Executive Director - City Center Waco

Located on Texas’ celebrated Brazos River, midway between Dallas and Austin, Waco is the largest city in Central Texas. Positioned in the heart of the booming I-35 economic corridor, Waco is experiencing unprecedented business expansion. The high quality of life coupled with the incredible real estate growth opportunities and commitment to inclusiveness make Waco a great play to live, work, and engage as a leader to shape an incredible future.

Operating under a 15-member Board of Directors, City Center Waco is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization charged with creating value by driving equitable development and collaboration in the City Center, which is downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. City Center’s primary responsibilities are to promote the interests of Downtown Waco by programming, administering, and managing Public Improvement District #1 (PID #1) service contracts and the City appointed PID #1 Advisory Board; provide programming and urban place management to ensure that Downtown Waco is an active engaging space for residents and visitors to Waco; and to provide the structure necessary to execute a place-based economic development strategy in Greater Downtown Waco.

City Center currently serves as the City’s PID #1 manager. The Board and the City of Waco desire that the set of work involves not only maintaining the capacity to manage the current PID #1, but also the ability to expand it and seek the development of additional economic development zones and special districts when appropriate. The budget of City Center Waco is currently funded completely through a contract with the City of Waco, but the organization has and continues to be expected to develop additional revenue streams in the future.

City Center Waco seeks a visionary, seasoned professional to lead this next phase of development as its new Executive Director. A bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of extensive business and economic development experience, and at least one year of supervisory experience is required. A master’s degree is preferred. Certification as an economic developer and experience in economic development with a successful track record of creativity in problem-solving and project planning is a plus. Also preferred is the ability to craft financial strategies with public and private partners; knowledge of laws, ordinances, and regulations regarding land use and property development; and demonstrated ability to foster prosperity for residents from all areas and facilitate collaboration between diverse communities. A valid Class C Texas driver’s license is required or the ability to obtain within six months of employment.

The salary for this position is $140,000 - $170,000, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

For more information on this position contact:
Lissa Barker, Senior Vice President
817-266-0647