City of West Hollywood

SALARY: $178,210.68 – $234,548.76 Annually

LOCATION: West Hollywood, CA

JOB TYPE: Full-time Regular Status

JOB SUMMARY

The City of West Hollywood is seeking a dynamic Business Development Manager who will assist the Economic Development Director with the management of the department, including business attraction, retention, and expansion; the development and implementation of strategies that encourage the revitalization and expansion of existing businesses; assisting with the implementation of the soon-to-be adopted Economic Study and Weho 40 Strategic Plan, as well as management of the City’s transit programs including CityLine Local, CityLine Commuter, CityLine Flex (Dial-a-Ride), and The PickUp. The Business Development Manager must have experience working with businesses and the general knowledge necessary to assist new businesses as they navigate the planning and permitting process. The successful candidate will have experience working with City Councils, community and special interest groups, outside agencies, and Chambers of Commerce. Additionally, experience with local, state, or federal grant management and audits, as well as experience working collaboratively with neighboring jurisdictions/agencies on large-scale projects, is highly desired. 

The Ideal Candidate will

  • Have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and progressive working environment.
  • Have experience conducting research and identifying financial and other economic data, trends and resources for commercial development opportunities.
  • Exhibit exceptional customer service, written and verbal communication, and critical thinking skills.
  • Be highly organized and efficient, with excellent time management and multi-tasking skills.
  • Be self-motivated and a consensus builder.

This position will be responsible for policy development, managing consultant contracts and special projects; researching and preparing reports and presenting to various boards and commissions and the City Council; and assisting with the development and management of the department budget.   

Position reports to: Economic Development Director

Job Brochure link: Business Development Manager

Important Dates/Tentative Schedule:

  • Application filing deadline: Monday, October 28th at 5:00 pm Pacific Time
  • Oral board interviews (virtual): Friday, November 8th
  • Division interviews (in-person): Week of November 12th

Selected candidates will be notified once the dates are finalized. It is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Job Summary:
Manages staff and directs, plans, organizes, coordinates and performs a variety of complex professional and administrative business development activities including business recruitment, attraction and retention; develops and implements strategies to encourage revitalization and expansion of existing businesses; oversees the coordination and implementation of the City’s transit operations and applicable transit staff/contractors; and maintains cooperative working relationship with local business organizations. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.

  • Carries out supervisory/managerial responsibility in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws, including: interviewing, hiring and training staff; planning, assigning and directing work; establishing deadlines; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; coordinating, developing and approving staff training; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
  • Plans, coordinates, assigns, and monitors performance and coaches, counsels, mentors, trains, and advises employees in department for the dual goals of meeting department goals and employee career development; assists staff in the completion of assigned tasks.
  • Acts as the primary liaison providing technical coordination and comprehensive services to the business community including: business owners and operators; developers and their representatives and various boards and commissions.
  • Develops or assists in the development of marketing strategies and public information materials designed to promote the City as a desirable location for business and develops recommendations and programs to provide visual enhancement to the business community. 
  • Conducts research and identifies financial and other economic data, trends and resources for commercial development opportunities. 
  • Oversees policy and direction in areas of business development and makes recommendations to the department and City Council; coordinates business related activities for the City and for key local industries regarding business attraction, retention and expansion.
  • Coordinates and manages multiple contracts including the coordination and negotiation of consultant services, transit vehicles, solicitations, and the issuance and analysis of development proposals, development agreements and/or requests for proposals or qualifications. 
  • Manages special projects relating to business development or public improvements from program inception, design, development and implementation; coordinates work of consultants, committees and staff in the completion of complex program activities. 
  • Develops, administers, and maintains a variety of development and capital improvement projects and programs ensuring the attainment of City goals and objectives.
  • Represent the City in the region to other municipal governments and their organizations; organize, attend, and serve the City’s interest at public, community, and special interest meetings, as well as civic and legislative events.
  • Expedites, educates, develops, and coordinates activities for businesses and their representatives regarding the regulations/requirements of the various City programs involving other City departments, community groups, property owners, developers, regulatory agencies, and federal and state agencies.
  • Coordinates division activities with other departments, divisions, and/or outside agencies.
  • Manages the Division’s budget and assists in preparing the organization budget, including: conducting research; preparing projections; working with departments to correct/amend budget submission; providing and presenting financial information and related data; and participating in budget hearings/meetings.
  • Prepares and/or reviews complex reports and analysis utilizing a variety of software; receives, sorts, and summarizes material for the preparation of reports; prepares work reports; relays and interprets administrative decisions, policies and instructions.
  • Assists in planning long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure, and overall direction for the department.
  • Assists in planning and implementing short-term or annual goals, objectives, and strategies for the department, projects or programs to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.

IMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Prepares reports and makes presentations to the City Council and various boards and commissions.
  • Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
  • Interacts with a variety of high level individuals, both internally and within the community, to provide information, disseminate departmental information and assist in resolving administrative issues.
  • Disseminates a variety of information to various agencies, divisions, or departments via telephone, mail or FAX.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:

  • General Office Equipment                     
  • Computer                                                                                 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field; Master’s degree in related field is preferred; and,
  • Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible related experience; or,
  • Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Management of staff and activities, either directly or through subordinate supervision.
  • Principles and practices of the public administration, including knowledge of government organizations and operations. 
  • Principles and practices of project management and budget preparation.
  • Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
  • Principles and practices of redevelopment, including State redevelopment law.
  • Applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations, and legislative issues.
  • Local, state, and federal funding and financing for development projects.
  • Architectural, urban planning & zoning, development, and construction principles and practices.
  • Principles and practices of real estate negotiation, transfer, title, economics, financing, and law.
  • Principles and practices of real estate appraisal, acquisition, disposition techniques; development participation incentives and performs development and analysis.
  • Principles and practices of economic research, analysis, and data compilation.
  • Principles and practices of research, analysis, data compilation and effective report writing.
  • Grant administration requirements and procedures.
  • External governmental bodies and agencies related to area of assignment.
  • Principles, practices, and techniques of effective customer service and collaborative problem solving.
  • Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation. 
  • Budget development processes and procedures.
  • Project management techniques, including contract management.

Skill in:

  • Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff; selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and professional development.
  • Developing and implementing policies and procedures.
  • Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
  • Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. 
  • Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
  • Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; analyzing, resolving, and/or making recommendations regarding a variety of administrative, financial, and operational issues. 
  • Communicating orally and in writing with staff, the public and City and government officials in order to give and receive information in a courteous manner.
  • Public speaking techniques.
  • Using a computer and appropriate computer applications to perform the essential and important functions of the job.

Abilities:

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations at the appropriate level.
  • Ability to learn and follow City and departmental policies and procedures. 
  • Ability to communicate in English both orally and in writing at the appropriate level.

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and occasionally push, pull and/or lift up to 10 pounds.  
 
Working Conditions:

  • Work is performed in a normal office environment with little exposure to outdoor temperatures or dirt and dust.
  • The incumbent’s working conditions are typically moderately quiet.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job.   Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible

Benefits

Retirement

The City participates in the California Public Employees’ Retirement Systems (CalPERS).  The retirement formula will be based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS, e.g. 2% @ 62 for New Members (average of three highest years) or 2.7% @ 55 for Classic Members (single highest year) with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS reciprocal agency.  New Member employees are responsible for paying the employee contribution of one-half of the total normal cost of the plan (currently at 7.25%), as defined by CalPERS, through a payroll deduction. Classic Members are responsible for paying the employee contribution of 8% through a payroll deduction. The City does not participate in Social Security.

  • Employees will be enrolled in a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan funded by a City contribution ($150 per month). A 457 (b) Deferred Contribution Plan is also available for voluntary contributions. Annual limits are dictated by the IRS. This retirement savings plan allows employees to save funds on a tax-free basis for retirement.
  • City contribution of $100.00 per month for Retiree Health Savings (RHS).

Health Benefits

  • A flexible benefit allowance for health, dental, and vision insurance with an added allowance for eligible dependents, including children (under the age of 26), spouse, or domestic partner (effective the 1st of the month following hire date).

Leave Time

  • Vacation Leave:
  • 116 hours – Less than 1 year of service;
  • 156 hours – 2nd – 5th year of service;
  • 176 hours – 6th – 9th year of service;
  • 196 hours – 10th year of service and beyond.
  • Sick Leave: 96 hours per year
  • Holidays: 11 City-paid holidays
  • Personal Leave/Floating holiday: 36 hours per fiscal year
  • Administrative Leave: 12 hours per month.

Other Benefits

  • 9/80 Modified Work Schedule: Work schedule consisting of eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day, and one day off in a 2-week period. Under a typical 9/80 arrangement, employees work four 9-hour days, followed by an 8-hour workday that is split into two 4-hour periods.
  • Life insurance equal to 2 times your annual salary plus $20,000. The total maximum coverage will not exceed $500,000 (effective the 1st of the month following the hire date).
  • Disability Insurance: 66 2/3% of salary to a cap of $3,077 per week after a 29-day elimination period (for short-term disability).
  • Technology Allowance: The city pays an allowance of $75 per month for the use of personal technology devices for technology purposes. These allowances provide complete reimbursement to the employee for the use of their private cell phone or other electronic devices for City business. A city-issued laptop will be provided.
  • Tuition reimbursement at 100% of the fee schedule for the University of California (UC Tuition Resident fee) for job-related courses pre-approved by the Department Director (up to $14,436 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025).
  • Optional Benefits: AFLAC, Supplemental Life Insurance, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Flexible Benefits Account (FSA) for medical reimbursement and dependent care assistance, and cash out of accrued Vacation and Administrative Leaves.