Economic Development Manager Jobs in Berkeley, CA

• MARIN COUNTY, CA
• San Rafael, California, United States

ABOUT US

The Office of the County Executive implements the policy direction of the Marin County Board of Supervisors and supports the effective delivery of public services across 22 departments. It provides leadership on countywide initiatives, coordinates interdepartmental and cross‑jurisdictional programs, and oversees the County’s $865 million budget.

Our work includes advancing the Board’s strategic priorities, and leading cross‑cutting efforts in housing, climate, equity, emergency preparedness, homelessness, and more.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Economic Vitality and Municipal Services Director is a newly established executive management position within the Office of the County Executive. Reporting to a Deputy County Executive, the Director provides strategic leadership for the County’s Economic Vitality and Municipal Services Division and serves as a trusted advisor to the County Executive and Board of Supervisors. The Director will strengthen Marin’s economy, support thriving communities, and improve quality of life throughout the county.

The Director will oversee three program areas supported by a three‑person staff:

• The County’s Economic Vitality Program
• Municipal Services in unincorporated West Marin
• Municipal Services in unincorporated Marin City

In 2025, the Board of Supervisors established Community and Economic Vitality as a countywide priority and directed the development of a comprehensive, regional Economic Vitality Strategic Roadmap. The Director will lead this initiative, setting strategic direction, overseeing consultant work, advising the Board, and guiding implementation of a long‑term strategy that aligns County departments, Marin’s 11 cities and towns, regional partners, educational institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders around shared priorities.

The Director will also provide executive oversight of municipal services for the County’s unincorporated communities of West Marin and Marin City, ensuring municipal services are coordinated with Economic Vitality efforts: identifying local economic opportunities, strengthening partnerships, informing County policy, and mirroring the distinct needs of the communities.

As one of the Office of the County Executive’s Division Directors, this position regularly works with Board Members, Department Heads, city and town managers, business leaders, community‑based organizations, and regional partners on complex policy issues requiring strategic thinking, political acumen, and collaborative leadership.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build and shape a new County function. The Division is in its early development stage, and two of its three positions are currently vacant. The Director will play a central role in recruiting staff, establishing the Division’s culture, defining operational priorities, and building the long‑term partnerships, systems, and capacity necessary to sustain this work for years to come.

This position is full‑time and on‑site at the historic Frank Lloyd Wright‑designed Marin County Civic Center, with flexibility for remote work one day per week.

ABOUT YOU

Our ideal candidate is an experienced executive leader who enjoys building partnerships, developing organizations, and leading complex initiatives that improve communities. You are comfortable building a new high‑profile program, working across jurisdictional boundaries, consulting elected officials, and bringing diverse stakeholders together around shared goals.

• Builds trust and credibility with elected officials, executive leadership, community partners, and residents.
• Navigates complex policy and political environments with sound judgment and professionalism.
• Thinks strategically while maintaining a strong focus on implementation and measurable results.
• Understands how to leverage underutilized assets and activate stakeholders.
• Brings people together to solve challenging problems through collaboration.
• Values public service and understands the role local government plays in strengthening communities.
• Develops high‑performing teams and enjoys mentoring and supporting staff.

You bring:

• Experience in economic development, community development, or cross‑sector collaboration.
• Strong research, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Data‑informed decision making balanced with community engagement.
• Passion for building vibrant, inclusive, and future‑ready communities.

Experience with business development, workforce issues, housing, placemaking, or local government is highly desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge Of:

• Economic development principles, strategies, and best practices.
• Community development methodologies and cross‑sector collaboration techniques.
• Public‑private partnership frameworks and stakeholder engagement approaches.
• Local, state, and federal regulations, codes, and policies affecting economic vitality programs.
• Local governance in unincorporated areas.
• Data analysis techniques and demographic research methods.
• Governmental budgeting, finance, and resource allocation processes.
• Grant development and contract management.
• Organizational structure and functions of local government.
• Software applications and systems used for economic data management and program administration.

Ability To:

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive economic vitality strategies and programs aligned with County priorities.
• Navigate complex issues and competing interests to identify practical, consensus‑based solutions.
• Build and sustain consensus among diverse stakeholders, including business leaders, community organizations, government agencies, residents, elected officials, and regional partners.
• Analyze and interpret complex economic, demographic, and programmatic data and reports to inform decision‑making and policy development.
• Think critically and exercise sound judgement in evaluating program effectiveness while pursuing innovative approaches that improve organizational performance, service delivery, and community outcomes.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, executive leadership, governmental agencies, community groups, business leaders, and the public.
• Represent the County in public, governmental, and professional forums and serve as a trusted advisor on economic vitality and municipal services matters.
• Direct multiple high‑priority initiatives simultaneously and effectively manage competing demands, resources, and timelines.
• Select, supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate managerial, professional, and support staff.
• Utilize technology and information systems to support strategic planning, analysis, and program management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to qualify is:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public administration, business administration, management, urban planning, public policy, or a closely related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience with economic development and/or community services‑related initiatives or programs, at least two of those years in a management, supervisory, or program administration capacity.
• Experience in a public agency is strongly preferred.

BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual; 12 holidays per year; generous sick leave accruals.
• Health Plan: Choice of four health plans (two Kaiser HMOs, Western Health Advantage HMO, and an Anthem Blue Cross PPO) and corresponding dental and vision plans with County contribution toward premiums.
• Retirement: Defined benefit plan under the County Employees Retirement Act of 1937.
• IRS 457 Plan: Choice of pre‑tax or post‑tax (Roth) employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
• Retiree Medical: Group health plan coverage for eligible retirees.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Marin employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100‑3109). Employment requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath, completion of Disaster Service Worker‑related training, and willingness to return to work as ordered in an emergency.

CLOSING DATE

8/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific