Senior Planner

City of Santa Fe Springs; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

Employee benefits program

Job summary

County of San Bernardino's Economic Development Agency (EDA) seeks a Director of Economic Development to lead strategy, staff development, and program execution across cities and communities. The role is high-visibility, requiring coalition-building and decisive leadership in a complex environment.

The Director will coordinate with multiple departments, shape land-use and economic development initiatives, and guide a 14-FTE team to deliver results that improve employment and investment in the

Qualifications

• Background includes local government experience within a complex, decentralized development environment.
• Minimum of five or more years at a management level in public sector.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public administration or closely related field required; Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional relationships and programs with cities and communities throughout the County.
• Align internal efforts to deliver efficient and effective results for the EDA.
• Foster staff development, collaborative culture, and program development.
• Guide the department to be mission-driven, results-oriented and proactive.

Skills

Integrity

Coalition building

Diplomacy

Mentoring management

Negotiation

Real estate/land use

Budget administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/economics/public administration or related field

Master's degree desirable

Job description

The Job

The Department of Economic Development is focused on the creation of business and economic development initiatives and the expansion and enhancement of business retention programs throughout the County. The department is one of four operating units that comprise the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency (EDA). The others include the Department of Workforce Development, the Department of Community Development and Housing, and the Redevelopment Agency. The EDA, with a staff compliment of 180 employees, leads one of the nation’s most dynamic economies. San Bernardino County boasts a fastgrowing $96 billion economy representing a diverse array of industries packaged within the top job creating region of California. The EDA offers a wide variety of programs and services designed to attract new industry to the County, while retaining existing businesses with the ultimate objective of maximizing employment opportunities and increasing capital investment in the area.

In the past year, the Department of Economic Development has expanded its program development efforts in the areas of outreach and consultancy for purposes of business retention. This will continue to be a key priority area for the future. A second area of emphasis relates to the promotion of the County for filming and tourism opportunities. With the wealth of natural resources and the scenic beauty of the area, the region has unlimited potential in this pursuit. Business attraction remains a top priority and an essential aspect of that economic development effort is the need for a strong foundation and expertise in the areas of land use and real estate.

THE POSITION

The Director of Economic Development will be a highly visible, active, and critical role for the EDA and the County. A recent reorganization of the department has provided for an operational model that is structurally “flat”, lean and more nimble and responsive to the numerous opportunities that exist. Staffing is allocated at 14 FTEs and a large number of these employees will be new to the department. While the new director will benefit from this infusion of new thinking and fresh perspectives, there will be a simultaneous need to mold the organization into a cohesive, mission driven and results-oriented team. Staff development, a collaborative working philosophy, and effective development of programs will be vital factors to the success of this organization.

At a regional level, the Director will actively facilitate working relationships, programs and initiatives with the various cities and communities throughout the County. Internal to the EDA, the department will need to closely align efforts and communication to ensure delivery of efficient and effective results. Despite the challenges of the overall economic climate, County decision makers envision the current environment to be the ideal time to aggressively move forward on the economic development front. They are looking to the EDA and the Department of Economic Development as the leaders of that effort.

Minimum Requirements

• High level of integrity
• Track record of building coalitions of support, consensus building and visioning
• Diplomacy
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a mentoring management style
• Proven conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Expertise in real estate and land/economic development
• Community leader who fosters external relationships
• Knowledge of land use and municipal planning principles
• Skill in effective budget administration and development
• Attuned to the needs of both private and public sector

A background that includes local government experience within a complex, decentralized and multi-faceted development environment is essential. Public sector experience, which includes at least five or more years at a management level along with an educational background which includes a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public administration or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree is desirable.

Exempt Unit-Group B

The County of San Bernardino offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Director of Economic Development brochure.

For a Summary Of Benefits, Please Click Here.

Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at [phone] or visit the Benefits website for more detailed information at hr.sbcounty.gov/employee-benefits/.