Job SummaryThe Director of Economic Development is responsible for leading and growing HdL's Economic Development business, with accountability for strategy, client service, business development, operational performance, and financial results. This role serves as a senior leader for the practice and is expected to strengthen HdL's position as a trusted advisor to public agencies by delivering high-quality economic development solutions that support business attraction, retention, expansion, investment, and sustainable community growth.
The Director has meaningful P&L responsibility for the Economic Development practice, including revenue growth, profitability, budgeting, forecasting, expense management, resource planning, and achievement of financial and operating targets. The position balances growth with disciplined execution, ensuring the practice scales efficiently while maintaining strong client relationships, service quality, and team performance.
Job ResponsibilitiesP&L and Financial Leadership- Own and actively manage the Economic Development practice P&L, with accountability for revenue, profitability, margins, expenses, and overall financial performance.
- Develop annual budgets, forecasts, revenue plans, and operating targets in partnership with executive and finance leadership.
- Monitor financial performance against plan; identify trends, risks, and opportunities and implement timely corrective actions when results are off target.
- Drive profitable growth by evaluating pricing, staffing levels, service delivery models, utilization, project economics, and other key cost and revenue drivers.
- Establish and monitor meaningful business and financial KPIs, including pipeline, bookings, revenue, margin, client retention, project performance, and resource capacity.
- Provide clear and timely reporting to executive leadership regarding financial results, forecasts, business performance, risks, and growth opportunities.
Strategy and Business Growth- Develop and execute the strategic plan for the Economic Development practice in alignment with HdL's overall growth, revenue, and profitability objectives.
- Identify opportunities to expand services, enter new markets, deepen existing client relationships, and develop scalable offerings.
- Lead and support business development activities, including prospect strategy, proposals, presentations, interviews, contract opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
- Maintain a strong understanding of market conditions, competitive trends, public-sector needs, and economic development programs to inform practice strategy.
- Partner across HdL service lines to identify cross-selling opportunities and provide integrated solutions to clients.
Client and Service Leadership- Serve as a senior advisor and relationship leader for key public-agency clients, ensuring high levels of service, responsiveness, and client satisfaction.
- Oversee the delivery of economic development programs and consulting services, including business attraction, retention and expansion, market and economic analysis, strategic planning, and related initiatives.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and consistent with HdL quality standards and client expectations.
- Develop and maintain relationships with public officials, business leaders, community stakeholders, and other strategic partners.
- Represent HdL at client meetings, industry events, conferences, workshops, and other external forums.
Operational and Team Leadership- Lead, develop, and mentor the Economic Development team, establishing clear goals, accountability, performance expectations, and professional development priorities.
- Align staffing and resources with client demand, revenue expectations, and profitability targets.
- Build efficient, repeatable processes and operating practices that support quality, consistency, scalability, and margin improvement.
- Partner with other HdL leaders and corporate functions to support workforce planning, recruiting, performance management, technology, contracting, and other operational needs.
- Promote a collaborative, client-focused, accountable, and results-oriented culture.
Skills and Qualifications- Proven ability to develop business, grow revenue, build client relationships, and translate market opportunities into profitable services.
- Strong understanding of economic development principles, public-agency environments, business attraction and retention strategies, and relevant local, state, and federal programs or incentives.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and drive accountability for business and client outcomes.
- Excellent executive communication, presentation, negotiation, analytical, and relationship-management skills.
- Ability to travel as needed to support clients, business development, team leadership, and company activities. Where driving is an essential function, the employee must be able to meet applicable company driving requirements.
Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, consulting, public-sector services, or a related field, including demonstrated leadership responsibility.
- Demonstrated experience managing a business unit, service line, department, or comparable operation with direct accountability for financial results.
- Strong P&L acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, revenue management, profitability, margin analysis, expense management, and financial performance reporting.
CompensationThe starting base salary for this Brea, CA position is expected to be between $170,198.26 to $212,747.82 annually. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable law.
Benefits - Competitive Base Pay
- Opportunity to participate in 401k
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, LTD and Employee Assistance Program
- Paid time off for Vacation, Sick and Holidays
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (learn more about the HdL ESOP at: https://www.hdlcompanies.com/about/careers)
