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!
Current Salary: $134,472.00 - $171,620.80 Annually
Minimum Qualifications:
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.
