Deputy Director, Community & Business Engagement

Req ID: 228

Department: Economic Development

Personnel Area: Economic Development

Minimum Salary: $202800.00

Maximum Salary: $202800.00

Job Req ID: 228

Department: Economic Development 1

Salary Range: $202,800.00 to $202,800.00

Job Type: Unclassified

Business Area: Economic Development

Personnel Area: Economic Development

Closing Date: 11/27/2024

*Please Note: Internal candidates must apply through SuccessFactors. Click Here*

The Position:

The Deputy Director is a key member of the executive management team of the City’s Economic Development Department and is responsible for directing and supervising the Assistant Deputy Directors (ADD) for the Business Expansion, Attraction and Retention (BEAR) Division and the Community Development Division (CDD); developing and implementing procedures for the department; and assisting with professional development and training of department personnel.

The Deputy Director position requires strong relationships with city departments and regional stakeholders. This position primarily manages core programs and other special projects to support the City's economic and community development efforts. The Deputy Director will report to the Assistant Director and work closing city departments in the development, coordination, and administration of community and economic development policies and practices for the City of San Diego. The position will also be responsible for creating, implementing, and supporting initiatives aligned with the goals and tactics in the City’s Economic Development Strategy, the department’s Tactical Plan, the City’s Strategic Plan, the reinvestment initiatives and regional strategies, and the HUD CDBG Consolidated Plan. The development of new programs to enhance the City’s older neighborhoods and diverse industries while balancing the City’s shared objectives for a healthy environment, an excellent quality of life, and inclusive economic vitality are also within the purview of the Deputy Director in coordination with the department’s executive management team.

There's no such thing as a "perfect" candidate. The City is looking for exceptional people who want to make a positive impact through their work, will serve their community proudly, and be excited to come to work every day. Education and experience studies have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task listed in the job description. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Manage community and/or economic development programs and special projects

Negotiate economic development agreements and agreements with non-profit organizations

Develop, coordinate, and administer community and economic development policies and practices

Create, implement, and support initiatives aligned with the City’s Economic Development Strategy, the department’s Tactical Plan, the City’s Strategic Plan, the reinvestment initiatives and regional strategies, and the HUD CDBG Consolidated Plan

Supervise and provide direction to two (2) Assistant Deputy Directors and two divisions with a combined 35 FTE

Oversee department day-to-day administrative operations

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in business or public administration, planning, or a related field. and

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible supervisory and/or management experience that demonstrates ability to work in a dynamic and fast paced government environment with a diverse workforce.

Desirable Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with tight time constraints.

Ability to communicate complex and technical information in a simple, clear, and straightforward manner to different audiences, including elected officials, various levels of City management and members of the public

Experience negotiating agreements and scopes of work for various government agencies.

Interest in municipal services and their community impact, with strong experience in community and economic development.

Previous knowledge and experience working with or in dense urban communities with similar assets, opportunities, and challenges.

Strong management skills and experience managing varying program disciplines including economic development program management/implementation

Experience developing and implementing process improvements that result in improved efficiencies.

A commitment to public service, fiscal responsibility and innovation in government while being highly ethical and objective, with the ability to navigate in a political environment without being political

Ability to utilize strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills to work collaboratively with various stakeholders

Ability to comprehend technical details and understand how they impact the competing interests, and build consensus in a highly political environment

Experience establishing meaningful performance metrics to track and measure success to lead and manage change efforts

Be a highly approachable leader, who can openly accept and work effectively in a climate of interaction, communicating up and down the organization.

Experience managing department fiscal operations including annual budgets and overseeing grants of at least $30M annually.

Benefits:

The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:

Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.
Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
City-paid life insurance.

For additional details, please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees (Download PDF reader) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924.

The Department:

The Economic Development Department (EDD) in San Diego oversees Real Estate services, Airport Management, Community and Business Engagement, and Strategic Partnerships to boost the local economy. EDD generates significant income and provides cultural and community services by managing the City’s real estate portfolio, which includes parks, public facilities, and open spaces. The department supports businesses through technical assistance, expedited permitting, policy advocacy, and grants administration. It also handles financial administration, internal operations, and records management. EDD administers federal grants and oversees the San Diego Promise Zone to support under-resourced communities. Through corporate partnerships and economic research, EDD contributes to regional development trends and strengthens the City’s visibility. For more information, please visit this link.

The City:

With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".

As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.

Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.

Resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.

The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment
and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.