City of Palm Desert, CA
Salary:
$125,590.00 - $172,328.00 Annually Location :
Palm Desert, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
2025-0019 Department:
Economic Development Division:
Economic Development Opening Date:
08/27/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous
Definition **This position is open until filled**
The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say "yes," while not compromising the City's or our own integrity. Our efforts are guided by our core values: Integrity Stewardship Service Community Innovation Teamwork Our employees are passionate about innovation, collaboration and growth, which is supported by the City's Council and Executive Team. We are an environment that thrives on making changes, pivoting quickly, and is full of movers and shakers. We are constantly striving to improve processes and better our approach so that we can better support the needs of the City. If you have growth mindset and find change exciting, the City of Palm Desert may be your ideal working environment! DEFINITION Under general direction, manages, plans, organizes, directs, and participates in the development and implementation of economic development programs and activities emphasizing on business retention, expansion, attraction, incentives and workforce development while enhancing economic base; implements economic development goals and objectives based on the vision of the City Council; prepares studies and reports; and performs other related duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general administrative direction from the Director of Economic Development or assigned supervisor. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, and administrative staff. Class Characteristics
This is a management-level position responsible for providing strategic leadership, policy development, and program oversight in the areas of economic development, business services, and innovation for the City. The incumbent develops and implements strategies to attract, retain, and expand businesses; collaborates with internal departments and external partners to support economic vitality; and ensures that economic development initiatives align with the City's goals for equity, sustainability, and regional competitiveness. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day departmental activities and operations for assigned functional areas and assists with planning, development, and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. Responsibilities emphasize diverse, specialized, broad-knowledge base, and complex work involving significant accountability and independent decision-making. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional in public engagement, program management, staff development and support, as well as skill in coordinating work with other City divisions, departments, and public agencies.
Examples of Typical Job Functions
Aligns and coordinates goals of the Economic Development Division to propose programs and policies that advance local and regional economic development activities. Plans, organizes, and directs major economic development projects and programs focused on business attraction, retention, and expansion; oversees commercial development initiatives, public-private partnerships, and real estate development efforts. Develops and implements cohesive, actionable, and measurable economic development strategies, annual work plans, and policy initiatives aligned with City priorities, short- and long-term goals, and community needs. Identifies opportunities and develops strategies to stimulate commercial, industrial, and housing development; facilitates development projects through City processes and coordinates across departments to ensure timely approvals and permit issuance. Leads the preparation of economic studies, fiscal and market analyses, and long-range plans related to targeted industries, geographic areas, and development programs. Conducts complex research, prepares comprehensive reports, and makes data-driven recommendations regarding business trends, land use, incentive structures, and investment opportunities. Meets with local and regional key decision-makers to evaluate business and market conditions. Manages and oversees property acquisitions and sales ensuring compliance with relevant regulations including the Surplus Land Act. Directs the preparation and negotiation of a wide variety of legal and financial agreements, including development agreements, public-private partnerships, purchase/sale agreements, incentive packages, and contractsensuring compliance with relevant regulations including prevailing wage laws. Cultivates and maintains strategic relationships with private developers, brokers, property owners, business leaders, local organizations, and regional economic development agencies to promote investment and job growth. Makes recommendations regarding economic climate and possible interventions to sustain local economy. Supports the development of programs and policies to produce housing, including the evaluation of funding opportunities to support affordable housing programs. Acts as the primary liaison between the City and the business community, supporting business startups, expansions, and relocations by providing development guidance, site selection assistance, and technical support. Represents the City in meetings with the City Council, commissions, interagency groups, community organizations, and business forums; delivers formal presentations and responds to public inquiries and concerns related to business development and economic activity. Develops and disseminates marketing and informational materials to promote the City development opportunities and streamlines the development process. Provides leadership, supervision, and performance management for assigned staff; establishes goals, reviews work products and ensures ongoing professional development and training in alignment with evolving program needs. