Economic Development Research Jobs in California

Description The City of Antioch is currently accepting applications for the Economic Development Specialist within the Community & Economic Development Department. The Economic Development Division (which is part of the Community & Economic Development Department) is responsible for the City's efforts to attract, retain, expand, and assist businesses in Antioch, generating wealth through which community benefits are realized. Our end goal is a business community known for its complexity and diversity.

We support a wide range of programs and initiatives to help existing businesses and attract new ones. Outreach to businesses, property owners and commercial real estate brokers is a key component of the division's strategy. This position will be posted through September 18, 2026, or until 200 applications are received.

Applicants interested in applying are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Under general supervision, the Economic Development Specialist is a key specialist and performs professional-level analytical, research, programmatic, and administrative work in support of the City's economic development initiatives, redevelopment activities, business retention and attraction efforts, and strategic economic development planning functions. This position prepares reports, maintains dashboards, audits, and performance metrics; supports grant and contract administration; and assists management staff with special projects and economic development strategies.

Examples of Duties The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Collect, analyze, interpret, and present economic and financial data related to commercial activity, development projects, property assets, sales tax performance, employment trends, housing production, and other economic indicators.

Develop and maintain databases and reporting tools, spreadsheets, and monitor economic development performance metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and benchmarking reports. Assist with annual and periodic audits, compliance reviews, grant reporting requirements, and performance evaluations for economic development programs and initiatives. Research federal, state, regional, and local funding opportunities and assist in preparing grant applications, reports, and supporting documentation.

Provide analytical and administrative support for economic development programs, redevelopment projects, incentive programs, special initiatives, preparing presentations and informational materials for public meetings, business forums, commissions, and community events. Prepare comprehensive staff reports, City Council agenda reports, presentations, briefing materials, correspondence, and other documents for management, commissions, and stakeholders. Compile and prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports regarding economic development activities, program outcomes, financial performance, and strategic initiatives.

Assist in budget preparation, budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting for economic development programs. Serve as a liaison with City departments, businesses, community organizations, chambers of commerce, regional agencies, consultants, and other stakeholders regarding assigned projects and initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications Knowledge of: Principles and practices of economic development, redevelopment, and community development. Economic research methods, statistical analysis, and performance measurement techniques. Municipal government operations and public administration.

Financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and fiscal impact analysis. Business attraction, retention, expansion, and workforce development strategies. Data management, reporting systems, and business intelligence tools.

Principles of project management and program administration. Research methodologies and techniques for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data. Federal, state, and local economic development programs and funding sources.

Grant administration, compliance monitoring, and reporting requirements. Contract and agreement administration practices. Public sector budgeting and financial reporting principles.

Customer service and public relations techniques. Modern office technology and software applications, including Microsoft Excel, Power BI, GIS, database management systems, and presentation software. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies affecting economic development activities.

Ability to: Analyze complex economic, financial, operational, and demographic data and draw meaningful conclusions. Prepare clear, concise, and professional reports, dashboards, presentations, and correspondence. Conduct research and present findings and recommendations to management and stakeholders.

Develop and maintain databases, tracking systems, performance metrics, and reporting tools. Monitor program performance and identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement. Coordinate multiple projects and meet competing deadlines.

Interpret contracts, grants, agreements, policies, and regulations. Support audits, compliance reviews, and performance evaluations. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, businesses, developers, public agencies, and community organizations. Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.

Education/Training: Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Finance, Data Analytics, Statistics, Political Science, or a closely related field or a high school diploma/GED and two (2) years of directly related and progressively responsible experience in economic development, public administration, business analysis, financial analysis, research, planning, data analytics, and grant administration. Experience: Two years (2) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, public administration, business analysis, financial analysis, research, planning, data analytics, grant administration, or a related field. License: Possession of a valid California driver's license.

For out-of-state candidates, we will accept an out-of-state driver's license at the time of application; however, a valid California driver's license must be obtained by the time of appointment. physical demands and WORKING ENVIRONMENT The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with travel to different sites. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings. Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Employees working in the field may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, construction equipment, and mechanical and/or electrical hazards. FLSA: Non-Exempt Created July 2026 This class specification identifies the essential functions typically assigned to positions in this class. Other duties not described may be assigned to employees in order to meet changing business needs or staffing levels but will be reasonably related to an employee's position and qualifications.

Other duties outside of an individual's skill level may also be assigned on a short-term basis in order to provide job enrichment opportunities or to address emergency situations. Supplemental Information EEO/ADA: The City of Antioch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, please contact Human Resources at 925-779-7020 or HR@antiochca.gov prior to the final filing date.