Salary: $190,517.34 - $307,769.02 Annually
Location : San Jose
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
DEPART: Economic Development
Opening Date: 04/23/2026

About the Department

THE DEPARTMENT
The City Manager's Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA), part of the City Manager's Office, drives San José's vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous city. The department fosters economic vitality, cultural expression, and workforce opportunity through innovative programs and partnerships that strengthen the City's fiscal health and enhance quality of life.

OEDCA is comprised of three integrated divisions:

• Cultural Affairs: Arts, Sports & Entertainment - Promotes a dynamic and creative city by supporting artists and cultural organizations, commissioning public art, producing community events, and managing City-owned convention and cultural facilities.
• Economic Growth & Business Development - Fuels San José's economic success by supporting business retention, expansion, and attraction; advancing real estate and catalytic development; revitalizing Downtown and neighborhood corridors; and empowering small businesses.
• Workforce & Talent Development - Builds an inclusive and resilient workforce by connecting residents to education, training, and career pathways, and partnering with employers to align hiring initiatives with regional industry needs.

In alignment with the City's Two-Year Economic Strategy Work Plan, OEDCA focuses on strategically aligning limited staffing and budgetary resources with initiatives that deliver the greatest impact on job creation and revenue growth.

OEDCA's mission is to catalyze equitable job growth, investment, entrepreneurship, cultural vibrancy, and talent attraction and retention across San José. The department focuses on five strategic priorities:

1. Retaining and growing jobs and revenue while promoting innovation in key sectors such as manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
2. Fostering small business resilience and thriving commercial districts.
3. Accelerating the growth of a vibrant Downtown.
4. Positioning San José as the South Bay's hub for sports, arts, and entertainment.
5. Preparing residents to thrive in the local economy through education, training, and career support.

Together, these efforts make OEDCA a vital force in shaping San José's economic strength, cultural vitality, and long-term prosperity. To learn more about the department,
Position Duties

The Assistant Director serves as the Department's Chief Operating Officer (COO), providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction to advance San José's mission of driving economic vitality, cultural vibrancy, and equitable growth. Reporting directly to the Director, the Assistant Director plays a pivotal role in managing the Department's day-to-day operations, overseeing three divisions and the strategic support unit, which together encompass 61 full-time employees and an annual budget of approximately $67 million. This position is responsible for translating the Director's strategic vision into actionable goals and measurable outcomes with direct accountability for implementing the Two-Year Economic Strategy Work Plan to ensure progress toward citywide economic development priorities. The Assistant Director will ensure operational excellence, optimize processes, and integrate emerging technologies-including automation and artificial intelligence-to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and community impact. The successful candidate will be an innovative and forward-thinking leader, capable of navigating complex organizational challenges and fostering collaboration across teams, departments, and external partners. As a trusted advisor to the Director and a key member of the executive team, the Assistant Director will lead efforts to build a high-performing, inclusive workforce and maintain a culture grounded in accountability, transparency, and innovation. This role offers an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic and results-oriented professional to make a lasting impact in one of the nation's most diverse and forward-looking cities. The Assistant Director will help shape San José's economic future-strengthening local business growth, expanding workforce opportunities, and enriching the city's cultural landscape.

To view the Class Specification,
Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, economics, real estate, or a related field (a master's degree is highly preferred).
• Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in business management and/ or administration, operations, or a related field. Experience at a level equivalent to Deputy Director is desirable.

Other Qualifications

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a strategic, innovative, and forward-thinking leader with exceptional operational and organizational management skills. As a trusted advisor and collaborative partner, this individual combines creativity, sound judgment, and decisive leadership to deliver high-impact results in a fast-paced, complex environment. The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and relationship builder, skilled at leading and mentoring high-performing teams, fostering accountability, and promoting a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement. They will be a hands-on problem solver and systems thinker, capable of refining processes, coordinating department-wide deliverables, and helping staff move from reactive to strategic execution. With a keen eye for efficiency and innovation, the ideal candidate will embrace technology-including automation, analytics, and emerging tools such as AI-driven solutions and copilots-to enhance operations, strengthen internal communication, and improve service delivery. This leader will demonstrate high emotional intelligence, adaptability, and integrity, effectively engaging with the City Manager's Office, Mayor, City Council, and community stakeholders. As a representative of the Director, the Assistant Director will confidently handle complex matters, streamline operations, guide budget and contract administration, and contribute to shaping citywide strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate is a visionary operational leader-a collaborative, tech-savvy, and organized professional dedicated to advancing San José's mission of innovation, efficiency, and service excellence.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Assistant Director salary range is currently $184,968 - $298,804. Placement within this range will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the individual selected.

The salary is supplemented by an attractive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:

• Retirement - The City has its own competitive defined benefit retirement plan separate from and with full reciprocity with CalPERS.
• Health Insurance - The City contributes 90% towards the premium for the lowest-priced nondeductible plan. Several plan options are available.
• Dental Insurance - The City contributes 100% of the premium of the lowest-priced plan for dental coverage.
• Personal Time - Vacation is accrued initially at the rate of three weeks per year with amounts increasing up to five weeks after 15 years of service. Vacation accrual may be adjusted for successful candidates with prior public service to reflect a vacation accrual rate commensurate with total years of public service. Executive Leave of 40 hours is granted annually and depending upon success in the Management Performance Program, could increase to up to 80 hours. Sick Leave is accrued at the rate of approximately 8 hours per month.
• Holidays - The City observes 15 paid days annually.
• Deferred Compensation - The City offers an optional 457(b) plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts - The City participates in Dependent Care Assistance and Medical Reimbursement Programs.
• Insurance - The City provides a term life insurance policy equal to two times annual salary. Long-term disability and AD&D plans are optional.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - The City provides a comprehensive range of services through its EAP.

Executive Management Benefits -

Health Benefits -
APPLICATION PROCESS
To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of six work-related references (two supervisors, two direct reports, and two colleagues, who will not be contacted until final stages and only with p