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel and consultants; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; participates in the implementation of discipline and termination procedures. Assists the Director in the development and the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriates services and staffing levels; assists in managing the development and administration of the department budget. Continuously evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and service delivery models; identifies opportunities to improve internal operations, resource allocation, and interdepartmental coordination. Maintains current knowledge of trends, best practices, laws, and innovations in economic development, land use planning, housing, and public finance; incorporates forward-thinking approaches to enhance service delivery and competitiveness.Assists in monitoring and evaluating legislative, regulatory, and other governing body rule making changes that may have an impact on the City. Represents Economic Development to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; serves as the liaison for the outside agency; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues. Prepares staff reports, other relevant reports, and necessary correspondence; present information and staff reports to outside agencies and City Council; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; may recommend modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the economic field; incorporates new developments as appropriate. Provide exceptional and professional customer service; may respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive resident inquiries and complaints. Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of economic development, urban revitalization, real estate finance, project proformas, and land use planning. Budget development, grant writing, and contract management. Business outreach strategies, industry research, and economic research methods. Regional economic drivers, including housing, transportation, workforce, and innovation sectors. Local, state, and federal funding sources related to economic and community development. Public relations, marketing, and community engagement techniques. Administrative principles and techniques, including strategic planning, program development, and performance measurement. Principles of effective supervision, leadership, and team management. Laws and regulations affecting land use, zoning, labor, and business operations. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Principles and practices of public and community relations, marketing and social media trends. Federal, state and local laws,codes, and regulations. Techniques for representing the City in interactionswith business, regulatory, communitystakeholders. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff. Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and applications related to the work. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.?
Ability to:
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations. Exhibit organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. Work independently with little direction; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; meet schedules and timelines; plan, develop and direct programs; train, supervise and evaluate personnel, research data and prepare reports; interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures; analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action. Establish and administer safe work practices. Ensure excellent customer service. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs. Lead complex economic development initiatives from planning to execution. Analyze economic data and provide meaningful interpretation for decision-makers. Design and implement policies that foster business growth while balancing community goals. Communicate clearly and persuasively both orally and in writing. Manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands effectively. Interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policy guidance. Develop innovative solutions to economic and regulatory challenges. Serve as an effective representative of the City in negotiations and partnerships. Prepare and deliver high-quality presentations, reports, and briefings. Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education/Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field. A Master's degree is highly desirable. Experience: At
least six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development, community development, or business services, including three (3) years in a supervisory or management role. Licenses: Certification: Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) is desirable. The City of Palm Desert offers a competitive benefits package to all employees. These benefits include:
Competitive salary () Medical, dental and vision coverage for employee and dependents (up to 100% paid by employer) 12 paid holidays annually 12 paid sick days annually Two weeks of annual paid vacation, additional vacation available for Management positions The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution. 2% @ 62 CalPERS retirement, 2% @ 55 for Classic Members IRC 125 Cafeteria Plan (flexible spending plans) Life insurance (equal to annual salary) Longterm Disability Plan Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage Retiree Health Savings Plan: 1% Employee Contribution, 1% Employer Match Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program Tuition Reimbursement Program Employee Assistance Program Rideshare Incentive Program Qualified employer for PSLF Program eligibility
01
Instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire: Responses to the questions below will be used to determine your eligibility to advance in the recruitment process. An attached resume is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Please do not type "see resume" or "see application" in your responses. Incomplete responses, false statements, or omissions may result in disqualification in the selection process. By continuing in the process, you are certifying that all information provided in the application and supplemental questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.
Yes No
02
How many years of increasingly responsible professional experience in economic development, redevelopment, and/or city planning do you have? 03
How do you go about developing the people you manage? 04
How many years of supervisory experience do you posses?
None Less Than A Year 1 to 3 years 4 or more years
05
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA EMAIL: I understand that it is my responsibility to check my email, including junk mail or spam folders, for any communication from the City of Palm Desert. Communication will be sent via email to the email address I have provided on my application. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read, understand, and agree to this statement.
