Location
Description
Annual Salary: $149,472 - $198,792 (placement in this range depends on qualifications)
The Economic Development Manager will plan, organize, direct, coordinate and manage the activities of the economic development program utilizing specialized knowledge and skills to develop and implement strategies and projects to encourage business attraction, retention and expansion.
The Economic Development Manager receives administrative direction from the Community Development Director. Responsibilities and essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Assist the City Manager in developing and implementing the goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the economic development program.
- Prepare and present staff reports and information on economic development projects to the City Council.
- Plan, prepare and implement marketing strategies, programs and special events that promote and expand the quality of life for both residents and businesses in the City and support economic vitality of the City.
- Participate in and manage collaborative programs of economic development with the Chamber of Commerce, business community and other public and private sector entities.
- Serve as the City’s representative and primary liaison to the Pleasant Hill Tourism Improvement District (TID), including staff support for formation/renewal of the TID.
- Monitor, compile, analyze and report on various information data sources including employment, retail sales tax, business license, commercial real estate, population and demographics, hotel occupancy rates and assessed property values.
- Coordinate with other City divisions/departments on current and planned development projects.
- Exercise management and operational authority over assigned projects, services, and administration operations; maintain financial and administrative processes and records; develop recommendations for establishing and/or modifying policies and procedures.
- Monitor workflow of the Economic Development Division and review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures and make necessary recommendations to the City Manager.
- Prepare budget and forecasting for the Economic Development Division.
- Serve as primary staff support for the City Council’s Economic Development Committee providing policy research and project implementation of economic development activities in the City.
- Serve as the City’s primary contact with the commercial real estate brokerage community including participation at local and regional International Council of Shopping Center (ICSC) events.
- Represent the City and establish and maintain positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, business organizations, state and local agencies and associations, city management, staff and the general public.
- Serve as the City’s liaison with the property owner and manager of Downtown Pleasant Hill to coordinate and facilitate projects in the Downtown.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will have significant economic development experience and will excel project management. The ideal candidate will be able to “hit the ground running” and quickly establish rapport, trust, and credibility within the organization and the community.
Top areas of focus for the next Economic Development Manager will be:
- Collaboration – Continue to work seamlessly with the City Manager and the Community and Economic Development Director’s team.
- Development – Maintain and carry on the momentum the incumbent has set forth on various projects and negotiations such as the Farmers Market. Continue to work on the City’s shopping centers developments.
- Housing – Work with the Planning team on meeting state housing requirements. Work on rezoning commercial areas for mixed-use developments.
- Communication – Foster open and timely communication internally with staff and other departments and externally with developers and stakeholders. Represent the City as a staff liaison on commissions and boards such as the Education Commission.
The City seeks a self-starter with excellent relationship building, communication skills, both spoken and written, and an upbeat attitude about economic development attraction, retention and expansion. The selected candidate will be politically astute will strong relationship and networking skills. This opportunity will serve an individual best if they are truly interested in becoming an integral part of a high performing organization in a highly visible position.
A bachelor’s degree with major course work in public administration, economics, business administration and four years of professional experience is required as is possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate California driver’s license. The ideal candidate will have experience in municipal economic development and expansion as well as a master’s degree.
How to Apply:
Please apply on-line by October 10, 2025 at www.allianceRC.com. For questions and inquiries, please contact:
Sherrill Uyeda
suyeda@alliancerc.com
(562) 901-0769 x 331
Wesley Herman
wherman@alliancerc.com
(562) 901-0769 x 337
Benefits
The City of Pleasant Hill offers a comprehensive benefits program. For detailed benefit information, please review the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Management Pay Plan.
- Health/Medical Benefit: Choice of coverage with Kaiser or Blue Shield. The City pays 75% of the Kaiser monthly premium at each coverage level. In lieu of medical coverage, the City will contribute $400 (employee only coverage) or $500 (employee + 1 coverage) or $600 (family coverage) in cash or a pre-tax contribution into a MissionSquare Retirement 457 deferred compensation plan.
- Dental & Vision: City-paid coverage for employee and eligible dependents.
- CalPERS Retirement: Enrollment in 2% @ 60 (Classic Member).
- MissionSquare Deferred Compensation & Roth IRA Plans: Voluntary plans available. City contributes 3% to a 401(a) plan.
- Retirement Health Savings Plan: City contributes $225/month.
- Life Insurance: City-paid coverage equal to 1x annual salary.
- Long Term Disability: City-paid long-term disability coverage.
- Medicare: Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare with employer match.
- Flexible Spending Account (Section 125 Plan): Dependent care and out-of-pocket medical costs may be paid on a pre-tax basis.
- ScholarShare 529: College Savings Plan available to all employees.
- Wellness: Program that offers fitness classes, annual health expos, health and nutrition education, as well as a variety of mental health resources.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential and voluntary benefit provided to all employees, includes counseling and referral services.
- Holidays: City recognizes 14 paid holidays per year.
- Sick Leave: Accrues at the rate of one day per month, with no maximum accrual.
- Vacation Leave: Up to 25 days; negotiable based on Management Pay Plan.
- Administrative Leave: Up to 16 hours of administrative leave each month on a non-cumulative basis.
- Telework: The City offers up to two days of remote work per week, upon approval of Supervisor and City Manager.
- The City does not participate in Social Security.