Economic Development Manager

The City is seeking an experienced Economic Development Manager to lead and oversee its economic development and redevelopment programs. Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, this position is responsible for administering and supervising programs that support business attraction, expansion, and retention, as well as coordinating marketing efforts, financial tools, site analysis, and the negotiation and implementation of development agreements.

This is a single-position leadership role that manages the City’s Economic Development Division and works closely with City leadership, elected officials, developers, brokers, business owners, investors, partner agencies, and the community. The successful candidate will be expected to exercise sound judgment, develop effective processes, and proactively address challenges while advancing City Council priorities and complying with applicable laws and regulations.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Develops goals, objectives, policies, and priorities in the area of economic development.
• Conducts and completes complex administrative research, studies, reports, and surveys. 
• Develops qualitative and quantitative measures to monitor, ensure, and evaluate programs and projects. 
• Oversees the administration of contract compliance. 
• Provides written analysis, evaluation, and recommendations regarding redevelopment and economic development services. 
• Designs, coordinates, markets, implements, and maintains and monitors economic development programs for the City.
• Negotiates agreements and contracts.
• Acts as adviser and liaison with business groups and other public jurisdictions.
• Provides guidance and expertise to potential developers, brokers, companies, and investors.
• Preparation of the division budget and the expenditure of funds.
• Identifies, manages, and administers grant funding and other resources for economic development services; oversees the administration of grants, including managing of grant proposals, applications, reporting requirements, budgeting, and payments. 
• Prepares and writes staff reports and other reports. 
• Makes presentations to City Council, commissions, and civic or professional groups, as requested. 
• Prepares, publishes, presents, and maintains a variety of reports, including financial reports and records, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 
• Conducts complex studies and related research. 
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures. 
• Meets with City staff to identify and resolve problems. 
• Coordinates with other City departments to ensure mutual cooperation in achieving goals and objectives. 
• Responds to public inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a courteous manner. 
• Researches and advises on implementation of evidence-based practices and measurable outcomes. 

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination training, education and experience with demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

A typical qualifying entrance background is graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory management experience with at least one (1)year of program management experience in a public agency. A Master’s Degree in a related field is highly desirable. 

LICENSE REQUIRED 

Must possess and retain a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record as a condition of employment.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of public administration and contract management.
• Principles of public administration, finance, and economics
• Marketing/Public Relations principles and practices
• Research methods; report writing techniques
• Grant writing and administration
• Principles of team building and project management
• Data tracking and performance measurement
• Local government organizational structure, functions, and management
• Principles and techniques of budget process and controls.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local public sector laws and regulations, including those related to grant fiscal management.

Skilled in: 

• Planning, organizing, coordinating projects and initiatives
• Exercising tact and good judgement
• Providing effective leadership and building relationships
• The use of a personal computer and relevant software applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), and other applicable software programs.

Ability to:

• Effectively lead and manage staff; develop and implement goals and objectives, exercise sound judgment and demonstrate initiative. 
• Project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Conduct research and analyze data. 
• Interpret and apply policies and procedures. 
• Operate a personal computer and applicable software programs.
• Prepare comprehensive reports; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster effective, positive relationships with business and community leaders, public officials, coworkers, and others contacted during work.
• Work effectively in time-sensitive situations meet deadlines, coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks concurrently; understand local community problems and recommend feasible solutions; make presentations to community groups, committees, and the like.