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Economic Development Director Jobs in Riverside, CA

Economic Development Manager

Perris, CA · On-site

$70.72 - $94.78/hr

Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for the Economic Development Department; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor ...

... economic development programs, and help entrepreneurs navigate the development process. Every day offers an opportunity to strengthen Fontana's economy, build lasting relationships, and play a direct ...

CA · Hybrid

As Director of Corporate Development , you will lead transactions end-to-end from LOI through close ... AOV, merchandising economics, inventory turns, store productivity, CAC, and retention.

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Economic Development Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$50.6K

$129.3K

$210.7K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Riverside, CA is $129,296.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,400.00 and $160,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an economic development director?

An economic development director is a city government employee who helps spur the city economy. Your two biggest responsibilities are to persuade new businesses to move into your town and to encourage existing businesses to expand. You attend fundraising events for civic and business groups and interact with donors to make connections with potentially valuable economic partners. Your duties include developing strategic programs for economic and financial growth, analyzing market trends, writing city tax policy proposals, and advising the city manager and the city council.

What does an economic development director do?

An Economic Development Director is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to promote economic growth within a community or region. They work to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and encourage job creation by collaborating with local government officials, business leaders, and community organizations. Their duties often include managing economic incentive programs, overseeing redevelopment projects, and conducting market research to identify opportunities for development. Ultimately, their goal is to improve the local economy and enhance the quality of life for residents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Director, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and public policy, typically supported by a degree in economics, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with economic modeling software, GIS tools, and grant management systems is often required, along with certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Strong leadership, strategic communication, and relationship-building abilities help foster collaboration among public, private, and community stakeholders. These skills are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, securing funding, and driving sustainable economic progress in a community or region.

What are the main challenges economic development directors face when balancing community needs and business interests?

Economic Development Directors often need to align the interests of local businesses, government stakeholders, and community members, which can be challenging due to differing priorities. For example, attracting new businesses might conflict with preserving community character or addressing affordable housing. Success in this role frequently involves transparent communication, creative problem-solving, and building consensus through public engagement and strategic partnerships. Navigating these complexities requires adaptability and a strong understanding of both economic trends and local needs.

What is the difference between Economic Development Director vs Economic Development Specialist?

AspectEconomic Development DirectorEconomic Development Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Economics, Business, or Public Administration; experience in economic planningSimilar credentials, often with less managerial experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in government agencies or economic development organizationsSupport role, assisting with projects and research
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, regional agencies, economic development firmsLocal government departments, economic development offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in economic developmentLearning about supporting roles in economic growth projects

The main difference between an Economic Development Director and an Economic Development Specialist lies in their level of responsibility and leadership. The Director oversees strategic planning and manages teams, while the Specialist focuses on supporting projects and research. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work within government or economic organizations, but the Director holds a higher managerial position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Economic Development Director jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,296 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

DEPUTY COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR (Non-Classified*)

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA

$191K - $267K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position The City of Riverside, Community & Economic Development Department is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Economic & Development Director to fill two (2) vacancies. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. Under general direction, the Deputy Community & Economic Development Director will plan and manage the administrative and operational functions of City planning, building, code enforcement, economic development administration, real property services, and successor agency; oversee division and departmental work programs, service delivery systems, internal processes, and coordination of assigned activities with other City Departments and outside agencies; and do related work as required.

*This position is designated as non-classified and is exempt from the classified service. The Incumbent shall be appointed "at-will" and serve at the pleasure of the City Manager. Work Performed Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Coordinate community development operations, programs and administrative functions through appropriate organizational and management practices including City planning, building, code enforcement, economic development support activities, real property services, grants and neighborhood engagement and successor agency; recommend, administer and continuously improve policies, procedures and service standards.

Plan, recommend and direct implementation of departmental operational policies, internal procedures, and interdepartmental coordination practices that support community development, permitting, development review, budgetary, performance, and administration of community and economic development initiatives. Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, internal reporting relationships and performance measure; identify opportunities for improvement; direct the implementation of changes. Participate in the development and administration of the Department's budget; forecast the need for additional funds for staffing, equipment, materials, supplies, contracts and technology; manage the monitoring of and approval for expenditures; direct the preparation of and implement budgetary adjustments as necessary.

Coordinate the Community & Economic Development Department's work plan; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; oversee implementation schedules, internal accountability measures, and cross-divisional process improvements. Coordinate Community & Economic Development Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies, organizations and residents to ensure timely project routing, consistent interpretation of requirements, and effective resolution of operational issues related to planning, building, code enforcement, and development services. Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations and operational studies; recommend modifications to Community Development programs, policies and procedures as appropriate; analyze workflows, staffing deployment, permit processing practices, and customer service systems to improve efficiency and consistency.

Serve as an advisor to elected officials and appointed boards, commissions, administrative committees and citizen's committees on community development matters, including operational impacts, policy implementation, service levels, and administrative considerations. Oversee the administrative and operational aspects of community and economic development programs, agreements, and related initiatives, including coordination of internal review, tracking of assigned projects, preparation of staff reports, and implementation of approved policies and programs. Oversee permitting-related functions in coordination with assigned division managers, including application intake, fee assessment, plan routing, permit issuance, interdepartmental review, inspection coordination, and occupancy-related processes, to support predictable and efficient service delivery.

Develop, monitor, and report on performance and data metrics, workload indicators, and service outcomes for departmental functions, including permitting, development review, code enforcement, real property services, grants administration, and economic development support activities. Negotiate, coordinate, and manage professional service agreements, administrative contracts, consultant scopes of work, and grant- or project-related compliance requirements within assigned areas of responsibility. Ensure maintenance of accurate and complete departmental records, permits, agreements, project files, data systems, and administrative documentation related to community development and economic development programs.

Monitor legislation, regulations, and administrative requirements affecting departmental operations and assigned programs; recommend and implement procedural updates to maintain compliance and improve service delivery. Select, supervise, train and evaluate professional, para-professional, technical and administrative support staff; establish performance expectations; support staff development; and promote continuous improvement and customer service excellence. Qualifications Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, public or business administration or a closely related field.

A Master's Degree is highly desirable. Experience: Five years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory management experience in community development, economic development, urban planning or a closely related field including substantial responsibility for departmental operations, budget administration, process management, and staff supervision. Selection Process DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION: 1) Completed Employment Application 2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire 3) Resume and Letter of Interest FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver's License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment. Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination. NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S

college or university. Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options: An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at Members - NACES or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/

An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university. All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.


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