Under general administrative direction, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Economic Development Department including strategic planning, program development, and collaboration with public and private sector partners to drive sustainable economic growth, attract investments, create job opportunities, and enhance the city’s overall economic well-being; works to improve the business climate, support local industries, foster innovation, and ensure the city’s competitiveness; participates as a member of the executive management team; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.
- Assumes full management responsibility for all Economic Development Department services and activities including the development and implementation of comprehensive economic development strategies and long-term plans that align with the city’s strategic plan and vision.
- Manages the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommends and administers policies and procedures; ensures that activities are conducted in accordance with related laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
- Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.
- Assesses and monitors work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.
- Plans, directs, coordinates, and performs the Economic Development Department’s work plan; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
- Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
- Analyzes market trends, economic indicators, and city strengths to identify areas for growth and improvement.
- Provides recommendations to city leadership on economic policies, zoning regulations, and infrastructure investments that can boost local business activity and attract new ventures.
- Leads efforts to attract new businesses, industries, and talent to the city through targeted marketing, outreach and incentives.
- Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, including business owners, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and developers.
- Coordinates business retention programs to support existing business, ensure their continued success, and assist with expansion plans.
- Collaborates with local chambers of commerce, business associations, financial institutions, universities, and government agencies to foster a collaborative economic development environment.
- Serve as a liaison between the city, business community and external stakeholders, ensuring that development initiatives algin with community interests.
- Facilitates public-private partnerships to support large scale projects, such as infrastructure developments and commercial real estate initiatives.
- Oversees the planning, design, and execution of key economic development projects such as urban revitalization, business parks, mixed-use developments, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Manages budgets, timelines, and resources for economic development projects, ensuring efficient and effective use of funds.
- Tracks and reports on the progress of development projects, ensuring they meet project goals and timelines.
- Promotes workforce development initiatives to ensure that the City’s residents have access to the necessary skills and training for the evolving job market.
- Coordinates with local education institutions, vocational training centers, and community organizations to enhance the workforce pipeline.
- Gathers and analyzes economic data to evaluate trends and forecast potential opportunities for growth or challenges to address.
- Develops and maintains metrics to assess the success and impact of economic development initiatives.
- Makes presentations to City Council, commissions, civic groups and the general public on economic development issues.
- Advocates for legislative or regulatory changes at the state or federal level that may positively impact the city’s economic growth.
- Develops and implements marketing strategies to promote the city as an attractive location for businesses and investments.
- Performs related duties, as assigned.
Knowledge of:Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive Economic Development program.
Economic development principles, practices and policies at an advanced level.
Principles and practices of public administration.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent federal , state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Methods of effective interpersonal communication and negotiation techniques,
Economic data trends, and use of data driven decision-making.
Principles and practices of effective leadership and management including team building and conflict resolution.
Public financing tools, grants, and incentive programs.
Microsoft Office Suite and economic development software/tools.
Ability to:Oversee and manage the operations, services and activities of the economic development program.
Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures.
Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs nd make appropriate adjustments.
Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.
Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower-level staff.
Delegate authority and responsibility.
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Design technically complex visual aids such as maps, tables and charts.
Collect, analyze, compile and present information and data.
Prepare clear and concise reports.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Coordinate multiple contracts, projects and cooperative ventures and meet critical deadlines
Prepare and administer large and complex program budgets.
Represent the City in interactions with various business and civic groups.
Operate computer for word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Provide excellent customer service.
Education/Training:Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Economics, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
Experience:A minimum of five to seven years of experience in economic development, business development, urban planning, or related fields, of which at least three years were in a leadership role managing teams or projects.
License or Certificate:Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License and maintain possession of such license during the course of employment.
Must have an acceptable driving record, be insurable at standard rates by City’s insurance carrier, and maintain such insurability during the course of employment.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:
Must be found to be free from any physical, emotional or mental conditions, as determined by a qualified physician and/or psychologist, which with or without accommodation might affect the ability of the employee to perform essential job functions. The position may require prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities. Additionally, the position requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Near and far vision is required in order to read work related documents and use the computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service.
This classification is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may be required to perform other reasonable duties as assigned by management. The City reserves the right, with the concurrence of the department head, to revise or change classification duties and responsibilities as the need arises and as consistent with the meet and confer process. 