Yes No
Required Question
$125,590.00 - $172,328.00 Annually Location :
Palm Desert, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
2025-0019 Department:
Economic Development Division:
Economic Development Opening Date:
08/27/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous
Definition **This position is open until filled**
The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say "yes," while not compromising the City's or our own integrity. Our efforts are guided by our core values: Integrity Stewardship Service Community Innovation Teamwork Our employees are passionate about innovation, collaboration and growth, which is supported by the City's Council and Executive Team. We are an environment that thrives on making changes, pivoting quickly, and is full of movers and shakers. We are constantly striving to improve processes and better our approach so that we can better support the needs of the City. If you have growth mindset and find change exciting, the City of Palm Desert may be your ideal working environment! DEFINITION Under general direction, manages, plans, organizes, directs, and participates in the development and implementation of economic development programs and activities emphasizing on business retention, expansion, attraction, incentives and workforce development while enhancing economic base; implements economic development goals and objectives based on the vision of the City Council; prepares studies and reports; and performs other related duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general administrative direction from the Director of Economic Development or assigned supervisor. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, and administrative staff. Class Characteristics
This is a management-level position responsible for providing strategic leadership, policy development, and program oversight in the areas of economic development, business services, and innovation for the City. The incumbent develops and implements strategies to attract, retain, and expand businesses; collaborates with internal departments and external partners to support economic vitality; and ensures that economic development initiatives align with the City's goals for equity, sustainability, and regional competitiveness. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day departmental activities and operations for assigned functional areas and assists with planning, development, and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. Responsibilities emphasize diverse, specialized, broad-knowledge base, and complex work involving significant accountability and independent decision-making. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional in public engagement, program management, staff development and support, as well as skill in coordinating work with other City divisions, departments, and public agencies.
Examples of Typical Job Functions
Aligns and coordinates goals of the Economic Development Division to propose programs and policies that advance local and regional economic development activities. Plans, organizes, and directs major economic development projects and programs focused on business attraction, retention, and expansion; oversees commercial development initiatives, public-private partnerships, and real estate development efforts. Develops and implements cohesive, actionable, and measurable economic development strategies, annual work plans, and policy initiatives aligned with City priorities, short- and long-term goals, and community needs. Identifies opportunities and develops strategies to stimulate commercial, industrial, and housing development; facilitates development projects through City processes and coordinates across departments to ensure timely approvals and permit issuance. Leads the preparation of economic studies, fiscal and market analyses, and long-range plans related to targeted industries, geographic areas, and development programs. Conducts complex research, prepares comprehensive reports, and makes data-driven recommendations regarding business trends, land use, incentive structures, and investment opportunities. Meets with local and regional key decision-makers to evaluate business and market conditions. Manages and oversees property acquisitions and sales ensuring compliance with relevant regulations including the Surplus Land Act. Directs the preparation and negotiation of a wide variety of legal and financial agreements, including development agreements, public-private partnerships, purchase/sale agreements, incentive packages, and contractsensuring compliance with relevant regulations including prevailing wage laws. Cultivates and maintains strategic relationships with private developers, brokers, property owners, business leaders, local organizations, and regional economic development agencies to promote investment and job growth. Makes recommendations regarding economic climate and possible interventions to sustain local economy. Supports the development of programs and policies to produce housing, including the evaluation of funding opportunities to support affordable housing programs. Acts as the primary liaison between the City and the business community, supporting business startups, expansions, and relocations by providing development guidance, site selection assistance, and technical support. Represents the City in meetings with the City Council, commissions, interagency groups, community organizations, and business forums; delivers formal presentations and responds to public inquiries and concerns related to business development and economic activity. Develops and disseminates marketing and informational materials to promote the City development opportunities and streamlines the development process. Provides leadership, supervision, and performance management for assigned staff; establishes goals, reviews work products and ensures ongoing professional development and training in alignment with evolving program needs. