Job Description
JOB The Office of Economic Development in the City Manager's Office for the City of Santa Cruz is seeking a Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Development.Under the guidance of the Deputy City Manager, the ideal candidate will assume this new role at an exciting time, bringing leadership experience to programs and initiatives that promote economic development from a base within the City Manager's Office. As a key leader of the management team, the Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Development will foster trust and respect, be a clear communicator, and will employ a collaborative leadership style to contribute to an organizational culture of equity and inclusion.To learn more about the Office of Economic Development, please visit https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/City-Manager/Office-of-Economic-DevelopmentThe eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary vacancies in this classification that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director. Recruitment #26-068APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.On Thursday, 06/04/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit: Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application. Week of 06/08: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 06/15/26.Week of 06/22/26: Oral exam interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise. Top candidates from the oral exam will proceed to a selection interview, which may include an additional written and/or performance exercise. Basic FunctionUnder general direction, plans, organizes, manages, and assists in the daily leadership, administrative direction, and oversight of the Office of Economic Development and includes the day to day management of three divisions; the Business Services Division, the Asset Management Division and the Development Division; and at this time also includes the Public Arts and Culture Division. Coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; fosters cooperative working relationships among departments, divisions, and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups. This position plans, coordinates, administers, and manages grants and various highly complex projects. Participates in the development of city policies and strategies; manages the effective use of city resources; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Deputy City Manager in areas of expertise; assumes department head responsibilities in the absence of the Deputy City Manager; and performs related duties as assigned.Distinguishing CharacteristicsThis is a mid-management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, managing, and evaluating the Office of Economic Development. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include assisting in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration, short- and long-term planning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include grant management, direction of the administrative team and duties, coordinating the activities of the division with those of other divisions, departments, and public and private agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the Office. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Deputy City Manager in that the latter has overall management responsibi