Economic Development Manager

City-of-Moorpark,-Ca; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

CalPERS retirement

9/80 work schedule

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Deferred compensation

Job summary

City of Moorpark seeks an Economic Development Manager to lead city-wide programs, retention, growth, and business attraction within Moorpark. You will coordinate with business owners, developers, and regional partners while guiding policy, real estate actions, and financing strategies.

The role focuses on strengthening partnerships, managing the division budget, and delivering high-quality customer service to businesses and residents, with visible community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, economics, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of progressive public agency economic development experience, including two years supervisory.
• Ability to manage budgets, contracts, and development agreements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, implement, and lead economic development programs and projects.
• Provide staff support to the City Manager and Department Head as assigned.
• Develop and monitor development agreements; supervise staff and consultants.
• Coordinate with City departments, Chamber of Commerce, and regional partners on economic initiatives.

Skills

Economic development

Budgeting

Contract administration

Public relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration

Master's degree desirable

Tools

GIS software

Job description

If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can positively impact the community every day and thrive in a supportive and growth-oriented work environment, consider the City of Moorpark. We are ready to welcome a motivated and enthusiastic Economic Development Manager to our team. If this opportunity aligns with your skills and career aspirations, we encourage you to apply and make a meaningful difference in Moorpark.

We offer a competitive salary and an exceptional benefits package comprised of100% City paid health insurance for employee and most plans will also cover dependents at 100% (depending upon the plan chosen), 100% City paid dental, vision, life, short-term and long- term disability insurance for employee and dependents, CalPERS retirement, 2% City contribution of employee gross salary to deferred compensation, annual leave bank, paid holidays including a winter break, Flexible Spending Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), tuition reimbursement, voluntary employee-paid supplemental life insurance, and a 9/80 work schedule (See and review the benefits tab). Here at City Hall, we have an Employee Engagement Team and we celebrate and recognize employees.

Your role is essential in helping us achieve our mission of “Striving to preserve and improve the quality of life in Moorpark”.

Below are some employee comments on why they like working for the City of Moorpark:

• “There is teamwork in my department. When I need help, there is someone always there to assist me”.

• “I like the All-Employee Meeting. The food is always good, and the City Manager gives updates on what is happening. We play games and recognize employees.”

• “I like working with professionals who are trying to do their best for the City.”

• “Flexibility in my schedule and easy-going employees.”

The Economic Development Manager position at the City of Moorpark offers a unique opportunity to lead the City’s economic development programs and activities. Under direction of the City Manager, the position will directly manage and coordinate the following economic development activities: business retention, growth, andattraction; entrepreneurship support; policy development to strengthen the City’s economy; property acquisition and disposition; negotiation and management of real estate transactions and development agreements; real estate and tax increment financing; workforce development and job creation; marketing to promote the City as a tourist destination, including public art, digital and social media, web content, and printed materials; and revitalization of the heart and soul of the community - downtown High Street.

The ideal candidate has a strong desire to work in local government and will make a positive impact in the community with their passion for creativity and innovation while utilizing excellent customer service and communication skills. They will enjoy communicating with business owners; working with entrepreneurs and developers; conducting business walks and tours; being highly visible in the community; strengthening partnerships with the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce and economic development agencies in the region; organizing and attending social and networking events related to economic development; supporting the growth and expansion of existing businesses; actively seeking new businesses; and working with commercial property owners and brokers to fill vacant spaces and buildings. The Economic Development Manager will also implement the City’s goals in the areas of economic development, manage the division’s budget, and meet the City’s high standards of quality customer service to businesses and residents.

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, organize, implement, and lead economic development programs and projects.
• Provide responsible staff assistance and support to the City Manager or Department Head as assigned by the City Manager.
• Recommend and assist in the preparation and implementation of City goals and objectives in areas of economic development and implement approved activities.
• Prepare and monitor development agreements and assist with property acquisition actions of City as assigned; establish schedules for development performance and other provisions of disposition and development agreements with private developers for the sale and redevelopment of City- owned property.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff and consultants responsible for the preparation and administration of economic development programs and activities and ensure staff provides high quality customer service.
• Provide technical assistance and training to City staff in matters related to economic development programs and activities.
• Oversee City agreements for professional consulting services relating to economic development programs and activities; monitor contract payments; ensure contracts are within budget requirements; ensure compliance with contract obligations.
• Analyze operating and capital improvement project budgets for specified areas of responsibility.
• Prepare the City Annual Operating Budget for areas of responsibility; develop estimates of funds needed for staffing and related expenses; recommend appropriate budget adjustments; and monitor expenditures.
• Monitor legislative developments related to economic development.
• Assist City departments in the preparation and maintenance of financial and economic development records.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate services and staffing levels.
• Attend and participate in professional training and group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of economic development; and represent City at regional and state meetings.
• Coordinate activities with other City departments and public agencies, Chamber of Commerce, and economic development organizations.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of economic development
• Best practices and latest trends in economic development
• Principles and practices of business attraction, retention, and expansion
• Principles and practices of real estate finance and development
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Principles and practices of budgeting
• Principles and practices of tax increment financing
• Principles and practices of contract administration
• Review and analysis of business plans, financial statements, and proformas
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• GIS and graphic design software is desirable

Ability to:

• Initiate and lead programs and major projects
• Select, train, and evaluate staff
• Supervise, organize, and review the work of subordinate staff
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to public, press, or other agencies on sensitive issues
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with businesses, developers, investors, external agencies, and City staff
• Conduct financial research and analysis
• Effectively manage contracts and evaluate the work of contractors
• Research, develop, and prepare ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and technical reports and associated summary data for presentation to Agency Board, City Council and others
• Research, utilize analytical methods, conduct statistical analysis; prepare budgets, and prepare and present a variety of complex reports and analyses
• Track and interpret economic development laws and policies
• Utilize strong computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software to produce appropriate reports, informational items, tracking systems and related documents
• Apply Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to development programs projects and activities
• Evaluate financial data and recommend improvements
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
• Maintain mental capacity, which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities
• Maintain effective audio/ visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties
• Perform responsible and difficult administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative
• Work nights and/or weekends to attend economic development-related events or activities
• Utilization of GIS and graphic design software is desirable

Experience

A minimum of five years of increasingly responsible experience with public agency economic development programs, projects, and activities, including two years of supervisory responsibility.

Training

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration, urban planning, finance, economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree is desirable.

License or Certificate

Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate valid California driver’s license is required. Certification as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) is desirable.

Working Conditions:

Environmental Conditions

office environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical Conditions

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time; light lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling; reaching; handling; use of fingers; talking; hearing; near acuity.