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City of Walnut Creek

Economic Development Manager

City of Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek, California, United States, 94598


The City of Walnut Creek is seeking a full-time Economic Development Manager to join the City Manager’s Office. This is an at-will position and serves at the will of the City Manager.

SalaryThe current salary range is $136,818 to $191,545 annually. Placement in the range will depend on qualifications.

Closing DateThe closing date for this recruitment is Monday, September 23, 2024, at 5:00 PM PST.

What’s great about this opportunity:

Working in the City Manager’s Office and having exposure to the inner workings of City government;Working at a premier Bay Area destination for business;City leadership that understands and supports business needs;Flexible work schedule options are available; andPaid professional development training and certifications.About the PositionThis position is part of the Economic Development Division within the City Manager's Office. Economic development has been recognized by the City Council as a top priority. This is a great opportunity for the ideal candidate to use their economic development background and contacts to help strengthen Walnut Creek’s economic base. The Economic Development Manager supervises a team of two staff members.

As the

Economic Development Manager , you will lead our current programs and champion new opportunities in areas such as business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies.

Working with a wide array of staff across City departments, as well as business groups, you will serve as a connector of community and business. You will work closely with groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Association, and the Shadelands PBID Board. Using your independent judgement and professionalism, you will identify necessary resources to perform economic development and redevelopment analysis.

The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a dynamic, energetic, and creative professional who is able to quickly gain credibility through effective skilled communication. They are an effective people manager with strong leadership skills. Most importantly, the Economic Development Manager will see the big picture and understand the City Council's focus while ensuring quality economic development for the City of Walnut Creek.

Direct and indirect supervision of subordinate management, professional, and support staff.Oversee programs relating to business assistance, downtown development, business financing, and other areas.Assist in the development of City policies related to the local economy.Analyze and interpret market information regarding a variety of complex data such as sales tax revenues, employment trends, and venture capital trends.Develop partnerships with outside agencies and business/property owners, lead strategic planning, and work effectively with the community.Track, estimate, and promote development opportunities.Serve as the first point of contact for businesses unfamiliar with the City of Walnut Creek.Respond to inquiries regarding economic data, trends, resources, and industrial and commercial development opportunities.Develop and coordinate marketing, outreach, and promotional programs to highlight Walnut Creek’s exciting economic opportunities.Provide professional planning and development advice to the City Manager, City Council, and other officials as directed.Make private and public presentations to City Council, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public.Assure that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; perform cost control activities; monitor revenues and expenditures in assigned area to ensure sound fiscal control; prepare annual budget requests; assure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.Develop and implement work programs and techniques to be followed for the attraction and retention of business to and within the community.Work with relevant economic groups, and organizations at the local, regional, state, and national levels.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThorough knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development, including business recruitment and retention methods; economic incentives; business and industrial development; real estate and land development processes; business, economic and market forces and indicators; and financing techniques for real estate, business, and industrial development.Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and implement a comprehensive economic development program, including a proactive outreach and communication program which projects the image of the community.Ability to work effectively in a highly visible position, with business leaders, financial institutions, citizen groups, and City staff in interdepartmental and diverse team environments.Ability to independently develop and coordinate effective systems, programs, and procedures; recognize needs, analyze problems, develop and evaluate options, make sound recommendations and initiate actions in order to improve effectiveness, resolve problems within established guidelines, and/or comply with regulatory and/or policy changes as appropriate.Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff; plan and direct the work of others.EducationA Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business administration, economics, public administration, planning, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.

ExperienceFive (5) years of progressively responsible experience performing professional level economic or community development, research, business administration, or redevelopment program work, which includes at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity.

Special RequirementsPossession of, or ability to obtain prior to employment, a valid Class C California Driver's License and a good driving record.

The incumbent may be required to perform work outside of normal office hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Please see the class specification

here

for a complete description of this classification's representative duties; knowledge, skills and abilities; qualifications; working conditions; physical requirements; and for other details about this position.#J-18808-Ljbffr