Peckham & McKenney
About Gilroy
Located at the southern gateway to Silicon Valley, the City of Gilroy (population 60,000) blends innovation and enterprise with small‑town warmth and historic charm. Nestled in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Gilroy offers scenic beauty, a strong sense of community, and exceptional access to the entire San Francisco Bay Area. With U.S. Highway 101 and State Route 152 intersecting the city, Gilroy is perfectly positioned for connectivity to San Jose, Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, and the Central Valley. Once an agricultural hub, Gilroy has evolved into a dynamic, diversified economy that includes advanced manufacturing, retail, distribution, tourism, and emerging technology.
Economic Development Director The City of Gilroy seeks an accomplished and energetic Economic Development Director to lead the City's efforts in business attraction, retention, and community revitalization. This highly visible executive will drive initiatives that enhance Gilroy's economic vitality—revitalizing the downtown core, expanding the City's industrial and commercial base, and positioning Gilroy as a future high‑speed rail destination. Operating within a lean two‑person department, the Director will be both strategist and implementer: a hands‑on leader who can develop policy, broker complex deals, and champion Gilroy's story with conviction. The role requires exceptional collaboration across City departments, elected officials, and the business community to promote a unified vision for growth and prosperity.
Key Responsibilities
Drive initiatives that revitalize the downtown core, expand the industrial and commercial base, and position Gilroy as a future high‑speed rail destination.
Develop policy, broker complex deals, and champion Gilroy's story with conviction.
Collaborate across City departments, elected officials, and the business community to promote a unified vision for growth and prosperity.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Economics, Marketing, Business, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field is required.
At least ten (10) years of increasingly responsible local government experience in economic or community development, including five (5) years in a management capacity.
Master's degree (MBA or MPA) and certifications such as ACE, CEcD, or equivalent are highly desirable.
Technical depth in real estate, land development, construction, and finance is essential.
Strong strategic, persuasive communication, negotiation, diplomacy, and creativity skills are required.
Salary Salary range: $204,675 to $281,132. Placement within this range is dependent upon qualifications.
Application Please submit your cover letter and resume via our website: www.peckhamandmckenney.com.
Contact Feel free to contact Maria Hurtado at (831) 247-7885 if you have any questions regarding this position or recruitment process.
Filing Deadline November 14, 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Economic Development Director The City of Gilroy seeks an accomplished and energetic Economic Development Director to lead the City's efforts in business attraction, retention, and community revitalization. This highly visible executive will drive initiatives that enhance Gilroy's economic vitality—revitalizing the downtown core, expanding the City's industrial and commercial base, and positioning Gilroy as a future high‑speed rail destination. Operating within a lean two‑person department, the Director will be both strategist and implementer: a hands‑on leader who can develop policy, broker complex deals, and champion Gilroy's story with conviction. The role requires exceptional collaboration across City departments, elected officials, and the business community to promote a unified vision for growth and prosperity.
Key Responsibilities
Drive initiatives that revitalize the downtown core, expand the industrial and commercial base, and position Gilroy as a future high‑speed rail destination.
Develop policy, broker complex deals, and champion Gilroy's story with conviction.
Collaborate across City departments, elected officials, and the business community to promote a unified vision for growth and prosperity.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Economics, Marketing, Business, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field is required.
At least ten (10) years of increasingly responsible local government experience in economic or community development, including five (5) years in a management capacity.
Master's degree (MBA or MPA) and certifications such as ACE, CEcD, or equivalent are highly desirable.
Technical depth in real estate, land development, construction, and finance is essential.
Strong strategic, persuasive communication, negotiation, diplomacy, and creativity skills are required.
Salary Salary range: $204,675 to $281,132. Placement within this range is dependent upon qualifications.
Application Please submit your cover letter and resume via our website: www.peckhamandmckenney.com.
Contact Feel free to contact Maria Hurtado at (831) 247-7885 if you have any questions regarding this position or recruitment process.
Filing Deadline November 14, 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr