Make Your Mark on Downtown Mountain View!

We’re looking for a proactive, resourceful, and forward-thinking professional to join our team as the next Economic Development Strategist. If you’re passionate about helping local businesses thrive, strengthening Downtown Mountain View, and shaping the future of our City’s economy, this is the opportunity for you.

About the Team

The Economic Development Division leads programs that keep Mountain View’s economy dynamic and resilient. Our team supports a diverse business ecosystem, from global innovation leaders like Google and Intuit, to fast-growing startups such as Nuro, to beloved local businesses like Red Rock Coffee. We implement the City’s Economic Vitality Strategy, supporting business retention and attraction, small business development, Downtown revitalization, citywide commercial hubs, and communications that advance the vision of a thriving community where small businesses, innovation, entrepreneurship, and diversity flourish.

About the Role

This position will play a key role in Downtown revitalization and citywide business engagement. You’ll help lead initiatives that support Downtown Mountain View’s vibrancy, while also fostering relationships with the City’s large employers and emerging industries that drive innovation and opportunity. Your portfolio will also include management of the Downtown Parking District and support for division communications—from newsletters and reports to social media and storytelling that highlights Mountain View’s vitality.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, fast-paced team in the Community Development Department, working under the direction of the Economic Vitality Manager. If you enjoy building relationships, connecting ideas, and seeing the results of your work in the community, this role is for you. Review the detailed job description here.

What You’ll Do:

Prepare and present reports to the Downtown Committee, Visual Arts Committee, and City Council.
Serve as liaison with the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, and other stakeholder groups and organizations.
Develop engaging content for newsletters, social media, and the City’s economic development website.
Lead projects and partnerships that enhance the Downtown Experience, including business engagement, storefront activations, wayfinding, and placemaking efforts.
Manage contracts and consultants supporting economic development programs.
Work with brokers, property owners, and businesses to promote business attraction and retention.
Oversee the Downtown Parking Operations and Maintenance Assessment District and help implement the Downtown Parking Strategy.
Coordinate the annual renewal of the Downtown Business Improvement Assessments.
Promote economic development through media communication channels, special projects, and community outreach.

A bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, geography, urban planning, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in these fields may be substituted for one year of required experience.
Knowledge of local government principles, issues, and processes is expected, and a minimum of three years of experience in economic and business development is required.

Bonus Points:

Experience working in a municipal environment.
Experience interacting with elected and/or appointed officials.
Experience with implementing economic development.
Experience working with Parking Districts and implementing parking programs.

The Ideal Candidate
You are someone who brings creativity, initiative, and heart to their work. You’re a collaborative professional who thrives on connecting ideas, people, and opportunities. You listen well, adapt easily, and communicate with clarity and purpose. You’re equally comfortable meeting with business owners, developing a communications piece, or presenting to a City Council committee.

You stay composed under pressure, adapt quickly to change, and take pride in seeing your efforts lead to visible results in the community. You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy a fast-paced environment, value public service, and find joy in building a vibrant, inclusive, and economically strong Mountain View.

Key Attributes and Characteristics

Great people skills — You build strong, positive relationships with businesses, brokers, property owners, community groups, and City staff.
Team player and connector — You bring people together, align interests, and move ideas from concept to action. You’re the kind of teammate who has others’ backs, jumps in to help when needed, and celebrates shared wins as much as individual accomplishments.
Strong communicator — You write clearly, present confidently, and tailor your message to fit your audience, whether it is a report, a social media post, or a presentation.
Innovative and curious — You are always looking for better ways to improve programs, partnerships, and community experiences.
Creative problem-solver —You approach challenges with optimism and find practical solutions that make a lasting impact.

Submit your application and resume online at governmentjobs.com or to the Human Resources Department; City of Mountain View, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041, (650) 903-6309. Please provide a valid email address on your application. Application materials will be screened on a continuous basis with a new application review date of Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 5:00 pm (PST). Applications received by this date will be prioritized. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply early, as this recruitment may close at any time.

Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to the following process:

Oral Board Interview Panel (weighted 100%) via video conference (Zoom) on Thursday, December 4.
In-person Department Interview – Select candidates who pass the oral board interview may be invited to meet with staff from the Community Development Department for a more in-depth discussion regarding the position and their qualifications during the week of December 8.

Depending on the number of applicants, this process may be altered.

Fine Print. The annual salary range is $128,538.80 - $192,808.20with a control point of $160,673.50. Pay beyond the control point may be awarded for exceptional experience and qualifications upon hire and/or for meritorious performance while serving. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Prior to hire, candidates are required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including employment verification, Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI fingerprint check. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.

Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

City of Mountain View (CA) jobs

Economic Development Strategist