Economic Development Director

City of Garden Grove; California (MO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Garden Grove seeks an Economic Development Director who will provide executive leadership across Economic Development, Housing, and Administration divisions. The role drives development, housing initiatives, homelessness programs, and strategic partnerships to advance Garden Grove’s economic vitality and community well‑being.

The Director will oversee a 33‑person team, manage a substantial budget, and report to the City Manager, guiding complex real estate negotiations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, planning, public/business administration, urban studies, housing, real estate or related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, housing, or related fields; admin/leadership experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for Economic Development, Housing, and Administration divisions.
• Lead implementation of the City’s Economic Development Strategy and collaboration with diverse partners.
• Advance development opportunities, housing programs, and homelessness initiatives.
• Oversee financial management, grants, contracts, and real estate activities.
• Represent the City with regional, national, and international partners; advise City leadership.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree desirable

Job description

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Economic Development Director provides executive leadership for the City’s Economic Development and Housing Department, a multidisciplinary department comprised of three functional divisions: Economic Development, Housing, and Administration.

This exceptional opportunity will enable the successful candidate to lead a high-performing department that plays a central role in advancing Garden Grove’s economic vitality, housing opportunities, neighborhood improvement, and quality of life. The Department directly supports three of the City Council’s six strategic priorities: Economic Development and Support Local Businesses, Homelessness, and Celebrating Garden Grove’s Cultural Diversity.

The Director will lead a talented professional team responsible for cultivating business investment, supporting local businesses, facilitating development, expanding and preserving affordable housing, administering housing assistance programs, addressing homelessness, managing strategic real estate activities, and providing the financial, administrative, and organization infrastructure necessary to advance these initiatives.

Garden Grove’s vision for economic development is clear:Garden Grove will be recognized as a vibrant and diverse economic hub where businesses prosper, workers flourish, visitors relax, and residents thrive.

Economic Development

The Economic Development Division leads implementation of the City’s Economic Development Strategy and works collaboratively with businesses, investors, developers, property owners, community organizations, and governmental partners to strengthen Garden Grove’s competitive position. The City’s current economic development priorities include supporting and expanding local businesses; attracting domestic and international investment; revitalizing commercial corridors and special districts; promoting tourism, cultural assets, and visitor experiences; advancing workforce development and quality job creation; strengthening infrastructure that supports economic growth; and encouraging innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The City is home to a diverse business community and several significant development and revitalization opportunities, including continued investment in the Garden Grove Resort District, mixed-use and adaptive reuse projects, commercial corridor revitalization, tourism initiatives, and efforts to strengthen culturally significant business districts and destinations.

Garden Grove has also developed a strong national reputation for professional and innovative economic development. The City’s Office of Economic Development was the first Accredited Economic Development Organization through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in California and is currently undergoing its scheduled re‑accreditation process. The Department has also earned national recognition for creative business and tourism initiatives. In 2026 IEDC informed the City that they received an IEDC Gold Award for its Foods of Garden Grove program, which celebrates the City’s culinary diversity while supporting local businesses, promoting tourism, and strengthening Garden Grove’s identity as a regional dining destination. The program is also among the nominees being considered for IEDC Best in Class recognition which will be announced at the annual conference in October. The next Director will build upon this foundation while identifying new opportunities to strengthen business retention and expansion, attract investment, enhance Garden Grove’s commercial districts, leverage cultural assets, and create an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive.

Housing and Homelessness

The Housing Division and the Garden Grove Housing Authority administer a broad portfolio of housing, community development, and homelessness programs designed to expand opportunity and improve quality of life for Garden Grove residents. The Director will provide executive oversight of rental assistance programs, affordable housing development and preservation, Housing Successor activities, federally funded housing and community development programs, housing rehabilitation and homeownership initiatives, and other programs intended to expand and preserve housing opportunities. The Housing Division also leads the City’s efforts related to homelessness, including implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan to Address Homelessness, oversight of the Central Cities Navigation Center, coordination of services and resources, development of partnerships with regional agencies and service providers, and implementation of programs intended to move individuals and families toward greater stability. The Director will play an important role in advancing the City Council’s priority of addressing homelessness while balancing compassion, accountability, neighborhood quality of life, fiscal responsibility, and effective deployment of local, state, federal, and regional resources.

