Assistant Director - City Manager's Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs
About The Position
The Assistant Director serves as the Department's Chief Operating Officer (COO), providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction to advance San José's mission of driving economic vitality, cultural vibrancy, and equitable growth. Reporting directly to the Director, the Assistant Director plays a pivotal role in managing the Department's day-to-day operations, overseeing three divisions and the strategic support unit, which together encompass 61 full-time employees and an annual budget of approximately $67 million. This position is responsible for translating the Director's strategic vision into actionable goals and measurable outcomes with direct accountability for implementing the Two-Year Economic Strategy Work Plan to ensure progress toward citywide economic development priorities. The Assistant Director will ensure operational excellence, optimize processes, and integrate emerging technologies-including automation and artificial intelligence-to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and community impact. The successful candidate will be an innovative and forward-thinking leader, capable of navigating complex organizational challenges and fostering collaboration across teams, departments, and external partners. As a trusted advisor to the Director and a key member of the executive team, the Assistant Director will lead efforts to build a high-performing, inclusive workforce and maintain a culture grounded in accountability, transparency, and innovation. This role offers an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic and results-oriented professional to make a lasting impact in one of the nation's most diverse and forward-looking cities. The Assistant Director will help shape San José's economic future-strengthening local business growth, expanding workforce opportunities, and enriching the city's cultural landscape.
Requirements
- Education: A bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, economics, real estate, or a related field (a master's degree is highly preferred).
- Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in business management and/ or administration, operations, or a related field. Experience at a level equivalent to Deputy Director is desirable.
Benefits
- Retirement - The City has its own competitive defined benefit retirement plan separate from and with full reciprocity with CalPERS.
- HealthInsurance- The City contributes 90% towards the premium for the lowest-priced nondeductible plan. Several plan options are available.
- DentalInsurance - The City contributes 100% of the premium of the lowest-priced plan for dental coverage.
- PersonalTime- Vacation is accrued initially at the rate of three weeks per year with amounts increasing up to five weeks after 15 years of service. Vacation accrual may be adjusted for successful candidates with prior public service to reflect a vacation accrual rate commensurate with total years of public service. Executive Leave of 40 hours is granted annually and depending upon success in the Management Performance Program, could increase to up to 80 hours. Sick Leave is accrued at the rate of approximately 8 hours per month.
- Holidays- The City observes 15 paid days annually.
- DeferredCompensation- The City offers an optional 457(b) plan.
- FlexibleSpendingAccounts - The City participates in Dependent Care Assistance and Medical Reimbursement Programs.
- Insurance- The City provides a term life insurance policy equal to two times annual salary. Long-term disability and AD&D plans are optional.
- EmployeeAssistanceProgram(EAP) - The City provides a comprehensive range of services through its EAP.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Industry
Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
