The City of Modesto is on the lookout for an enthusiastic and experienced Economic Development Manager to help shape the next chapter of our community’s growth! We’re seeking a dynamic professional with at least five years of progressive administrative experience in community development or economic development, including at least one year in a supervisory role. In this key leadership position, you’ll champion strategic initiatives, guide exciting high-impact projects, and build strong partnerships that support business expansion and workforce development across Modesto.
If you’re ready to bring fresh ideas, lead with purpose, and help Modesto continue to thrive, we’d love to see your application!
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
3% COLA effective 7/1/2026
2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree
5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree
The Economic Development Manager is responsible to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate Community and Economic Development policies; to manage sensitive, high-priority projects; to plan, organize, direct, and supervise administrative functions, including budget and personnel activities; to plan, organize, and direct economic development; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Community and Economic Development. Application Process
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME."
Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Tentative Testing Schedule
In-person Written Exam
Week of June 28, 2026
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City does not sponsor H-1B Visas.Read more in our comprehensive brochure!Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Plan, organize, and direct Economic Development Division activities, including development finance, asset management, redevelopment, business retention and recruitment, business loans, work force development, and development regulations.
Assist in developing and implementing departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Lead teams of staff and consultants in completing complex interdivisional and interdepartmental, high-priority special projects.
Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the Economic Development work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
Conduct comprehensive cost benefit analyses; assist with the recommending and establishing of fees.
Prepare the Economic Development Division budgets; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved budget.
Oversee and direct department personnel related matters; process and approve recruitment and hiring requests; organize and conduct investigations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Department; derive as department liaison to Human Resources Department and employee associations.
Engage the private sector and other public agencies in the implementation of economic development activities by forming partnerships, supporting strategic planning, and developing and implementing programs; serve as project manager over development projects.
Serve as key negotiator for economic development projects, including the preparation of documents such as development agreements, owner participation agreements, exclusive negotiating agreements, property options, contracts, resolutions, and request for proposals.
Monitor activities of City consultants, including preparing and administering contracts.
Manage high visibility departmental projects and activities and assist the Director of Community and Economic Development in administration of departmental programs.
Review impact of economic regulations and laws; make recommendations for legislative amendments; represent the City with regulatory and other governmental agencies.
Evaluate proposals containing incentives to help broaden the local tax bases, generate or attract new capital, increase business activity, produce jobs and diversify the local economy.
Represent the department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
Represent the department in meetings of the City Council, Council committees, and commissions.
Conduct special projects and administrative studies as assigned by the Director; prepare complex research and analytical reports.
Act as Department Director in the Director’s absence.
Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, and trends of business development, marketing, sales, advertising, public relations , and public and business administration
Principles and practices of policy development and implementation.
Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Principles and practices of budget development, implementation, and monitoring.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Organize, direct, and implement comprehensive community and economic development programs.
Effectively manage multiple cross divisional and cross department projects.
Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate activities of several divisions within the department.
Develop and monitor assigned program budgets.
Ensure project and grant compliance with federal, state and local rules, laws, and regulations.
Schedule and program work on a long and short-term basis.
Prepare, review, and approve comprehensive analyses and reports; make effective presentations, conclusions, and recommendations orally and in writing.
Negotiate and administer contract services.
Develop, recommend, and implement policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
Interpret, explain, and apply federal, state, local, and department policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.
Conduct administrative, disciplinary, and fact-finding investigations.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences or proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, database applications, and specialized engineering and project management software.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Five years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in economic development including but not limited to marketing, sales, advertising and/or public relations , or a related field, including one year of supervisory responsibility.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business development, redevelopment, public administration, business administration, business/development finance, or a related field.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Positions require occasional overtime or weekend work and the ability to travel.
