Economic Development Specialist

ICMA; Antioch, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Antioch is seeking an Economic Development Specialist in the Community & Economic Development Department. The role supports business attraction, retention and strategic planning to enhance community wealth and opportunities.

You will prepare reports, dashboards and grant materials for management and stakeholders. Qualifications include an Associate degree and 2+ years of economic development or related experience; proficiency in Excel, Power BI and GIS is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree (Economics/Public Administration/Business/Urban Planning/Finance) or related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in economic development or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, interpret, and present economic and financial data related to commercial activity and development.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and performance metrics for programs and initiatives.
• Assist with audits, grant reporting, and budget monitoring as part of economic development strategies.

Skills

Data analysis

Dashboards

Project coordination

Public administration

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Excel

Power BI

GIS

Database management

Presentation software

Job description

The City of Antioch is currently accepting applications for the Economic Development Specialist within the Community & Economic Development Department. The Economic Development Division (which is part of the Community & Economic Development Department) is responsible for the City's efforts to attract, retain, expand, and assist businesses in Antioch, generating wealth through which community benefits are realized. Our end goal is a business community known for its complexity and diversity. We support a wide range of programs and initiatives to help existing businesses and attract new ones. Outreach to businesses, property owners and commercial real estate brokers is a key component of the division’s strategy. This position will be posted through October 9, 2026, or until 200 applications are received. All applications must be submitted via the Government Jobs website City of Antioch Job Opportunities. Applicants interested in applying are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Under general supervision, the Economic Development Specialist is a key specialist and performs professional-level analytical, research, programmatic, and administrative work in support of the City's economic development initiatives, redevelopment activities, business retention and attraction efforts, and strategic economic development planning functions. This position prepares reports, maintains dashboards, audits, and performance metrics; supports grant and contract administration; and assists management staff with special projects and economic development strategies.

Examples of Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. 1. Collect, analyze, interpret, and present economic and financial data related to commercial activity, development projects, property assets, sales tax performance, employment trends, housing production, and other
   economic indicators.
2. 2. Develop and maintain databases and reporting tools, spreadsheets, and monitor economic development performance metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and benchmarking reports.
3. 3. Assist with annual and periodic audits, compliance reviews, grant reporting requirements, and performance evaluations for economic development programs and initiatives.
4. 4. Research federal, state, regional, and local funding opportunities and assist in preparing grant applications, reports, and supporting documentation.
5. 5. Provide analytical and administrative support for economic development programs, redevelopment projects, incentive programs, special initiatives, preparing presentations and informational materials for public
   meetings, business forums, commissions, and community events.
6. 6. Prepare comprehensive staff reports, City Council agenda reports, presentations, briefing materials, correspondence, and other documents for management, commissions, and stakeholders.
7. 7. Compile and prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports regarding economic development activities, program outcomes, financial performance, and strategic initiatives.
8. 8. Assist in budget preparation, budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting for economic development programs.
9. 9. Serve as a liaison with City departments, businesses, community organizations, chambers of commerce, regional agencies, consultants, and other stakeholders regarding assigned projects and initiatives.
10. 10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of economic development, redevelopment, and community development.
• Economic research methods, statistical analysis, and performance measurement techniques.
• Municipal government operations and public administration.
• Financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and fiscal impact analysis.
• Business attraction, retention, expansion, and workforce development strategies.
• Data management, reporting systems, and business intelligence tools.
• Principles of project management and program administration.
• Research methodologies and techniques for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data.
• Federal, state, and local economic development programs and funding sources.
• Grant administration, compliance monitoring, and reporting requirements.
• Contract and agreement administration practices.
• Public sector budgeting and financial reporting principles.
• Customer service and public relations techniques.
• Modern office technology and software applications, including Microsoft Excel, Power BI, GIS, database management systems, and presentation software.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies affecting economic development activities.

Ability to:

• Analyze complex economic, financial, operational, and demographic data and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Prepare clear, concise, and professional reports, dashboards, presentations, and correspondence.
• Conduct research and present findings and recommendations to management and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain databases, tracking systems, performance metrics, and reporting tools.
• Monitor program performance and identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Coordinate multiple projects and meet competing deadlines.
• Interpret contracts, grants, agreements, policies, and regulations.
• Support audits, compliance reviews, and performance evaluations.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, businesses, developers, public agencies, and community organizations.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.

Education/Training:

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Finance, Data Analytics, Statistics, Political Science, or a closely related field or a high school diploma/GED and two (2) years of directly related and progressively responsible experience in economic development, public administration, business analysis, financial analysis, research, planning, data analytics, and grant administration.

Experience:

Two years (2) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, public administration, business analysis, financial analysis, research, planning, data analytics, grant administration, or a related field.

License:

Possession of a valid California driver’s license. For out-of-state candidates, we will accept an out-of-state driver’s license at the time of application; however, a valid California driver’s license must be obtained by the time of appointment.

physical demands and WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with travel to different sites. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.

Physical:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Employees working in the field may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, construction equipment, and mechanical and/or electrical hazards.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Supplemental Information

EEO/ADA: The City of Antioch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.

If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, please contact Human Resources at 925-779-7020 or [e-mail] prior to the final filing date.

Benefit Package Information

The City of Antioch participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Classic CalPERS Members: 2.7% @ 55 formula
• PEPRA/New CalPERS Members: 2.0% @ 62 formula
• CalPERS retirement benefits are subject to applicable state law and CalPERS eligibility requirements.
• The City also participates in CalPERS-administered health benefits.

Cafeteria/Flexible Benefits Structure

The City of Antioch contributes 100% of the Kaiser rate, up to the family tier, through its cafeteria/flexible benefits structure. Employees may also utilize this cafeteria gross allocation to select from other available plans. The exact employee contribution, if any, for a selected plan above the applicable City contribution is determined by the applicable benefit plan selection and employee classification.

Medical Insurance

Employees have access to medical coverage through the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. Available plan options include (depending upon eligibility and plan-year availability):

• Kaiser Permanente HMO
• Anthem Blue Cross HMO plans
• Blue Shield HMO/PPO/EPO plans
• Other CalPERS health plans are available in the employee's service area

Dental Insurance – The City of Antioch offers three levels of coverage.

Vision Insurance – The City of Antioch offers two levels of coverage.

Life Insurance – The City provides employer-paid life insurance as part of its employee benefits package. Supplemental life insurance may also be available at the employee's expense, subject to the applicable plan.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

The City's FSA program allows eligible employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualifying healthcare and dependent-care expenses.

Employees may participate in:

• Medical FSA
• Dependent Care FSA