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel and consultants; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; participates in the implementation of discipline and termination procedures. Assists the Director in the development and the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriates services and staffing levels; assists in managing the development and administration of the department budget. Continuously evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and service delivery models; identifies opportunities to improve internal operations, resource allocation, and interdepartmental coordination. Maintains current knowledge of trends, best practices, laws, and innovations in economic development, land use planning, housing, and public finance; incorporates forward-thinking approaches to enhance service delivery and competitiveness.Assists in monitoring and evaluating legislative, regulatory, and other governing body rule making changes that may have an impact on the City. Represents Economic Development to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; serves as the liaison for the outside agency; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues. Prepares staff reports, other relevant reports, and necessary correspondence; present information and staff reports to outside agencies and City Council; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; may recommend modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the economic field; incorporates new developments as appropriate. Provide exceptional and professional customer service; may respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive resident inquiries and complaints. Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of economic development, urban revitalization, real estate finance, project proformas, and land use planning. Budget development, grant writing, and contract management. Business outreach strategies, industry research, and economic research methods. Regional economic drivers, including housing, transportation, workforce, and innovation sectors. Local, state, and federal funding sources related to economic and community development. Public relations, marketing, and community engagement techniques. Administrative principles and techniques, including strategic planning, program development, and performance measurement. Principles of effective supervision, leadership, and team management. Laws and regulations affecting land use, zoning, labor, and business operations. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Principles and practices of public and community relations, marketing and social media trends. Federal, state and local laws,codes, and regulations. Techniques for representing the City in interactionswith business, regulatory, communitystakeholders. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff. Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and applications related to the work. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.?
Ability to:
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations. Exhibit organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. Work independently with little direction; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; meet schedules and timelines; plan, develop and direct programs; train, supervise and evaluate personnel, research data and prepare reports; interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures; analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action. Establish and administer safe work practices. Ensure excellent customer service. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs. Lead complex economic development initiatives from planning to execution. Analyze economic data and provide meaningful interpretation for decision-makers. Design and implement policies that foster business growth while balancing community goals. Communicate clearly and persuasively both orally and in writing. Manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands effectively. Interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policy guidance. Develop innovative solutions to economic and regulatory challenges. Serve as an effective representative of the City in negotiations and partnerships. Prepare and deliver high-quality presentations, reports, and briefings. Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education/Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field. A Master's degree is highly desirable. Experience: At
least six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development, community development, or business services, including three (3) years in a supervisory or management role. Licenses: Certification: Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) is desirable. The City of Palm Desert offers a competitive benefits package to all employees. These benefits include:
Competitive salary () Medical, dental and vision coverage for employee and dependents (up to 100% paid by employer) 12 paid holidays annually 12 paid sick days annually Two weeks of annual paid vacation, additional vacation available for Management positions The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution. 2% @ 62 CalPERS retirement, 2% @ 55 for Classic Members IRC 125 Cafeteria Plan (flexible spending plans) Life insurance (equal to annual salary) Longterm Disability Plan Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage Retiree Health Savings Plan: 1% Employee Contribution, 1% Employer Match Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program Tuition Reimbursement Program Employee Assistance Program Rideshare Incentive Program Qualified employer for PSLF Program eligibility
01
Instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire: Responses to the questions below will be used to determine your eligibility to advance in the recruitment process. An attached resume is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Please do not type "see resume" or "see application" in your responses. Incomplete responses, false statements, or omissions may result in disqualification in the selection process. By continuing in the process, you are certifying that all information provided in the application and supplemental questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.
Yes No
02
How many years of increasingly responsible professional experience in economic development, redevelopment, and/or city planning do you have? 03
How do you go about developing the people you manage? 04
How many years of supervisory experience do you posses?
None Less Than A Year 1 to 3 years 4 or more years
05
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA EMAIL: I understand that it is my responsibility to check my email, including junk mail or spam folders, for any communication from the City of Palm Desert. Communication will be sent via email to the email address I have provided on my application. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read, understand, and agree to this statement.
Yes No
Required Question