Strategic Economic Growth Director

City of San Jose; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San José seeks a Mayor’s Economic Development Director with a proven track record in leading major economic development and investment efforts. The role requires building relationships across business, government, and community sectors to advance San José’s economic future.

The candidate will lead senior relationships with key employers and investors, coordinate with OEDCA and private partners, and drive outcomes from initial interest to concrete commitments.

Qualifications

• Experience leading major economic development, investment attraction, real estate, or urban revitalization strategies.
• Established relationships across relevant industries and a demonstrated ability to convert business interest into significant investment and development outcomes.
• Ability to inspire confidence in San José’s economic future and drive private capital commitments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Mayor’s senior relationship owner for major employers, corporate real estate executives, brokers, developers, and other investors.
• Collaborate to develop industry-by-industry relationships identifying opportunities and barriers.
• Build and maintain a network of brokers, site selectors, bankers, venture capital investors, and developers.
• Engage with arts, culture, tourism, and business communities to advance economic goals.
• Lead policy work under the Growing our Economy Focus Area through budget to implementation.
• Support policy memos, speeches, and business retention/attraction efforts; coordinate cross-departmental teams to remove bottlenecks.

Skills

Economic Development

Investment Attraction

Stakeholder Engagement

Public-Private Partnerships

Government Relations

Strategic Communication

Negotiation & Deals

Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, business administration, finance, economics, real estate, public relations or related field

Master’s degree in public or business administration or real estate development desirable

Job description

City of San José seeks a Mayor’s Economic Development Director with a proven track record in leading major economic development and investment efforts. The role requires building relationships across business, government, and community sectors to advance San José’s economic future.

The candidate will lead senior relationships with key employers and investors, coordinate with OEDCA and private partners, and drive outcomes from initial interest to concrete commitments.