The Position
The
City of Riverside is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to join our team in the Community and Economic Development Department as an
Economic Development Manager (Non-Classified*). This is a key leadership role that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community. If you have a passion for economic development, a track record of successful project management, and a commitment to fostering sustainable growth, we encourage you to apply.
An eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.
Under general direction, the Economic Development Manager is to plan, organize and manage all Economic Development (ED) services, and programs that implement the City's Strategic Plan; cultivate a business climate that welcomes innovation, entrepreneurship and investment; collaborate with key partners to implement policies and programs that promote local business growth and ensure equitable outcomes for all; provide leadership and oversight to division staff for all activities and operations including mentoring, leading and directing staff to promote the City's assets that market Riverside regionally and nationally; collaborate with other City departments and partner organizations to promote the City's ED agenda/programs; and perform other related duties as assigned.
*This position is a Senior Management, non-classified unit and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager. This non-classified position requires an employment agreement. Work Performed
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Prepare, manage and implement the City's Economic Development Program (ED Program) as identified in the City's Strategic Plan;
- Plan, organize and implement programs that leads to local investment, business development and success, workforce development, and economic mobility that provides opportunity for all;
- Establish, develop, and maintain effective working relationships internally (i.e. within division, amongst department, across departments) and externally (i.e. local business owners, general public, chambers, developers, investors, etc.);
- Identify and market sites for business development that cultivates a business climate that welcomes innovation, entrepreneurship and investment.
- Work directly with developers and companies to gather information about projects and make recommendations towards implementation;
- Oversee the preparation and maintenance of informational/marketing materials relative to the City's development process;
- Direct, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the strategies, programs, and activities needed to facilitate partnerships and programs that develop, attract and retain innovative business sectors;
- Manage and develop key economic studies and projects relating to targeted areas, industries, and development opportunities;
- Assist with the preparation of long-range plans and special studies in coordination with City departments, stakeholders and other public agencies;
- Prepare grant applications for federal, state and other private sources;
- Represent the City and maintain relationships with community organizations, private businesses, developers, brokers, public agencies, property owners, and the general public to promote the local economy and ensure equitable opportunities for all;
- Facilitate partnerships and programs to develop, attract and retain innovative business sectors;
- Collaborate with key partners to implement policies and programs that promote local business growth, including clean, green and sustainable technology sectors, the local food system, and ensure equitable opportunities for all.
- Develops qualitative and quantitative measures to monitor, ensure, and evaluate program/project financial status, contract/grant/permit compliance, professional consultant/contractor performance and customer satisfaction;
- Respond to public inquiries pertaining to economic development in Riverside;
- Prepare agreements, contracts and other related documents ensuring compliance review between the City and business developers;
- Negotiates with developers and financiers to facilitate and expedite economic development projects and real property land use, including coordination of complex real estate and land development agreements for the acquisition, disposition, construction and/or rehabilitation/improvement of property
- Administer contracts, undertake contract management and ensure compliance with all contract requirements (evaluating expenditures and monitoring payments) between the City and business developers;
- Present to legislative bodies, other public agencies, community groups, development associations, potential investors, and other major assemblages regarding the business development process or a specific project activity; and
- Draft or review resolutions and staff reports and maintain/report out on data records and reports.
Knowledge of:- Economic development principles, practices and implementation methods, including business attraction, retention and development/redevelopment, marketing for business and economic development projects.
- State and Federal Programs and other economic and community development tools used as incentives for economic development.
- City, state and federal statutes, rules, codes and regulations relating to economic development.
- Procedures and requirements associated with the development process.
- Project analysis skills such as underwriting analysis, gap analysis, market study creation, market study evaluation, and analysis of local and regional economic data to determine trends.
- Current trends and issues in economic development.
- Economics of real estate development.
- The principles and practices of Request for Proposal/Qualification planning, development, administration and evaluation.
- The principles and practices of contract negotiation methods and techniques, contract development and contract administration.
- Principles of municipal budgeting, finance, accounting, marketing, business management, and grants applications as it relates to economic development.
- Procedures and requirements associated with the development process.
- The principles of planning, including the general plan, zoning, and design review.
- Criteria used in analysis of development proposals.
- Principles and practices of organization, administration, budget, and personnel management.
- Personal computer operation and software applications.
Ability to: - Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
- Formulate effective goals, objectives, strategies, policies, and programs.
- Direct ED staff to meet the goals of the ED Program.
- Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate economic development projects.
- Interpret and apply federal and state regulations pertaining to urban economic development.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with a variety of citizens, public and private organizations and businesses, commissions/committees, and City staff.
- Coordinate functions and activities between departments and outside agencies.
- Represent the City effectively in meetings.
- Prepare and deliver effective and convincing presentations.
- Research, analyze, and present facts, data and circumstances of complex and multi-directed projects.
- Work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Qualifications
Education and ExperienceEducation: Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, economics, urban planning, or a closely related field. A Master's degree is desirable.
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, commercial real estate or redevelopment, including at least three years in a supervisory capacity.
Necessary Special Requirement Possession of an appropriate, valid class C California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Selection Process
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.
The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.
It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.
Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.
NOTE : The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.
Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:
- An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/.
- An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.
All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. 
