Economic Development Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Palm Springs has long been one of the world’s premier visitor destinations. Now, theCityis focused on building the next chapter of its economy – one thatleveragesits globally recognized brand while expanding opportunity through business investment, redevelopment, innovation, and year-round economic vitality.AstheChief Economic Development Officer(CEDO),thisis an exceptional opportunityto bea strategic, collaborativeleaderimplementingan ambitious vision and helpingshape the future of one of California’s most iconic communities.

Nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, the City of Palm Springs is known for its crystal-blue skies, year-round sunshine, stunning landscape, and starry nights. Palm Springs’ rich history and gorgeous weather make it an ideal place to live and a preferred destination for travelers from all over the world. TheCitymaintains the charm of a small town while offering the amenities of an urban center. Palm Springs lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley approximately 107 miles east of Los Angeles. TheCityis within the ecological area known as the Colorado Desert and encompasses96 square mileswith well-established neighborhoods. The permanent population is approximately 50,000 and hasas many as2 million visitors annually. TheCityis known for valuing the diversity of its people and neighborhoods, celebrating a population that includes active senior citizens and LGBTQ+ communities. Residents of Palm Springs have access to shopping, galleries, restaurants, parks, recreational facilities, hiking trails, bike routes, and horseback riding as well as the scenic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mt. San Jacinto. As the City enjoys350 daysof sunshine per year, Palm Springs’ community has year-round enjoyment of the outdoors.

Palm Springs aims to build an economic ecosystem that blends its legacy as a world-class tourism destination with emerging opportunities in technology, sustainability, and the creative sectors. By developing climate-resilient infrastructure, cultivating year-round economic activity, and promoting a business-friendly environment, Palm Springs will transform into a diverse, export-oriented economy where established local industries thrive alongside innovative clusters with global reach. This balanced approach will enhance the city's distinctive character while creatingequitableopportunities and increased quality of life for residents of all ages, sustainable prosperity for businesses, and superlative experiences for visitors during both peak and off-peak seasons.Supporting this workarethe Chief Economic DevelopmentOfficerand a Business District Administrator.An Economic Development Strategic Plan was recently completedto guide the work of the Office.

Reportingdirectlyto the City Manager, the Chief Economic Development Officer provides strategic leadership for Palm Springs’ economic development, redevelopment, and business development efforts. The CEDOleads the City’s Office of Economic Development and works to strengthen economic vitality by capitalizing on existing assets, supporting the business community, attracting investment, and advancing development and redevelopment opportunities. Serving as a key advisor to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and other City leaders, the CEDObuilds productive partnerships with business owners, developers, public agencies, and community stakeholders to advance the City’s economic priorities. Key responsibilities includeeconomicdevelopmentstrategy,departmentleadership,businessdevelopment &retention,redevelopment &investment, financial & program stewardship, executive advisoryleadership, citywide representation & partnerships, community engagement & issueresolution, and management of development agreements & complex negotiations.

The ideal candidate for theChief Economic Development Officerin the City of PalmSpringswill be a sophisticated economic development professionalwho can effectively serve as both a trusted advisor to the City Manager, as well asa capable executive who can work toward established goals. The following attributesarekeys to success:deliberate execution, adaptability, teamwork, collaboration, communication, and savviness.

The hiring range for theChief Economic Development Officeris $140,364- $188,580 dependent on qualifications. An excellent executive benefit packageincludes retirement provided through CalPERS. Classic CalPERS members are eligible forthe 2%@60formulawith an employeecontribution of7%, while PEPRA members areeligible forthe2% @ 62formulawith an employee contribution of 8.75%.

In addition, a modified workscheduleof four10-hour days,Monday-Thursday, is provided.Candidatemust be willing and able to work various hours that may include early mornings, evenings, Fridays, weekends, and holidays.

Foradditionalbenefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers .

Interested candidates should apply no later than Monday, August 24, 2026. Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter online at:

www.mosaicpublic.com/careers

Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 581-1426

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in economics, community development, public administration, or a related field.

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible economic development experience including one year of management and administrative responsibility.