San Diego East County EDC
Chief Executive Officer
San Diego East County EDC, El Cajon, California, United States, 92021
Senior Director, Executive Search & Recruiting at Blair Search Partners | Certified Diversity & Inclusion Recruiter
Established in 1984, the East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC) is a nonprofit alliance of business, education, government, and industry leaders dedicated to promoting economic growth, investment, and job creation in San Diego’s East County region. Located in El Cajon, California, the ECEDC serves as a convener and catalyst — bridging industry, education, government, and infrastructure to build a thriving economic base.
Small Business Support:
The ECEDC hosts the East County San Diego Small Business Development Center, delivering no‑cost professional consulting and workshops to entrepreneurs to help them scale and succeed.
Workforce Development Portfolio:
By uniting education and industry, the Council creates high‑skill pathways for the local workforce, including veterans, transitioning adults, and the under‑employed.
Strategic Collaboration & Innovation:
The ECEDC attracts businesses, improves supply chains, and drives long‑term competitiveness, especially in cybersecurity, defense and advanced manufacturing, through cross‑sector collaborations and think‑tanks.
Leadership & Culture ECEDC is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors comprising 24 business, education, and government leaders. The CEO will work closely with the Board as its primary operational partner.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary
– $180,000 to $200,000 DOE
Medical, Dental, Vision
– 100% of Employee Premiums
Retirement
– Employer‑matched Simple IRA
PTO
– 10 paid days off, 6 paid sick days, 11 paid holidays
Location This hybrid position is based at ECEDC’s office: 127 E. Lexington Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020.
Position Summary The CEO, appointed by the Board, leads the overall leadership, administration and management of ECEDC, executing the Board’s vision, managing resources, and representing ECEDC to community, member organizations and regional stakeholders. The CEO prioritizes transparency, integrity, accountability and strong external relationships, combining operational oversight (staff management, program execution, financial stewardship) of a $1.7M budget with a visible outward‑facing dimension that promotes ECEDC’s brand, champions regional initiatives and engages stakeholders across business, education, government and infrastructure. The CEO will oversee a team of 7 full‑time staff and 5 independent contractors, with direct reports including the Strategic Advisor, Director of Communications & Community Engagement, Project Manager, Economic Research & Development Manager, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director.
Time Allocation
20% Board and Committee Support
30% Staff Management and Program Oversight
50% External Relations, Business Development and Community Engagement
Year One Priorities Include
Board & Staff Relations
– Establish strong, effective relationships with the Board, senior staff and the broader ECEDC team; support board development, governance practices and internal cohesion.
Strategic Planning & Execution
– Collaborate with the Board to refresh or affirm ECEDC’s strategic plan, aligning programs and resources with regional economic priorities and measurable metrics of success.
Partnership Development
– Strengthen existing relationships and develop new partnerships with government agencies, education institutions, industry associations and business leaders across East County.
Brand & Visibility
– Elevate ECEDC’s visibility in the region and beyond; represent the organization in public forums, media and with strategic stakeholders to attract investment and broadly communicate the regional growth agenda.
Duties & Responsibilities
Implementing Board Policy
– Carry out policies, directives and strategic goals set by the Board.
Managing Operations
– Organize, direct and manage day‑to‑day operations, including staff supervision, program management, facility and general administrative oversight.
Staff Leadership
– Lead, supervise, recruit staff and foster a culture of excellence, innovation and professional development.
Financial Oversight
– Manage financial performance, monitor the annual budget, ensure sound fiscal practices and work with auditors/accountants as needed.
Strategic Leadership
– Provide mission‑driven leadership, develop and execute strategic plans and initiatives that advance regional economic development.
External Relations & Liaison
– Serve as the principal liaison between ECEDC and regional partners, representing ECEDC publicly and engaging in advocacy where appropriate.
Compliance & Governance
– Ensure compliance with laws, regulations and nonprofit governance standards; prepare materials for Board meetings, maintain official records and support Board governance processes.
Background Profile
Demonstrated leadership experience in economic development, business growth or regional planning, with preference for nonprofit or public‑private partnership models.
Strong track record of collaborating with Boards, committees and cross‑sector stakeholders.
Business acumen and operational management capability, including budgeting, staff supervision and organizational effectiveness.
Experience navigating public‑sector or quasi‑public settings, including government relations, policy advocacy and stakeholder management.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage, inspire and mobilize a diverse set of partners.
Proven ability to build, grow and sustain cross‑sector partnerships, convening business, education, and government entities toward shared goals.
Strong organizational, prioritization and project‑management skills; ability to handle multiple initiatives and maintain focus on key outcomes.
Flexibility to attend regional events, work with partners across East County and support ECEDC’s mission beyond typical office hours as needed.
