Description
The City of Westminster is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as its next Economic Development Manager.
The ideal candidate brings strong redevelopment experience and excellent leadership skills. The incoming Economic Development Manager will have strong knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and municipal government management, including budget development and administration, public agency contract administration, administrative practices, public relations, and evaluation techniques. Knowledge of and the ability to interpret, apply, and explain pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. The Economic Development Manager must have the ability to attract and bring in new businesses as well as bring economic development projects to fruition. Candidates who are familiar with the political and economic climate of Orange County are highly preferred.
As a representative of the City, the incoming Economic Development Manager must have techniques for building positive working relationships with governmental agencies as well as diverse community groups, businesses, and organizations. A good communicator who is culturally sensitive will do well in this role. The ability to analyze and evaluate projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs as well as collect, evaluate, interpret, and present complex information and data is required. The Economic Development Manager must analyze complex problems, identify alternative solutions, and recommend conclusions. Participation in various complex organizational studies and analyses are essential to this role. Candidates who can “read a room” and are familiar with the principles and practices of Community Development are highly preferred. The Economic Development Manager must keep up to date with present and future economic climates and trends.
Click here to view the job flyer.
Examples of Duties
Duties
Under general direction from the City Manager, the Economic Development Manager manages all aspects of the development and implementation of Economic Development programs and activities for the City, emphasizing the stimulation of business retention, expansion, attraction and workforce development while enhancing economic base. The Economic Development Manager serves as a coordinator for major Economic Development projects as well as develops and conducts outreach efforts with a wide variety of community/regional organizations and agencies. The ability to form partnerships, develop strategic plans, and coordinate events is essential for this role. As a representative of the City, the Economic Development Manager participates in outside community groups, professional groups, and committees as well as meets and negotiates with outside agencies and the public. This position may exercise technical and project supervision over City staff in support of City Manager directives. The ability to identify and pursue development opportunities as well as coordinate and facilitate the implementation of development projects is crucial to this position. The Economic Development Manager will work closely with the Community Development Department and be heavily involved in the redevelopment of Westminster Mall. Other duties include but are not limited to:
- Facilitating the recruitment of businesses to the city.
- Interacting with developers interested in the city market and working collaboratively with businesses to ensure both parties’ interests are met.
- Performing comprehensive program analysis and feasibility studies in the area of economic development including conclusions and recommendations.
- Preparing reports detailing the studies then presenting recommendations to the City Council and the community.
- Assisting new and expanding businesses in site selection, acquisition and facility construction, and through the City’s planning and building processes.
- Maintaining up-to-date local and regional market data including economic, statistical, financial, population, growth, demographic and other information.
- Analyzing the effects of current and pending legislation on City programs and operations and making recommendations, developing responses and legislative proposals, and keeping City staff apprised of pending and enacted legislation.
- Performing other related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Qualified candidates typically possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field, and have four (4) years of increasingly responsible public administration experience which has included significant economic development, administrative, analytical and fiscal management responsibilities. A master’s degree is preferred. Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is required upon hire.
TO APPLY
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online.
Filing Deadline: January 18, 2026
Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above. The most qualified candidates will be invited to personal interviews with Bob Murray & Associates. A select group of candidates will be asked to provide references once it is anticipated that they may be recommended as finalists. References will be contacted only following candidate approval. Finalist interviews will be held with the City of Westminster. Candidates will be advised of the status of the recruitment following selection of the Economic Development Manager. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Stacey Stevenson at (916) 784-9080.
The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package to full time employees, including:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS: The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). The City's contract provides for the following retirement tiers:
Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after July 28, 2011):
2.0% @ 60 formula; employees contribute 7.0% of salary towards retirement costs.
Tier 3/PEPRA (New Members hired on or after January 1, 2013):
2.0% @ 62 formula; employees contribute 8.25% of salary towards retirement costs.
The City of Westminster does not participate in Social Security.
INSURANCE BENEFITS: Effective January 1, 2024, the City's cafeteria benefits plan provides
$1,600 per month toward the purchase of health, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as additional voluntary products. Employees who participate in the CalPERS health insurance program and are enrolled in a Family plan will receive an additional $400 per month towards the purchase of medical benefits (total of
$2,000 per month).
Medical insurance is provided through the Cal-PERS health insurance program. Unused cafeteria plan dollars may be received by the employee as taxable income. A pre-tax flexible spending account is also available for health care and dependent care expenses. The City also provides a City-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefit of 66.6% of salary to a maximum of $10,000 per month; the City also provides a paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
VACATION: Employees earn
120 hours of paid vacation during their first year of service. An additional eight hours is earned for each additional year of service up to five (5) years. Additional benefits apply after 20 years of service. Employees are permitted to cash out accrued unused vacation hours a maximum of 2 times per calendar year.
HOLIDAYS: Employees receive
eleven (11) paid City 9-hour fixed holidays, and an additional
27 hours of floating holiday time annually to be used at the employee's discretion.
HOLIDAY FURLOUGH: City offices are
closed between Christmas and New Year's Day. Employees may use accumulated leave banks or elect leave without pay during the furlough.
SICK LEAVE: Employees earn
96 hours of paid sick leave per year. Employees may elect to cash out sick leave earned during the previous year at the rate of 50% of total value.
WORK SCHEDULE: The City offers flexible work schedules. Employees will have the option to work a
9/80, 4/10, or 5/8/40 work schedule.
The City does not offer a Hybrid work schedule at this time.
LONGEVITY PAY: As an incentive for continuous service, employees are entitled to longevity pay at completion of the following service intervals:
- 21 years of service = 2.0% longevity pay
- 22 years of service = 4.0% longevity pay
- 23 years of service = 6.0% longevity pay
- 24 years of service = 8.0% longevity pay
- 25 years of service = 10.0% longevity pay
CELL PHONE / DATA PLAN REIMBURSEMENT: Employees who use their personal cell phone for business-related purposes may qualify for up to
$60 per month reimbursement.
BILINGUAL PAY: The City provides
$150 per month for demonstrated proficiency in specified languages including Spanish and Vietnamese.
For a more detailed overview of the benefits, please refer to the Resolution covering Management, Administrative, and Confidential Employees at: City Compensation/MOU's
