Economic Development Research Jobs in California

Salary : $93,133.08 - $115,376.28 Annually
Location : Downey, CA
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 25-075
Department: City Manager
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
ABOUT THE POSITION
NOTE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. First review of the applications will occur on July 24, 2026. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.
Under the general direction of the City Manager's Office, the position will manage, supervise, and coordinate economic development initiatives and business assistance and outreach, and will implement programs, projects and activities that further the City's economic development goals.
This position is FLSA exempt, non-represented, and serves in an "at will" capacity. Salary and benefits are established by City Council Resolution for classifications designated as Executive, Mid-Management, and Confidential/Exempt.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily operations, activities, and services of the Economic Development Division.
• Develops, implements, and monitors goals, objectives, policies, and procedures to support continual and strategic economic growth through business attraction, expansion, and retention.
• Coordinates with other City departments, agencies, and community partners to align development strategies with City goals and priorities.
• Stays abreast of new trends, innovations, legislation, and best practices in economic development programs; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Assists existing businesses with new location, relocation, and expansion needs.
• Plans and coordinates business outreach and the Discover Downey marketing program
• Represents the City with developers, brokers, commercial real estate professionals, site selectors, and business leaders.
• Facilitates outreach with merchants and chambers of commerce.
• Provides direction in real estate, redevelopment, workforce development, and small business support,
• Serves on local, regional, and task forces, committees, and organizations to promote the City's economic interests.
• Directs, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff; provides training and professional development; and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Prepares, administers, and monitors budgets for assigned programs and projects.
• Identifies, pursues, and manages funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and other financial resources.
• Prepares and presents reports, proposals, and recommendations to the City Council, boards, commissions, and community organizations.

• Perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:
Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration or a closely related field.
Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible administrative experience, including at least two years of direct supervisory experience. Governmental/municipal agency experience is preferred. Proficiency in the use of MS Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access plus additional experience in the use of the Department of Housing and Urban and Development's Integrated Disbursement Information System (IDIS) is required.
Knowledge of: Demonstrated knowledge of Economic development; knowledge of economics and procedural requirements of development, including land acquisition and disposal, relocation and property rehabilitation, real estate development and finance.
Ability to: Supervise assigned personnel; communicate and deal effectively with a variety of individuals and groups including developers, property owners, consultants, architects, engineers, and the general public; plan and implement comprehensive projects and compile project and research studies; prepare a wide variety of technical reports and specifications; analyze and solve complex issues and problems; schedule work, set priorities, and monitor work progress; analyze issues and draw logical, supportable conclusions; communicate in an effective manner with those encountered in the performance of duties such as interest groups and governmental agencies. A qualified candidate should possess strong presentation and networking skills with the ability to make strong oral and written reports.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
License/Certification: Due to the performance of field duties, the ability to operate a City vehicle is required including possession and maintenance of an acceptable driving record upon appointment and throughout employment in the position is required. A valid California Class C Driver's License is required upon employment and throughout the course of employment in the position.
California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.
PHYSICAL TASKS/ABILITIES & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work is performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels; duties require the ability to hear, speak, touch, and see. Travel may be required due to business related trips via auto or other forms of transportation. Work is generally performed in an intermittent or prolonged sedentary position at a work station using a keyboard and personal computer requiring sitting and occasional reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, and pulling to open or closed file or desk drawers. Intermittent to prolonged finger dexterity is required to file or operate general office equipment, including a keyboard in the preparation of reports using a personal computer. The duties will require intermittent periods of walking or standing at a counter or during presentations or business encounters involving offsite meetings; occasional lifting and carrying materials or files at waist level weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds is required with seldom overhead lifting; and requires the flexibility to work hours outside of the regular work schedule, including evenings or weekends to attend business meetings or community events.
Selection/Testing Process:
All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the applicant's qualifications for the position. All information submitted is subject to verification.
For consideration, an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire are required to be completed and submitted by the application deadline. An attached resume will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application. Failure to complete all the information requested may result in an application being removed from consideration.
Applicants who most closely meet the desired qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen, will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.
To view the benefit summary for this position please click
The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed formal education?

• None
• High School graduate or equivalent
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Coursework beyond Bachelor's degree
• Master's Degree or higher

02
Which of the following best describes your experience in economic development programs?

• No experience
• Less than three(3) years of experience
• Between three (3) and five (5) years of experience
• More than five (5) years of experience

03
Which of the following best describes the amount of direct supervisory or lead experience?

• None
• Less than one (1) year
• Between one (1) and three (3) years
• More than three (3) years

Required Question