The Position
The Office of Economic Development in the City Manager's Office for the City of Santa Cruz is seeking a Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Development. Under the guidance of the Deputy City Manager, the ideal candidate will assume this new role at an exciting time, bringing leadership experience to programs and initiatives that promote economic development from a base within the City Manager's Office. As a key leader of the management team, the Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Development will foster trust and respect, be a clear communicator, and will employ a collaborative leadership style to contribute to an organizational culture of equity and inclusion.
To learn more about the Office of Economic Development, please visit https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/City-Manager/Office-of-Economic-Development
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary vacancies in this classification that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
Recruitment #26-068
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
- On Thursday, 06/04/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
- Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
- Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
- Week of 06/08: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 06/15/26.
- Week of 06/22/26: Oral exam interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.
- Top candidates from the oral exam will proceed to a selection interview, which may include an additional written and/or performance exercise.
Basic Function
Under general direction, plans, organizes, manages, and assists in the daily leadership, administrative direction, and oversight of the Office of Economic Development and includes the day to day management of three divisions; the Business Services Division, the Asset Management Division and the Development Division; and at this time also includes the Public Arts and Culture Division. C oordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; fosters cooperative working relationships among departments, divisions, and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups. This position plans, coordinates, administers, and manages grants and various highly complex projects. P articipates in the development of city policies and strategies; manages the effective use of city resources; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Deputy City Manager in areas of expertise; assumes department head responsibilities in the absence of the Deputy City Manager; and performs related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a mid-management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, managing, and evaluating the Office of Economic Development. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include assisting in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration, short- and long-term planning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include grant management, direction of the administrative team and duties, coordinating the activities of the division with those of other divisions, departments, and public and private agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the Office. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Deputy City Manager in that the latter has overall management responsibility for all office services programs, functions, and activities, and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
- Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Asset Management Division, the Business Services Division, the Development Division and the administrative team for the Office of Economic Development including economic and housing development grant management, projects, and activities.
- Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; develops and/or coordinates staff training/apprenticeship programs; works with employees on performance issues; responds to staff questions and concerns; makes discipline recommendations to the Deputy City Manager.
- Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the assigned division; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
- Manages and participates in the development and administration of the budget for the Office; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; identifies projects; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
- Manages and develops grant proposals, tracks funding and expenditures, and writes associated reports.
- Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews with the Deputy City Manager; directs the implementation of improvements.
- Assists with the management and implementation of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
- Conducts annual assessments to analyze economic, real estate and housing development trends, assess community change needs and report on the strategic plan measurements and progress.
- Recommends and implements adjustments to the implementation of the Strategic Plan based on annual assessments.
- Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares contract specifications and scopes of work; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; establishes schedule and performance criteria; administers contracts, supervises the work of contractors, and ensures compliance with specifications and City service quality and regulatory requirements.
- Develops and implements asset management retention and expansion programs and efforts, including leading efforts to attract businesses and overseeing marketing programs in coordination with and/or consideration of other City programs; manages program contracts and grants.
- Works with other departments or divisions to develop public-private partnerships and/or development agreements and/or incentive programs.
- Attends meetings and represents the Office to other City departments, elected officials, state, federal., and regional agencies, regulatory agencies, businesses, and in meetings with the public; makes presentations to City Council and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions.
- Conducts various organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
- Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Deputy City Manager.
- Stays abreast of new trends, regulations, innovations, and operational practices related to assigned areas of responsibility.
- Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; communicates with individuals, community groups, and other public and private representatives related to the Office of Economic Development; explains and interprets divisional programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
- Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Primarily working inside, this position requires office work and may require some field work. Position requires sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination when using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision when reading and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, push and pull files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that provides the below knowledge, skills, and abilities combined with any required licenses is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of the following:
- Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration, planning, economics, or related field; and
- Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in economic and/or housing development, asset management, business administration, or redevelopment program development and/or project management, including three (3) years of supervisory experience; and
- Three (3) years of administrative experience, such as strategic planning, budget, and policy management and development.
Knowledge:
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
- Principles and practices of leadership.
- Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
- Principles and practices of public administration.
- Principles and practices of program or project development, administration, evaluation, and management.
- Principles and practices of strategic planning.
- Principles and practices of contract and grant management and administration.
- Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
- Principles, practices, and trends of economic and housing development, real estate, asset management, land development process, business recruitment, public and private financing, and/or economic/environmental/social sustainability.
- Principles, practices, and techniques of marketing and promoting, community engagement, and public relations used in the economic and housing development area.
- Principles, practices, and funding sources for planning and implementing economic development programs and projects.
- Economic incentives; redevelopment and asset finance trends and practices.
- Business retention and asset management methods, economic and market forces and indicators.
- Public, business and community relations techniques.
- Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, report preparation, and presentations; developing technical and administrative reports, and business correspondence.
- Principles and procedures of record keeping, document processing, and filing systems.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
- City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Abilities:
- Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
- Plans, manages, coordinates, conducts, and administers strategic planning for assigned functions, programs, and projects.
- Prepare and administer budgets and funding.
- Effectively administer projects, grants, contractual agreements, and ensure compliance with obligations.
- Establish long, intermediate, and short-range plans, goals, and objectives which effectively prioritize and address the City, local business, and community’s needs.
- Identify creative solutions to effectively support businesses while ensuring equitable outcomes consistent with City regulations.
- Develop, organize, and coordinate an effective asset management program.?
- Oversee and conduct complex research, analyze, and evaluate projects, programs, policies, and procedures; make and implement recommendations for comprehensive, systemic reforms and improvements; prepare effective technical staff reports.
- Coordinate and implement an economic development program, including a proactive outreach and communication program which projects the business-friendly image of the community.
- Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Effectively represent the City in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
- Prepare, maintain, and update accurate detailed records, files, and tracking systems.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse socio-economic, racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, diverse abilities, gender, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation of City staff and community served.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES
- Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license and a safe driving record or ability to use an alternate method of transportation that may include but is not limited to using a ride hailing service, using a taxi, carpooling, bicycling, or walking.
Desirable Qualifications
- Master’s degree in planning, community development, business administration, economic business, or construction management
- Experience in Successor Agency
- Public sector development experience
Career Ladder
- Deputy City Manager
- Deputy Director of Office of Economic Development
- Housing & Community Development Manager
- Development Manageror Economic Development Manager
- Business Liaison
- Economic Development Coordinator I/II
