Assistant Director (Unclassified)

San Jose CA; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The City Manager’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA) seeks an Assistant Director to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and overall direction for the department, reporting to the Director and guiding 58 positions with a $64 million budget.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration (master’s preferred) and at least seven years of progressive leadership experience, including staff supervision in a complex

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the department’s functional area or closely related field, including five (5) years supervising manager-level staff and other professionals.
• Experience managing programs and services or operations within a complex public or private organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction for OEDCA.
• Manage day-to-day operations; oversee three divisions and the strategic support unit.
• Support a department with 58 positions and an annual budget of approximately $64 million.

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, economics, real estate, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

The City Manager’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA), part of the City Manager’s Office, drives San José’s vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous city. The department fosters economic vitality, cultural expression, and workforce opportunity through innovative programs and partnerships that strengthen the City’s fiscal health and enhance quality of life.

OEDCA is comprised of three integrated divisions:

Cultural Affairs: Arts, Sports & Entertainment– Promotes a dynamic and creative city by supporting artists and cultural organizations, commissioning public art, producing community events, and managing City-owned convention and cultural facilities.

Economic Growth & Business Development– Fuels San José’s economic success by supporting business retention, expansion, and attraction; advancing real estate and catalytic development; revitalizing

Downtown and neighborhood corridors; and empowering small businesses.

Workforce & Talent Development– Builds an inclusive and resilient workforce by connecting residents to education, training, and career pathways, and partnering with employers to align hiring initiatives with regional industry needs.

In alignment with the City’s Two-Year Economic Strategy Work Plan, OEDCA focuses on strategically aligning limited staffing and budgetary resources with initiatives that deliver the greatest impact on job creation and revenue growth.

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 58 positions and an annual budget of approximately $64 million.

Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, economics, real estate, or a related field (a master’s degree is highly preferred).

Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the department’s functional area or closely related field, including five (5) years of experience with responsibility for supervising manager-level and other professional staff, managing programs and services, or operations within a complex public or private organization.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer.