Director of Economic Development

The City of Sacramento is seeking a Director of Economic Development. The Director of Economic Development is a newly established executive leadership role created to elevate and transform how the City of Sacramento advances economic vitality, competitiveness, and inclusive growth. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned leader to build a department from the ground up: shaping strategy, structure, and culture while driving high-impact outcomes for California’s Capital City.

This position will play a pivotal role in advancing priority development projects such as the Railyards, Aggie Square, Sacramento Valley Station, the Old Sacramento Waterfront, the Waterfront-to-Convention Center corridor, and the activation of vacant and underutilized properties along the City’s commercial corridors, including identifying and structuring the financing strategies these projects will require. The Director will lead efforts to attract new industries, retain and expand existing businesses, and strengthen workforce pipelines in partnership with universities, colleges, labor, and community organizations to meet evolving employer needs. In addition, the Director will bring a customer-focused, solutions-oriented approach to development by establishing concierge-style services that create predictability, accountability, and efficiency for developers, businesses, and investors navigating City processes.

The next Director of Economic Development will be a bold and energetic leader who will not only build a high-performing department but also champion a new identity for Sacramento, one recognized for innovation, investment, and exceptional service. The ideal candidate is an accomplished relationship builder who combines long-range vision with a commitment to action, fostering partnerships, navigating complex public and private interests, and removing barriers to investment to deliver meaningful economic growth and revitalization.