Economic Development Manager

The City of Gilroy is ideally situated in south Santa Clara County, 28 miles south of San Jose and 15 miles east of the Pacific Coastline. Gilroy has emerged as a thriving city of almost 60,000 residents, with a healthy economic base. Gilroy’s economy is diversified into non-agricultural commercial and industrial activities such as light manufacturing, wholesale operations, automobile sales, and large retail centers. The world-famous Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most enterprising and technologically advanced metropolitan areas, is located within a 1/2-hour drive north of the city. Gilroy is best known as the “Garlic Capital of the World.” But the City is also known for its peaceful residential environment, its award-winning parks, golf course and recreation programs, and for its “urban forest.”

The Economic Development Manager (EDM) will be the City of Gilroy’s most active business champion and advocate, proactively focusing on the City’s long-term comprehensive economic development strategy. The EDM will meet with a wide variety of officials, business organizations, and individuals, both public and private, concerning the work and goals of the city in building a strong local and resilient economy. The EDM will be an integral member of city staff as well as a close partner and key resource to the business community including the Downtown Business Association, Chamber of Commerce, and the California Welcome Center Gilroy. As a critical member of the City Administrator’s staff, the EDM is expected to maintain a close, communicative, and proactive relationship with the Administrator.

The position requires five or more years of increasingly responsible experience in city economic development, planning, community development, redevelopment, or closely related field, including at least two years of management or supervisory experience that has included significant operational and administrative responsibilities. Equivalency to a Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in Real Estate Development, Business/Public Administration, Public Policy, Executive Leadership, Sales & Marketing, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree in the above fields of study and/or an economic development-related certification is highly desirable. The salary range is $128,384 - $171,210 annually, DOQ.  A 5% COLA adjustment is scheduled for 7/1/2024. To be considered, please visit the Avery Associates Career Portal at www.averyassoc.net/current-searches/ to upload your letter of interest, resume and contact information including email addresses for five work-related references to Paul Kimura. This position is open until filled.