Economic Development Director

City of Hemet•Hemet, CA

18h

About The Position

The City of Hemet seeks an innovative, strategic, and community-minded leader to direct its Economic Development Department. The Director shapes the City’s economic future by attracting businesses, supporting existing enterprises, advancing community priorities, and championing projects that create jobs and improve residents’ quality of life. The role requires strategic thinking, strong communication, collaboration with City leadership and community stakeholders, and a commitment to public service. The Director assumes full management responsibility for the Department’s services and activities, including developing and implementing economic development strategies and long-term plans aligned with the City’s strategic plan and vision. The position sets departmental goals and priorities, administers policies and procedures, oversees service delivery and staffing, directs personnel, manages the Department’s budget, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Director leads business attraction and retention, marketing, partnership development, and major development projects. The role analyzes market trends and economic indicators, advises City leadership on economic policies and related matters, promotes workforce development, represents the City in public and stakeholder settings, and advocates for legislative or regulatory changes that could support local economic growth. Work takes place in a standard office setting and in the community and region, including visits to City and meeting sites.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Studies, Planning, or a related field.
Seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, community development, and business development.
Three years of experience in a supervisory capacity.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid and appropriate California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
Ability to develop and implement departmental goals, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls; lead and direct department and City work; and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate assigned personnel, including delegation, staff selection, training, motivation, and evaluation.
Ability to administer economic development programs and represent the City effectively with business, government, and community stakeholders.
Ability to prepare clear written materials and reports, organize multiple projects and deadlines, operate modern office equipment and relevant software, and communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in writing.
Knowledge of public agency administration and budgeting, staff supervision, applicable laws and regulations, research and reporting, customer service, presentation and negotiation methods, real estate economics and financing, land acquisition and disposition, relocation procedures, and entitlement processes.
Ability to work in an office setting and travel by motor vehicle to City and meeting sites; communicate with individuals and groups; and lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 25 pounds using proper equipment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Public sector experience.
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

Responsibilities

Manage all Economic Development Department services and activities, including comprehensive strategies and long-term plans aligned with the City’s strategic plan and vision.
Develop departmental goals, objectives, priorities, policies, and procedures, and ensure activities comply with applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
Establish service and staffing levels; evaluate service-delivery efficiency and effectiveness; allocate resources; monitor workloads and administrative systems; and implement improvements.
Plan, direct, coordinate, and perform the Department’s work plan; assign projects and program areas; evaluate work methods; and resolve issues with staff.
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate personnel; coordinate staff training; address performance deficiencies; and implement discipline and termination procedures.
Oversee and participate in Department budget development and administration, forecast resource needs, approve expenditures, and make budget adjustments as appropriate.
Analyze market trends, economic indicators, and City strengths to identify growth opportunities; develop marketing strategies; and maintain metrics to assess initiative outcomes.
Advise City leadership on economic policies, zoning regulations, and infrastructure investments that could support local businesses and attract new ventures.
Attract businesses, industries, and talent through targeted marketing, outreach, and incentives; build stakeholder relationships; and coordinate business-retention and expansion support.
Collaborate with chambers of commerce, business associations, financial institutions, universities, government agencies, and other stakeholders; serve as a liaison; and facilitate public-private partnerships.
Oversee planning, design, and execution of economic development projects, including revitalization, business parks, mixed-use developments, and infrastructure upgrades; manage project resources and report on progress.
Promote workforce development and coordinate with educational institutions, vocational training centers, and community organizations to strengthen the workforce pipeline.
Present economic development matters to City Council, commissions, civic groups, and the public.
Advocate for state or federal legislative and regulatory changes that may positively affect the City’s economic growth.
Perform related duties as assigned.