Seniority level Executive
Employment type Full-time
Job function Business Development, Management, and Project Management
Industries Non-profit Organizations and Civic and Social Organizations
Base pay range $180,000.00/yr – $200,000.00/yr
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Small Business Support:
The ECEDC hosts the East County San Diego Small Business Development Center, delivering no‑cost professional consulting and workshops to entrepreneurs to help them scale and succeed.
Workforce Development Portfolio:
By uniting education and industry, the Council creates high‑skill pathways for the local workforce, including veterans, transitioning adults, and the under‑employed.
Strategic Collaboration & Innovation:
The ECEDC attracts businesses, improves supply chains, and drives long‑term competitiveness, especially in cybersecurity, defense and advanced manufacturing, through cross‑sector collaborations and think‑tanks.
Leadership & Culture ECEDC is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors comprising 24 business, education, and government leaders. The CEO will work closely with the Board as its primary operational partner.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary
– $180,000 to $200,000 DOE
Medical, Dental, Vision
– 100% of Employee Premiums
Retirement
– Employer‑matched Simple IRA
PTO
– 10 paid days off, 6 paid sick days, 11 paid holidays
Location This hybrid position is based at ECEDC’s office: 127 E. Lexington Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020.
Position Summary The CEO, appointed by the Board, leads the overall leadership, administration and management of ECEDC, executing the Board’s vision, managing resources, and representing ECEDC to community, member organizations and regional stakeholders. The CEO prioritizes transparency, integrity, accountability and strong external relationships, combining operational oversight (staff management, program execution, financial stewardship) of a $1.7M budget with a visible outward‑facing dimension that promotes ECEDC’s brand, champions regional initiatives and engages stakeholders across business, education, government and infrastructure. The CEO will oversee a team of 7 full‑time staff and 5 independent contractors, with direct reports including the Strategic Advisor, Director of Communications & Community Engagement, Project Manager, Economic Research & Development Manager, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director.
Time Allocation
20% Board and Committee Support
30% Staff Management and Program Oversight
50% External Relations, Business Development and Community Engagement
Year One Priorities Include
Board & Staff Relations
– Establish strong, effective relationships with the Board, senior staff and the broader ECEDC team; support board development, governance practices and internal cohesion.
Strategic Planning & Execution
– Collaborate with the Board to refresh or affirm ECEDC’s strategic plan, aligning programs and resources with regional economic priorities and measurable metrics of success.
Partnership Development
– Strengthen existing relationships and develop new partnerships with government agencies, education institutions, industry associations and business leaders across East County.
Brand & Visibility
– Elevate ECEDC’s visibility in the region and beyond; represent the organization in public forums, media and with strategic stakeholders to attract investment and broadly communicate the regional growth agenda.
Duties & Responsibilities
Implementing Board Policy
– Carry out policies, directives and strategic goals set by the Board.
Managing Operations
– Organize, direct and manage day‑to‑day operations, including staff supervision, program management, facility and general administrative oversight.
Staff Leadership
– Lead, supervise, recruit staff and foster a culture of excellence, innovation and professional development.
Financial Oversight
– Manage financial performance, monitor the annual budget, ensure sound fiscal practices and work with auditors/accountants as needed.
Strategic Leadership
– Provide mission‑driven leadership, develop and execute strategic plans and initiatives that advance regional economic development.
External Relations & Liaison
– Serve as the principal liaison between ECEDC and regional partners, representing ECEDC publicly and engaging in advocacy where appropriate.
Compliance & Governance
– Ensure compliance with laws, regulations and nonprofit governance standards; prepare materials for Board meetings, maintain official records and support Board governance processes.
Background Profile
Demonstrated leadership experience in economic development, business growth or regional planning, with preference for nonprofit or public‑private partnership models.
Strong track record of collaborating with Boards, committees and cross‑sector stakeholders.
Business acumen and operational management capability, including budgeting, staff supervision and organizational effectiveness.
Experience navigating public‑sector or quasi‑public settings, including government relations, policy advocacy and stakeholder management.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage, inspire and mobilize a diverse set of partners.
Proven ability to build, grow and sustain cross‑sector partnerships, convening business, education, and government entities toward shared goals.
Strong organizational, prioritization and project‑management skills; ability to handle multiple initiatives and maintain focus on key outcomes.
Flexibility to attend regional events, work with partners across East County and support ECEDC’s mission beyond typical office hours as needed.
Seniority level Executive
Employment type Full-time
Job function Business Development, Management, and Project Management
Industries Non-profit Organizations and Civic and Social Organizations
Base pay range $180,000.00/yr – $200,000.00/yr
#J-18808-Ljbffr