City of Salinas
Deputy Director of Economic Development
City of Salinas, Salinas, California, United States, 93911
The City of Salinas is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our team as Deputy Director of Economic Development. This key role will help drive economic growth, foster business development, and support community-focused initiatives. If you're passionate about shaping a local economy and making a lasting impact, we want to hear from you!
An additional Educational Achievement premium of 2.5% will be paid for a Bachelor's degree plus 2.5% for a job-related graduate degree and a three percent (3%) increase to base salary effective the first full pay period of January 2026. Click
here
for a complete list of benefits. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
All applicants must provide proof of the required education and certification at the time of application or submit to the Human Resources Department. Applicants with foreign degrees/transcripts must provide U.S. degree equivalency by submitting a credential evaluation report. Applications are incomplete without the required documents and will be disqualified. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received.
Summary of Duties:
Under general direction, this position is responsible for providing strategic leadership to improve the overall economic vitality of the City of Salinas. The role involves planning, developing, organizing, implementing, and administering the City’s economic development programs, plans, activities, policies, and procedures of the Economic Development Division. The position is also responsible for the revitalization efforts, including but not limited to business attraction, retention, and expansion, collaboration with other departments, agencies, business community, community organizations, and other stakeholders, and guiding initiatives that support sustainable growth, job creation, and investment in the community. Distinguishing Characteristics
:
The Deputy Director of Economic Development exercises a broad range of independence within policy parameters while performing responsible and innovative administrative and division management in support of the City’s goals and objectives. Supervision Received and Exercised:
Receives direction from the Assistant City Manager. May exercise supervision over assigned professional and technical staff.
Develops and implements economic plans, programs, and policies that align with the City’s goals; plans and implements programs that enhance investment in the community, business development, and workforce development Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness, financial status, and policy compliance of programs and projects; develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of division programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; conducts fiscal analysis and economic studies of projects and programs Coordinates and prepares financial and technical reports and budgets Makes presentations at City Council and other public meetings Functions as a liaison with the Chamber of Commerce and other professional economic organizations Meets with potential investors and developers to secure their participation in City projects Represents the division and/or the City at public hearings, community meetings and conferences Develops and maintains relationships with community and organizations Recommends and oversees the use of consultants and outside professional service providers Manages the City’s economic development activities, including business development and retention, small business strategies, business revitalization, land use planning, and projects related to economic development Manages City owned property, leases and license agreements; coordinates and recommends project activities including real estate acquisition and disposition, relocation, demolition, eminent domain actions, building construction and rehabilitation, property management and project improvements Provides information on vacant or underutilized commercial, office and industrial land and tenant spaces Researches grant opportunities and prepares grant proposals Develops attraction and retention programs for retail and commercial development Works with property owners and prospective tenants and developers to match available properties with desired commercial business activities Supervises and/or coordinates with staff performing duties relating to economic development activities Works with other City departments and divisions to ensure that projects are progressing Perform related duties as assigned Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and legal requirements of redevelopment, housing, urban planning, finance and economic development Federal, State and local laws pertaining to redevelopment Joint public/private sector approaches and techniques to stimulate economic activity in urban areas Financing techniques for real estate, business and industrial development Program monitoring and evaluation methods, and knowledge of California Local Economic Development and practices Local land use development practices and policies Financial reporting and budget preparation Statistical and research methods Principals of staff supervision, training, and performance evaluation Ability to:
Interpret and apply existing Federal, State, and local laws and regulations Identify appropriate methods to provide effective and efficient economic development programs Negotiate contracts Evaluate and assess the local and regional economy and economic trends Develop citywide economic development strategies, programs and/or plans Prepare and analyze economic and feasibility studies/data/reports, financial statements, marketing studies, plans, specifications and bid documents Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both verbally and in writing Prepare division budget, resource allocations, and participate in budget implementation Work effectively with City employees, representatives of outside agencies, businesses, and the community Present economic development information to the City Council and the business community Work independently and exercise independent judgment Provide supervision to assigned staff and volunteers Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Economics, Business or Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a closely related field. A Master’s in the above fields or closely related field is desirable.
Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business development, or related field, including at least three years as a division manager with responsibility for program planning and implementation, supervision of professional staff, and budgetary preparation and management.
Licenses and Certifications:
A valid State of California Driver’s License.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
: Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, computer, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read printed materials, visual display terminals, detailed fine writing on plans and specifications for development projects, and distinguish colors for design evaluation purposes; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead as needed; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, physical strength to lift up to 20 lbs.; physical stamina sufficient to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time; walk on uneven surfaces; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.
Business office working environment subject to sitting at a desk or standing at a counter for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer terminal.
Occasionally includes driving to job sites, training, and out-of-office meetings. Occasionally, may work extended hours and weekends.
Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills which may be required.
For questions, please contact Patricia Peñaloza, Human Resources Manager, at (831) 758-7416 or
patricia.penaloza@ci.salinas.ca.us
#J-18808-Ljbffr
An additional Educational Achievement premium of 2.5% will be paid for a Bachelor's degree plus 2.5% for a job-related graduate degree and a three percent (3%) increase to base salary effective the first full pay period of January 2026. Click
here
for a complete list of benefits. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
All applicants must provide proof of the required education and certification at the time of application or submit to the Human Resources Department. Applicants with foreign degrees/transcripts must provide U.S. degree equivalency by submitting a credential evaluation report. Applications are incomplete without the required documents and will be disqualified. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received.
Summary of Duties:
Under general direction, this position is responsible for providing strategic leadership to improve the overall economic vitality of the City of Salinas. The role involves planning, developing, organizing, implementing, and administering the City’s economic development programs, plans, activities, policies, and procedures of the Economic Development Division. The position is also responsible for the revitalization efforts, including but not limited to business attraction, retention, and expansion, collaboration with other departments, agencies, business community, community organizations, and other stakeholders, and guiding initiatives that support sustainable growth, job creation, and investment in the community. Distinguishing Characteristics
:
The Deputy Director of Economic Development exercises a broad range of independence within policy parameters while performing responsible and innovative administrative and division management in support of the City’s goals and objectives. Supervision Received and Exercised:
Receives direction from the Assistant City Manager. May exercise supervision over assigned professional and technical staff.
Develops and implements economic plans, programs, and policies that align with the City’s goals; plans and implements programs that enhance investment in the community, business development, and workforce development Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness, financial status, and policy compliance of programs and projects; develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of division programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; conducts fiscal analysis and economic studies of projects and programs Coordinates and prepares financial and technical reports and budgets Makes presentations at City Council and other public meetings Functions as a liaison with the Chamber of Commerce and other professional economic organizations Meets with potential investors and developers to secure their participation in City projects Represents the division and/or the City at public hearings, community meetings and conferences Develops and maintains relationships with community and organizations Recommends and oversees the use of consultants and outside professional service providers Manages the City’s economic development activities, including business development and retention, small business strategies, business revitalization, land use planning, and projects related to economic development Manages City owned property, leases and license agreements; coordinates and recommends project activities including real estate acquisition and disposition, relocation, demolition, eminent domain actions, building construction and rehabilitation, property management and project improvements Provides information on vacant or underutilized commercial, office and industrial land and tenant spaces Researches grant opportunities and prepares grant proposals Develops attraction and retention programs for retail and commercial development Works with property owners and prospective tenants and developers to match available properties with desired commercial business activities Supervises and/or coordinates with staff performing duties relating to economic development activities Works with other City departments and divisions to ensure that projects are progressing Perform related duties as assigned Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and legal requirements of redevelopment, housing, urban planning, finance and economic development Federal, State and local laws pertaining to redevelopment Joint public/private sector approaches and techniques to stimulate economic activity in urban areas Financing techniques for real estate, business and industrial development Program monitoring and evaluation methods, and knowledge of California Local Economic Development and practices Local land use development practices and policies Financial reporting and budget preparation Statistical and research methods Principals of staff supervision, training, and performance evaluation Ability to:
Interpret and apply existing Federal, State, and local laws and regulations Identify appropriate methods to provide effective and efficient economic development programs Negotiate contracts Evaluate and assess the local and regional economy and economic trends Develop citywide economic development strategies, programs and/or plans Prepare and analyze economic and feasibility studies/data/reports, financial statements, marketing studies, plans, specifications and bid documents Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both verbally and in writing Prepare division budget, resource allocations, and participate in budget implementation Work effectively with City employees, representatives of outside agencies, businesses, and the community Present economic development information to the City Council and the business community Work independently and exercise independent judgment Provide supervision to assigned staff and volunteers Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Economics, Business or Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a closely related field. A Master’s in the above fields or closely related field is desirable.
Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business development, or related field, including at least three years as a division manager with responsibility for program planning and implementation, supervision of professional staff, and budgetary preparation and management.
Licenses and Certifications:
A valid State of California Driver’s License.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
: Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, computer, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read printed materials, visual display terminals, detailed fine writing on plans and specifications for development projects, and distinguish colors for design evaluation purposes; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead as needed; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, physical strength to lift up to 20 lbs.; physical stamina sufficient to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time; walk on uneven surfaces; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.
Business office working environment subject to sitting at a desk or standing at a counter for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer terminal.
Occasionally includes driving to job sites, training, and out-of-office meetings. Occasionally, may work extended hours and weekends.
Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills which may be required.
For questions, please contact Patricia Peñaloza, Human Resources Manager, at (831) 758-7416 or
patricia.penaloza@ci.salinas.ca.us
#J-18808-Ljbffr