Mansfield Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Mansfield Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is funded by a ½ cent sales tax approved by Mansfield voters, effective July 1, 1997. The fund is used to attract desirable industries and commercial development while retaining and assisting in the expansion of existing businesses. The mission of the MEDC is to elevate the City’s recruitment efforts across the state, country, and globe by sourcing, facilitating, and promoting world-class development and advocating for all existing businesses in Mansfield.

The FY 2025/2026 MEDC operating budget totals $1.88 million. The Executive Director of Economic Development is supported by an Assistant Director and four additional staff members who provide assistance, funding, tools, and data that new and existing businesses need to thrive in Mansfield.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary advisor to the City Manager and City Council on economic development policy, incentive structures, real estate strategy, and market conditions.
• Lead the development, negotiation, and administration of incentive agreements, Chapter 380 agreements, and 4A/4B sales tax programs.
• Manage the City’s relationship with the Mansfield Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
• Represent the City in regional partnerships and external organizations, including the Dallas Regional Chamber, NCTCOG, Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), and International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field.
• Twelve (12) years or more of progressively responsible experience in economic development, commercial real estate, business development, or a closely related field, with a minimum of seven (7) years in a leadership capacity that included direct supervision of professional staff and management through multiple organizational levels.
• Experience in a large or growing municipality or economic development organization with a track record in business attraction, retention and expansion, and long-range economic planning.
• Experience managing 4A and/or 4B economic development corporations, including board relations, program administration, and statutory compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• CEcD designation and/or EDI Graduate certification.
• Master’s degree.
• Work experience in the DFW Metroplex.

Pay

The salary range for the Executive Director of Economic Development is $156,595 to $217,467. The starting salary is individually based on relevant experience and the City’s time-in-role methodology.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and short-term disability.
• Compensated leave.
• Retirement benefits through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (7% employee contribution with a 2:1 match by the City).
• Relocation incentive up to $5,000 (negotiable).

A full description of benefits is available in the Benefits Guide.