Job Description

The City of Newark's incredibly successful Deputy Economic Development Director’s relocation left big shoes to fill, and we are confident there is a candidate who is ready to take on the challenge! We are searching for our next Deputy Economic Development Director to lead the city’s thriving Economic Development Division. The Deputy Director is a high-level management position responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and managing the operations related to the City’s Economic Development programs. Division staff work independently and in partnership with other City departments to accomplish economic development objectives and goals; provide policy, technical, and market support on projects; establish metrics for evaluating the success of economic development programs and initiatives; conduct regular assessments and prepare comprehensive reports for stakeholders and senior management.

The Economic Development Division is highly regarded by the City Council and has developed exceptional trust within the organization and with our business community. The trust developed within and outside the organization is based on a strong foundation of communication and outreach. Staff regularly visit businesses in person to establish and maintain connections. The Division offers a variety of workshops that further strengthen ties between businesses and the City. Future work includes assistance with development and growth of our local chamber of commerce, identifying new opportunities for advance manufacturing and life science industries, and growing our tax base with our existing and new businesses.

Newark is well known within the community as a wonderfully diverse place to live, grow a business, volunteer, eat at fabulous local restaurants, and enjoy the outdoors. Companies including Lucid Motors, ATUM, Freewire, Allogene, and Cepheid are at home in Newark and thanks to Cargill, we also harvest salt! Ohlone College's health, environment, and technology campus is in Newark and our Sunday Farmer's Market is very popular. Newark’s central location allows us to have one foot in Silicon Valley, another in the East Bay, and just a short ride on the Dumbarton bridge to the Peninsula.

Our next Deputy Economic Development Director will take advantage of what Newark has to offer to promote our businesses, develop policies and programs to grow and attract new companies, and continue our success into the future.

For more information about the Community Development Department, please visit our website at www.Newark.org, click the “Departments” tab, and select “Community Development”.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, Public Administration, or a related field.
A Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations or Public Administration is desirable.

Experience:

Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, redevelopment, real estate development, or related field including two (2) years of supervisory experience.

License:

Possession of a valid driver license and a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate embodies a passion for fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development that enhances the overall quality of life for Newark's community. They thrive as an independent leader in a fast-paced environment, with a commitment to excellence and a genuine dedication to advancing the economic well-being of our city through strong professional relationships.

The ideal candidate is also a strategic leader with a proven track record of successfully driving economic growth within a municipal or regional context and possesses a unique blend of skills, experiences, and personal qualities that bolster vibrant economic development. They are comfortable regularly speaking and interacting with stakeholders at all levels - elected and appointed officials, department directors, other city staff, community leaders, Chamber and business representatives, and members of the public. Exceptional written and oral communication skills will ensure success in this role.

The incumbent will demonstrate the city’s values known as “PRIDE” (Personal Service, Resourcefulness, Innovation, Diversity, and Engagement) as a member of Newark's energetic leadership team.

Benefits

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The City offers an outstanding benefits package that includes:

Health Insurance: The City contributes the following amounts to employee health and welfare benefits:
- Employee only: $913
- Employee + 1 dependent: $1,826
- Employee + 2 or more dependents: $2,412

If employee declines any or part of the City's cafeteria plan, employee may receive up to $450 cash-in-lieu per month or use the cash to pay for other benefits such as dental, vision, or additional life insurance. Any cash out will be paid to the employee in taxable compensation. Proof of medical insurance is required.

Retirement: CalPERS 2.5% @ 55 for Classic members or 2.0% @ 62 for New PEPRA members. The City does not participate in Social Security. The City participates in Medicare.
General Leave: 184 to 264 hours of general leave accrual each year, depending on length of service. Up to 80 hours of general leave may be converted to pay per fiscal year.
Management Leave: Up to 56 hours per fiscal year.
Holidays: 13 paid holidays per year, including 2 flexible days
Life Insurance: City-paid $50,000 policy
Health Care Allowance: $100/month
Educational Reimbursement: Up to $10,000 lifetime benefit
Long-term and Short-term Disability: Voluntary participation
Wellness: On-site bicycle lockers and employee wellness activities such as workshops, fitness challenges, and informal meetings
Health & Fitness: Employees and eligible family members enjoy free use of the gym, exercise equipment and pools at the Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center, as well as resident rates for classes and rentals

Special Instructions

An application, resume, and cover letter must be submitted through CalOpps.org by April 29, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. The most qualified candidates will be invited to panel interviews scheduled for May 9, 2024. Finalists will be invited to an interview with the Community Development Director and the City Manager, tentatively scheduled for May 14, 2024. The selected final candidate will be required to complete a background check, including fingerprinting, credit check and a basic physical exam.

We will make reasonable efforts in the selection process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department as early as possible for accommodation requests.

The City of Newark is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace, and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of any local, state, or federal protected class.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all potential employees are required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States. All new employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath.

All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100. In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster.

Recruitment Contact