Assistant Director (Unclassified)

The City Manager’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA) , part of the City Manager’s Office, drives San José’s vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous city. The department fosters economic vitality, cultural expression, and workforce opportunity through innovative programs and partnerships that strengthen the City’s fiscal health and enhance quality of life. OEDCA is comprised of three integrated divisions: » Cultural Affairs: Arts, Sports & Entertainment – Promotes a dynamic and creative city by supporting artists and cultural organizations, commissioning public art, producing community events, and managing City-owned convention and cultural facilities. » Economic Growth & Business Development – Fuels San José’s economic success by supporting business retention, expansion, and attraction; advancing real estate and catalytic development; revitalizing Downtown and neighborhood corridors; and empowering small businesses. » Workforce & Talent Development – Builds an inclusive and resilient workforce by connecting residents to education, training, and career pathways, and partnering with employers to align hiring initiatives with regional industry needs.

In alignment with the City’s Two-Year Economic Strategy Work Plan, OEDCA focuses on strategically aligning limited staffing and budgetary resources with initiatives that deliver the greatest impact on job creation and revenue growth. For more information please see the recruitment brochure located here: https://www.mosaicpublic.com/career/2660-assistant-director-of-the-office-of-economic-development-and-cultural-affairs Examples of Duties The Assistant Director serves as the Department’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction to advance San José’s mission of driving economic vitality, cultural vibrancy, and equitable growth.

Reporting directly to the Director, the Assistant Director plays a pivotal role in managing the Department’s day-to-day operations, overseeing three divisions and the strategic support unit, which together encompass 58 positions and an annual budget of approximately $64 million. For more information please see the recruitment brochure located here: https://www.mosaicpublic.com/career/2660-assistant-director-of-the-office-of-economic-development-and-cultural-affairs Qualifications Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, economics, real estate, or a related field (a master’s degree is highly preferred).

Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the department’s functional area or closely related field, including five (5) years of experience with responsibility for supervising manager-level and other professional staff, managing programs and services, or operations within a complex public or private organization. For more information please see the recruitment brochure located here: https://www.mosaicpublic.com/career/2660-assistant-director-of-the-office-of-economic-development-and-cultural-affairs Supplemental Information How to Apply To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit your application at: https://www.mosaicpublic.com/career/2660-assistant-director-of-the-office-of-economic-development-and-cultural-affairs by October 26, 2026.

For further information contact: Greg Nelson at Mosaic Public Partners, (916) 550-4100. The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer.