Development Manager

About the Department

The Office of Economic Development in the City Manager's Office for the City of Santa Cruz is seeking a Development Manager in the Infrastructure and Property Development Division. The Development Manager in the Infrastructure and Property Development Division will chart the direction for complex project development plans and applicable funding programs to finance them. Develop and oversee multi-layered project budgets with supported by multiple funding sources.  Manage varied regulations for funding programs, compliance and monitoring and layering them into project performance deadlines, legal agreements, budget drawdowns and other financing tools. Negotiate complicated transactions and agreements and applicable matters for project development plans and use of City assets. Plan, organize, and supervise the work of property management staff and supervise consultants on various project development activities. Other areas of assignment for the Development Manager are in Affordable Housing Development, Arts & Culture, Infrastructure & Property Development. 

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 05/21/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted.  To apply, submit: 

  1. Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely.  Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
  2. Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application. 

• Week of 05/25 and 06/01/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 06/12/26.
• Week of 06/15 and/or 06/22/26: Oral exam interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates.  The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.  
• Top candidates from the oral exam will proceed to a selection interview, which may include an additional written and/or performance exercise.  

Position Duties

(Duties typically performed by senior redevelopment managers -may include, but are not limited to those duties listed below).

• Plans, organizes and directs major functions of the Office including project management, construction management, financial administration, contract compliance, and other development management functions. 
• Supervises, trains and evaluates personnel and recommends the selection, promotion and discipline of division employees as required.  
• Develops the annual Office of Economic Development budget and monitors major expenditures; prepares cash flows and financial analysis for the Office of Economic Development divisions; and prepares grant drawdowns and expenditure reporting for various funding streams.
• Serves as a technical advisor to the Office of Economic Development Deputy Director and other City staff, the Successor Agency and various city boards and commissions on relevant matters.
• Assists in developing and implementing department-wide goals, policies and procedures.
• Pursues federal and state grants funds.
• Prepares and/or directs the preparation of complex grant and permit applications.
• Ensures project compliance with grant or permit regulations.
• Prepares state and federal legislation pertaining to economic development and housing issues affecting the Successor Agency and City projects and the community at large. 
• Negotiates, prepares and administers contracts and agreements.
• Administers grant/funding to comply with related program funding performance deadlines and regular reporting requirements.
• Develops and/or assists in the preparation and evaluation of Requests for Qualifications and Requests for Proposals for developers.
• Participates in the selection and supervises the work of professional planning and engineering consultants retained for the implementation of development related studies, reports and programs.
• Prepares or supervises the preparation of staff reports, resolutions, research reports, Successor Agency reports and other material used by City department advisory bodies, the Successor Agency and others.
• Meets with and advises developers and general public regarding complex development issues.
• Assists in the formulation of programs and policies for presentation to the City Council and Successor Agency.
• Develops strategies and plans for revitalization areas, creates new enterprise zones, and amends existing development plans and studies.
• Represents the City and Successor Agency at hearings of official bodies.
• Attends meetings of the City Council and/or Successor Agency, providing testimony and advancing proposals and policies of the City.
• Carries out special assignments regarding the expansion of City property, sales, and transient occupancy tax bases through new development.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

In addition to the above, the following duties are also performed for specific assignments:

Office of Economic Development within the City Manager’s Office - Technical

• Provides technical advice to other City departments and City Council with respect to economic development opportunities and programs.
• Recommends and coordinates implementation of procedures and policies for the effective management of the City's real estate assets.
• Develops and implements plans for asset leveraging, acquisition, or disposition.
• Performs property management functions for those City properties which are specifically assigned relating to City project activities.
• Serves as liaison between City and tenants, private developers, and the City Council Subcommittees for those specifically assigned City-owned properties and assets.
• Participates in and makes recommendations concerning determining the value of City assets including loans, leases, land, fixed assets acquired through project operations or by the City, sales prices, and developer contributions for various public purposes.

Successor Agency - Administrative

• Assists in the general administration of Agency affairs and execution of Agency programs and policies.
• Ensures Agency compliance with affirmative action policies and other contract provisions.
• Coordinates long- and short-term project cash flow budgets and analyses.
• Supervises the preparation and maintenance of important detailed reports and records.
• Coordinates the Successor Agency agenda.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting and occasional standing, walking, kneeling, and stooping in the performance of daily activities.  The position also requires fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard.  Additionally, the position requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents.   Acute hearing is required when talking on the phone or in person. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds may be required.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that provides the below knowledge, skills, and abilities combined with any required licenses and certificates is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of the following:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in economic business, planning or closely related field; and 
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible, professional experience in community development or redevelopment in municipal government or private development;. and  
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.

OR 

• High school diploma; and 
• Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible, professional experience in community development or redevelopment in municipal government or private development; and. 
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.

Knowledge:

• Applicable laws and regulations pertaining to California Redevelopment law, Successor Agency Legislation, California Environmental Quality Act, and California Planning Law.
• Principles and practices of:
  • Local government redevelopment and successor agency administration. 
  • Effective supervision and leadership, performance management, career development .and mentoring, team building and conflict resolution.
  • Budget preparation and control
  • Contract administration.
  • Legal and procurement procedures
• Successor Agency and redevelopment procedures
• Negotiating disposition and development agreements
• Elements of building planning and design

Abilities:

• Coordinate and manage effectively all aspects of a complex multi-functional development activity.
• Develop and control operational and project budgets.
• Prepare complex development plans, reports and analysis.
• Plan, organize, supervise, work of professional consultants.
• Research and analyze operational and technical issues and develop appropriate recommendations for action.
• Interpret, apply and explain State and Federal development laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Administer complex development plans and associated administrative activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship with developers, contractors, consultants, Advisory bodies, city staff, other governmental agencies and the general public.
• Implement complex multi-functional projects involving a broad range of city, private and governmental agencies.
• Negotiate complicated transactions.

Licenses And Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license and a safe driving record or ability to use an alternate method of transportation that may include but is not limited to using a ride hailing service, using a taxi, carpooling, bicycling, or walking. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in planning, community development, business administration, economic business, or construction management.
• Experience with a Successor Agency.
• Public sector development experience.

Other Qualifications

• Deputy City Manager
• Deputy Director of Office of Economic Development 
• Housing & Community Development Manager
• Development Manager or Economic Development Manager
• Business Liaison 
• Property Manager
• Economic Development Coordinator I/II