Economic Development Manager

The City of St. Petersburg, Florida is seeking applicants for its Economic Development Manager position. This is very responsible professional and managerial work directing the strategies and activities of the city's Economic & Workforce Development Department. Work involves providing strategic oversight and direction for highly skilled professional staff and departmental goals through an understanding of operational leadership and by successfully creating, fostering and facilitating partnerships with the community's economic development organizations and agencies. This position will direct and oversee all aspects of the City's economic development including real estate development, community reinvestment, small business and entrepreneurial development, and workforce development, all with a focus on reflective, inclusive, and equitable opportunity creation. Work requires frequent presentations to City Administration and City Council, regular collaboration with internal stakeholder departments, and will have extensive contact with the community, citizens, and business owners.

Salary:

$96,328 - $151,830

DOQ Close Date:

07-16-2026 (11:59 PM) To Qualify Minimum Qualifications.

Applicants must:

Possess a valid Bachelor's degree. Have significant prior progressive experience in public sector economic and workforce development, preferably with a local government. Have prior management and/or supervisor experience with a verifiable work history of successfully implementing economic development programs. Possess a clear and thorough understanding of government economic and workforce development principles, methods, and procedures. Have experience setting strategic plans for internal work teams. Have an understanding and use of transparent data for impact reporting and metrics. Have considerable understanding of accounting and budgeting principles as they relate to economic development. Have considerable knowledge and understanding of creating, negotiating, and enforcing compliance of economic development programs, including related codes and ordinances. Possess a thorough knowledge of municipal government related economic and workforce development programs. Be able to successfully organize, direct and manage the economic development activities of the employees, department, and City. Be able to exercise good judgment in making decisions in accordance with applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures. Be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, including public speaking and making official presentations on behalf of the City. Acknowledge this position is designated at Emergency Critical (EC) and if hired into the position, you must be immediately available to the department before, during, and after a declared emergency and/or disaster. Desirable Qualifications.

Preferred applicants:

Have a post-graduate degree in a related field. Have extensive and significant progressive experience as an Economic Development Manager for a local government, preferably in Florida. Selection Process

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For purposes of employment, re-employment, promotion, transfer or demotion, the most qualified applicants will be selected to continue in the hiring process. At this point, any prior criminal records will be verified. A prior criminal record will not necessarily disqualify a selected applicant from employment. The City of St. Petersburg is committed to a Drug Free Workplace and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules. Applicants may be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing and/or medical exams. How To Apply Apply online at www.stpete.org/jobs - Select See Open Jobs . City employees must use the Current City Employee link or use a City computer to access iRecruitment Employee Candidate. The City of St. Petersburg is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity employment and encourages individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply for posted positions. In accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes, qualified servicemembers/veterans and the spouses/family members of certain servicemembers/veterans receive preference/priority in employment. Eligible applicants are responsible to apply for Veterans' Preference at the time of submission of any job application. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to apply, to interview for positions and to perform the essential job functions.