Regional Economic Developer

Regional Economic Developer

Department Background

The Community & Economic Development Department of the West Central Texas Council of Governments (WCTCOG) serves communities across the Big Country by providing planning expertise, technical assistance, and capacity-building support. Our work spans a 19-county region that is predominantly rural, helping communities access resources and implement strategies that strengthen local and regional development.

The department also houses the Big Country Area Health Education Center (BCAHEC), which extends our reach to 28 counties, with a focus on rural healthcare workforce development and access to care. This dual structure allows us to bridge community development, economic growth, and healthcare workforce initiatives, serving as a regional connector that builds capacity and ensures rural priorities are represented in long-term planning.

Role Overview

The Regional Economic Developer serves as a strategic catalyst for multi-jurisdictional economic growth and development across the West Central Texas Council of Governments region. This position coordinates with state and federal funding agencies, local governments, and community planning organizations to implement comprehensive economic development strategies that benefit multiple municipalities and counties. The role focuses on regional collaboration, large-scale project coordination, and leveraging intergovernmental partnerships to maximize economic opportunities across the region.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The Regional Economic Developer will support the development and administration of projects, grants, and initiatives that advance the mission of the Community & Economic Development Department.

Responsibilities include:

· Grant writing efforts for the department and for regional community and economic development projects

· Provide technical assistance to regional partners on grant opportunities and applications

· Assist with the rural regional revolving loan fund program

· Maintain active relationships with state and federal agencies, including EDA, USDA Rural Development, EPA, and TDA

· Coordinate and support community development and nonprofit organizations

· Organize and facilitate regional meetings and partnership initiatives

· Assist with federal and state compliance, reporting, and project implementation

· Participate in department and regional marketing strategies and branding initiatives

Experience

· Demonstrated experience in program or project development, grant administration, or regional/community planning

· Working experience working with local, state, and federal funding programs

· Strong track record of working with local governments, nonprofits, or community-based organizations on development initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, or related field

· Previous experience managing EDA, CDBG, or other major federal economic development programs

· Background in regional planning, public policy analysis, or intergovernmental relations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong skills in grant writing, project development, and program monitoring.

· Knowledge of federal compliance requirements and reporting

· Ability to research, collect, and analyze data to inform decision-making

· Familiarity with community and economic development practices, including rural priorities and cross-sector collaboration

· Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders

· Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently to achieve departmental goals

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other applicable software

Working Conditions

· A valid driver's license is required

· Travel for conferences, training, and regional economic development missions

· Ability to work in various government and community settings across the region

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to tmoreno@westcentraltexas.org:

· Current resume

· Cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in regional economic development

· Contact information for three professional references

Please include "Regional Economic Developer Application" in the email subject line.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,244.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person