Administration

The Administration Division provides the organizational foundation necessary to support the Department’s work. Responsibilities include departmental budgeting and financial management, administrative analysis, grants administration, contracts, real estate acquisition and disposition, property management, organizational planning, resource allocation, and administrative support for the Department’s programs and initiatives. The Director will be responsible for ensuring that departmental resources are aligned with City Council and organizational priorities, that financial and administrative systems support effective decision‑making, and that the Department continues to operate with a high level of accountability, professionalism, efficiency, and customer service.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

As a member of the City’s executive management team, the Economic Development Director will work closely with the City Manager’s Office, City Council, other City departments, businesses, developers, investors, housing partners, community organizations, residents, and local, regional, state, federal, and international partners. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, accomplished relationship builder, skilled negotiator, and effective organizational leader who can translate ambitious goals into measurable outcomes. The City is seeking a Director who understands that successful economic development extends beyond individual projects. The ideal candidate will recognize the interconnected relationship among business prosperity, housing opportunity, workforce development, infrastructure, tourism, cultural identity, neighborhood quality, and sound public administration and will bring these elements together into a cohesive strategy for Garden Grove’s continued success.

THE CITY OF GARDEN GROVE

Located in the heart of Orange County, Garden Grove is a vibrant, culturally diverse community of approximately 18 square miles with a rich history, strong neighborhoods, an internationally recognized business community, and significant opportunities for continued investment and revitalization. Founded in 1874 and formally incorporated on June 18, 1956, Garden Grove is the fifth‑largest city in Orange County and occupies a strategic location within the Southern California economy. At 17.9 square miles the City offers convenient access to major transportation corridors, employment centers, tourism destinations, international trade opportunities, and the broader Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and Orange County markets.

Garden Grove is distinguished by its extraordinary cultural diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong sense of community. The City is home to businesses, restaurants, cultural organizations, faith communities, and neighborhoods representing cultures from throughout the world. This diversity is one of Garden Grove’s greatest economic and community assets and is reflected in the City Council’s priority to Celebrate Garden Grove’s Cultural Diversity. The City is particularly well known for its internationally recognized Little Saigon and OC Korea Town communities, diverse culinary scene, and growing reputation as a destination for authentic cultural experiences. Programs such as Foods of Garden Grove build upon these strengths by connecting economic development, tourism, cultural identity, and support for local businesses.

Garden Grove is also home to the Garden Grove Resort District, a major visitor destination located adjacent to the Anaheim Resort and Disneyland Resort. Continued hotel investment and development within the Resort District contribute significantly to the City’s tourism economy and long‑term fiscal strength.

At the same time, Garden Grove retains the character of an established community with mature neighborhoods, locally owned businesses, longstanding civic institutions, and a strong commitment to providing high‑quality municipal services. For the next Economic Development Director, Garden Grove offers a particularly compelling professional environment: a mature city with substantial redevelopment potential; a diverse and entrepreneurial population; significant tourism and hospitality assets; major housing and homelessness challenges and opportunities; and a City Council and organization committed to aspirational and thoughtful, results‑oriented economic and community development.

