Economic and Workforce Development Director

City of Oakland, California
Economic and Workforce Development Director
As one of the largest Cities in the Bay Area, the City of Oakland is seeking a dynamic, experienced Economic and Workforce Development Director who will recognize this great opportunity to act as a steward of one of the State’s most dynamic emerging economies. This entrepreneurial leader will excel in business development strategies, stimulating interest in a wide range of workforce and development opportunities, real estate and cultural affairs, understanding the complexities of public finance, cultivating strategic partnerships, and supporting a revenue-driven approach for the city. Working collaboratively with the City Administrator or his designee, the Economic and Workforce Development Director will also lead the City in exploring options for supporting the City’s small business environments, while at the same time, serving as the point person to a full range of stakeholders (business community, civic leaders, developers, educational partners, and the broader community). Additionally, the Director will work with the City in developing and implementing a five year strategic plan in coordination with the development of the General Plan Amendment.
 The Economic and Workforce Development Director reports directly to the City Administrator and is a key member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team. The Economic and Workforce Development Team consists of a staff of 68 (including the Economic Development Director) that is organized into seven Divisions: Administration, Cultural Affairs, Real Estate Asset Management, Business Development, Public/Private Development, Special Activities and Workforce Development. These divisions work in harmony to achieve the overall mission of the Department and provide such critical services as grant funding to support city wide cultural activities; vital partnerships with the development community; special event permits, issuance of cannabis permits; working with public, private, and non-profit groups as well as working collaboratively with the Oakland Workforce Development Board (OWDB) to support the needs of all businesses and workers alike.
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary to satisfy job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: A Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field and three years progressively responsible professional level experience in economic or community development, research, business administration, or closely related field in regional and urban contexts like Oakland; a Master's degree in one of the fields listed above would be highly desirable and may be substituted for one year of experience. All candidates who meet the qualifying education and experience are strongly encouraged to submit credentials for consideration.
The Salary range for this position is $169,050 to $253,575 and will be dependent on qualifications (DOQ) and consistent with the City’s recent practices. The City offers a comprehensive executive level benefits package including CalPERS retirement.
Apply prior to Monday, December 18, 2023 by submitting a compelling cover letter and comprehensive resume to apply@ralphandersen.com. For confidential inquiries contact P. Lamont Ewell by email at lamont@ralphandersen.com; or by calling (916) 630-4900. Detailed brochure available at www.ralphandersen.com.