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The City of Live Oak is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and experienced leader to serve as the Community and Economic Development Director. This key position will oversee the planning, implementation, and coordination of community development initiatives, economic growth strategies, and planning projects to enhance the City's growth and quality of life. 

Under general administrative direction of the City Manager, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Community and Economic Development Department including planning, building inspection and compliance, code enforcement, affordable housing, economic development, and related services; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

The Community and Economic Development Director is an “at -will” employee of the City and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager. The position is considered a Department Director with responsibility for directing the activities of a Department with the City. Positions at this class level serve as a member of the City’s senior management team and provide advice and counsel to the City Manager regarding strategic planning and problem solving issues relating to the assigned Department and the City overall.

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.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Community and Economic Development Department services and activities including planning, building inspection and compliance, code enforcement, affordable housing, redevelopment agency and economic development operations and services.
• Develops, plans, coordinates, and manages the City’s economic development program and initiatives regarding business assistance, attraction, retention, and expansion; sets annual program goals and objectives consistent with budget; plans, develops, and implements programs, plans, and policies to foster economic growth.
• Manages the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.
• Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Supervises and coordinates the environmental review and development review process for all private and public development activities in the City; assists in the development of the General Plan; coordinates and reviews plan changes and resolves sensitive, controversial and complex issues; solves problems with developers, property owners, the public, architects, engineers, and planners as well as City Council and Planning Commission.
• Collaborates with City staff, public officials, business community, consultants, media, and citizens in the accomplishment of program objectives; maintains professional relationships with regional, county, and local economic development organizations; makes presentations to private sector executives, local agencies, community groups, and City Council regarding the business advantages and opportunities within the City.
• Works as the single point of contact with existing and prospective businesses, developers, brokers, and partners to facilitate business expansion in or relocation to the City; provides guidance to business throughout the development and permitting process; assists new and expanding businesses in site selection, acquisitions, and facility construction.
• Oversees building plan check, building inspection, and code enforcement, planning activities, and ensures compliance with appropriate laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Monitors legislation and developments related to economic development matters; evaluates their impact on City operations and programs, and recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements.
• Prepares and reviews complex documents including development agreements, specific and master plans including financing implementation plans and related contracts; testifies in court as an expert witness for the City on development related matters.
• Explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Gathers, tracks, and analyzes local, regional, and state economic and market indicators and other data, draws appropriate conclusions, and makes appropriate recommendations; conducts research regarding economic conditions and trends in the local area and makes recommendations for programs and activities for the City; identifies target industries based on operating, workforce, distribution, and infrastructure criteria, and City objectives.
• Serves as a representative for the Department and City in coordination with governmental agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholder groups as a participant in meetings, committees, and other professional settings.
• Attends and participates in meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in field expertise.
• Researches funding opportunities; coordinates and/or completes and submits grant applications; tracts grant-funded projects and requirements; processes and maintains paperwork and reimbursement requests in compliance with funding and reporting requirements.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.

The City of Thousand Oaks is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and innovative professional to serve as its next Economic Development Manager, a strategic leader who will champion the City’s vision for a vibrant, sustainable, and business-friendly economy.

Located in beautiful Ventura County, midway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks is consistently ranked among America’s safest and most desirable cities. Home to more than 125,000 residents, the City blends natural beauty, cultural vitality, and economic opportunity, with over one-third of its 55 square miles preserved as open space and more than 150 miles of trails. Thousand Oaks boasts a flourishing business community with significant developments and investments underway, strong education and research presence, dynamic retail and dining destinations, and the acclaimed Bank of America Performing Arts Center anchoring a major downtown redevelopment.

The Economic Development Manager plays a vital role in advancing the City’s economic health by leading business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts, cultivating partnerships with business and community stakeholders, and supporting initiatives that enhance the City’s competitiveness and quality of life. This position offers the opportunity to guide innovative programs aligned with City Council priorities, including downtown revitalization, business engagement, and sustainable economic growth.

The ideal candidate is an approachable, inclusive, and forward-thinking professional with proven success in promoting investment and job growth, building consensus, attracting and retaining businesses, and delivering results.

The anticipated hiring range for the new Economic Development Manager is $149,705 - $187,132, with a full salary range up to $224,558 and competitive benefits.

A Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, economics, planning, or a related field, and at least eight years of progressive experience in economic development (including two years in management) are required; a Master’s degree is desirable.

For additional details and to submit your application for this role, please visit the link listed below.