Reporting to the City Manager, this at‑will position is a key member of the City’s Central Management team. The Economic Development Director will oversee Economic Development, Neighborhood Improvement, and the Garden Grove Housing Authority, with a total of 33 full‑time employees and a total budget of $80 million ($13 million for operating, grant‑funded, real property, and capital improvements, $8 million Successor Agency, $8 million Neighborhood Improvement, and $51 million Housing Authority).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the Economic Development, Housing, and Administration divisions and establish departmental priorities consistent with City Council goals and Citywide objectives,
• Lead implementation and periodic refinement of the City’s Economic Development Strategy, including business retention and expansion, business attraction, investment recruitment, commercial revitalization, tourism, workforce development, infrastructure, innovation, and entrepreneurship initiatives,
• Advance major development, redevelopment, adaptive reuse, real estate, and public‑private partnership opportunities throughout Garden Grove,
• Build relationships with local businesses, property owners, developers, investors, financial institutions, governmental agencies, community organizations, and domestic and international business partners,
• Direct the Garden Grove Housing Authority and oversee affordable housing development and preservation, rental assistance, Housing Successor activities, federally funded housing and community development programs, housing rehabilitation, and homeownership initiatives,
• Provide executive leadership for the City’s homelessness initiatives, including implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to Address Homelessness, partnerships with service providers and governmental agencies, resource allocation, program development, and evaluation of outcomes,
• Oversee departmental financial management, budget development, grants, contracts, real estate activities, property management, administrative analysis, and allocation of financial and staffing resources,
• Direct complex real estate negotiations, development agreements, disposition and development agreements, financial analyses, development incentives, funding strategies, and other transactions involving public and private investment,
• Advise the City Manager’s Office and City Council on economic development, housing, homelessness, real estate, financial, and policy matters and provide clear recommendations regarding complex and politically sensitive issues,
• Represent the City with governmental agencies, professional organizations, businesses, community groups, developers, investors, and regional, national, and international partners,
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and lead a high‑performing multidisciplinary workforce and foster a collaborative organizational culture focused on innovation, accountability, customer service, and measurable results,
• Coordinate departmental programs and initiatives with other City departments to ensure effective implementation of City Council priorities and Citywide goals, and
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KEY COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate will also possess the following key competencies:

Executive Leadership and Organizational Management

A collaborative and engaging leadership style with demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams, establishing organizational priorities, developing staff, building accountability, and creating a culture in which employees are empowered to succeed.

Strategic Economic Development Expertise

A strong understanding of contemporary economic development practices, including business retention and expansion, investment attraction, development and redevelopment, real estate, tourism, workforce development, commercial district revitalization, entrepreneurship, and public‑private partnerships.

Housing and Community Development Knowledge

An understanding of affordable housing, housing finance, Housing Authority operations, federal and state housing programs, community development resources, Housing Successor responsibilities, and strategies for expanding and preserving housing opportunities.

Understanding of Homelessness Policy and Programs

Provide strategic leadership for homelessness initiatives, collaborate with service providers and governmental partners, evaluate programs and investments, and balance service delivery with broader community and neighborhood priorities.

Fiscal and Administrative Acumen

Strong financial and analytical skills, including experience with public‑sector budgeting, financial analysis, grants, contracts, real estate transactions, resource allocation, and long‑term financial planning.

Political and Organizational Acumen

Operate successfully in a complex public environment, understand the interests and perspectives of elected officials and community stakeholders, anticipate potentially controversial issues, and navigate sensitive matters with sound judgment and professionalism.

Relationship Building and Collaboration

Develop productive relationships with businesses, developers, investors, residents, community organizations, governmental agencies, elected officials, and internal organizational partners.

Negotiation and Deal‑Making Skills

Negotiate sophisticated real estate, development, business, financial, and intergovernmental agreements while protecting the City’s interests and creating mutually beneficial outcomes.

Communication and Public Engagement

Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills and the ability to communicate complex financial, development, housing, and policy matters clearly and persuasively to a wide variety of audiences.

Strategic Thinking and Innovation

Evaluate economic, demographic, market, housing, and community trends; anticipate emerging opportunities and challenges; develop creative solutions; and translate long‑term vision into achievable strategies.

Commitment to Diversity and Community

An appreciation for Garden Grove’s cultural diversity and an understanding of how culture, entrepreneurship, tourism, placemaking, and community identity can contribute to economic vitality and quality of life.

For a full list of essential duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities, please review the classification specification: Economic Development Director

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in economics, planning, finance, public or business administration, urban studies, housing, real estate or related field. A Master’s Degree is highly desirable.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development, land or real estate development, housing, redevelopment or successor agency activities, municipal planning, public administration or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years of administrative management and supervisory experience. Executive‑level municipal management experience and demonstrated responsibility for multidisciplinary programs is highly desirable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from IEDC or an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from Grow America is desirable.

SELECTION PROCESS

Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.

Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted with more information. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail] at least one week prior to any test dates.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If there are any questions, please contact Recruitment & Classification Supervisor Caitlyn Stephenson at [e-mail] or [phone].

NEPOTISM POLICY

The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate’s application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non‑disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.