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Economic Development Director Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

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Work with the Tribal Council to plan, facilitate, and coordinate community and economic development ... Perform other related duties as directed. QUALIFICATIONS : · A minimum of five years in ...

... economic divides in Northern Sonoma County. \n \n \n \n \n \n The ED will lead the organization ... Including hiring\/firing staff, training and program development \n \n \n Community Building ...

Executive Director

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... of socio-economic realities • Amplifying the voice and influence of the Latinx community in ... • Provide professional development opportunities for staff to learn new skills and ...

Facilities Director

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$126K - $180K/yr

... economic needs of the entire community. FULL TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: * 21 Days of Paid Time Off ... Oversee projects from concept through closeout, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling ...

Facilities Director

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$126K - $180K/yr

... economic needs of the entire community. FULL TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: * 21 Days of Paid Time Off ... Oversee projects from concept through closeout, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling ...

Facilities Director

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$126K - $180K/yr

... economic needs of the entire community. FULL TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: * 21 Days of Paid Time Off ... Oversee projects from concept through closeout, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling ...

Facilities Director

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$126K - $180K/yr

... economic needs of the entire community. FULL TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: * 21 Days of Paid Time Off ... Oversee projects from concept through closeout, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling ...

Own the bottoms-up revenue forecast built from CRM pipeline data & BOM * Assist development of the ... Design and maintain sophisticated Excel financial models for project economics, scenario analysis ...

... development opportunities. Our leadership understands what your practice needs to thrive and gives ... Monitor current and future healthcare and economic trends. Assess their potential impact on the ...

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Economic Development Director information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$53K

$135.5K

$220.9K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Santa Rosa, CA is $135,501.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,900.00 and $167,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,501 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Executive Director of Tribal Administration

Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

Rohnert Park, CA • On-site

$310K - $410K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description
Application Closing Date: Open until filled Mission Statement
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria exists to exercise its inherent sovereign powers, customs, and traditions; to perpetuate its unique native heritage; to preserve and protect the rights and privileges of the Tribe; to establish justice in the conduct of tribal affairs; to work for the social and economic betterment of all the Tribal Citizens; and to foster the value of education.
Position PurposeThe Executive Director of Tribal Administration (EDTA) oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the Tribal Office. The EDTA provides leadership to tribal government staff and ensures effective and efficient management of governmental functions and programs. The EDTA reports to the Tribal Council and implements Tribal Council's initiatives, programs, policies, and projects. Essential Duties, Functions & Responsibilities
  • Oversee the day-to-day administration and management of the Tribal Office and provision of services to Tribal Citizens and Clients.
  • Maintains effective working relationships with Tribal Council, the Graton Economic Development Authority, Tribal Citizens, and Citizen Committees.
  • Ensures the cooperative and efficient operation of the Tribal Office.
  • Develops long-range organizational goals and annual operational objectives and advises Tribal Council regarding emerging opportunities, risks, organizational priorities and departmental outcomes and establishes leadership expectations and accountability standards.
  • Supervises and provides leadership and guidance to Tribal staff and Tribal government departments to ensure fulfilment of Tribal and departmental objectives.
  • Responsible for developing plans, policies, goals, and programs to implement decisions and initiatives of the Tribal Council.
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of programs and identifies areas needing development and improvement in alignment with the goals of the Tribal Council.
  • Provides regular written reports to the Tribal Council concerning the status of all assignments, duties, projects, programs, activities, and personnel matters.
  • Oversees and coordinates with Human Resources Director in the hiring of staff and management personnel.
  • Works with Tribal Council, Chief Financial Officer, and department heads to create and implement Tribal government budgets.
  • Coordinates preparation of resolutions, contracts, and other documents by the Tribe's legal counsel.
  • Responsible for maintaining standards of service to Tribal Citizens.
  • Ensures that all tribal programs are in compliance with Tribal law, policies, and procedures.
  • Oversees planning and implementation of Tribal grants pursuant to Tribal Council direction.
  • Evaluates the performance of department directors and managers in accordance with policy.
  • Reviews and provides signatory approval of purchase requisitions, reimbursements, travel requests, and other administrative requests as defined in the Fiscal Policies.
  • Supervises and coordinates with the Human Resources Director on all aspects of Human Resources, including but not limited to training, recruiting, employee relations, employee development, and Personnel Policies and Procedures, workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and workplace culture initiatives
  • Facilitates staff meetings and Managers' meetings.
  • Responsible for risk management and protection of tribal resources and assets, and oversees enterprise risk management, emergency preparedness, business continuity planning, and organizational resilience
  • Responsible for thorough, accurate, and organized reporting to the Tribal Council.
  • Other duties as delegated and/or assigned by the FIGR Tribal Council.
Supervisory Responsibilities The EDTA directly supervises all Program Managers and Department Managers/Directors.
Requirements
Minimum Mandatory QualificationsExperience
  • Ten (10) years of professional management and program management experience.
  • Direct supervisory management experience.
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration and/or Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Government, or other related fields.
License/Certification:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under the Tribe's policy.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in business administration and/or Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Government, or other related fields.
  • Tribal Government experience.
  • Experience administering tribal government programs.
  • Knowledge of government fund accounting, general accounting, and audit principles.

Skills, Abilities, and Other Qualifications
  • Ability to work independently within established policies, procedures, and schedules.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgement and possess problem-solving skills involving variables in standardized situations and the ability to make decisions that are varied, and, in many cases, when there is no precedent to draw upon.
  • Ability to establish and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with employees at all levels throughout an organization and to lead, create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion, particularly regarding sensitive or confidential personnel or organizational matters.
  • Ability to work efficiently and effectively when in high-pressure situations and under deadlines.
  • Ability to delegate and conduct oversight appropriately to ensure timely completion of all required tasks and projects.
  • Ability to understand complex financial requirements and policies, including coordination of annual budget process.
  • Ability to work with tribal budget stakeholders at all levels (e.g., Finance Department Staff, Program Managers, Department Managers/Directors, Tribal Council, etc.)
  • Ability to master and effectively use the database and software systems used at FIGR.
  • Ability to adhere to the highest level of professional ethical standards.
  • Demonstrate a solid understanding of and ability to manage organizational structures and adherence to chains of command.
  • Demonstrate advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, with the ability to monitor own work to ensure quality.
  • Demonstrate a record of satisfactory performance in all prior employment as evidenced by positive employment references from previous employers.
  • Demonstrate strong cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively within a Native American tribal government environment.
  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Successful clearance of all pre-employment testing, background, and credit checks.
  • Ability to perform other duties as assigned.