Economic Development Director - City of Gilroy, California
Located at the southern gateway to Silicon Valley, the City of Gilroy (population 60,000) blends innovation and enterprise with small-town warmth and historic charm. Nestled in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Gilroy offers scenic beauty, a strong sense of community, and exceptional access to the entire San Francisco Bay Area. With U.S. Highway 101 and State Route 152 intersecting the city, Gilroy is perfectly positioned for connectivity to San Jose, Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, and the Central Valley. Once an agricultural hub, Gilroy has evolved into a dynamic, diversified economy that includes advanced manufacturing, retail, distribution, tourism, and emerging technology. To learn more about this dynamic city, please visit www.cityofgilroy.org.
The City of Gilroy seeks an accomplished and energetic Economic Development Director to lead the City’s efforts in business attraction, retention, and community revitalization. This highly visible executive will drive initiatives that enhance Gilroy’s economic vitality—revitalizing the downtown core, expanding the City’s industrial and commercial base, and positioning Gilroy as a future high-speed rail destination. Operating within a lean two-person department, the Director will be both strategist and implementer: a hands-on leader who can develop policy, broker complex deals, and champion Gilroy’s story with conviction. The role requires exceptional collaboration across City departments, elected officials, and the business community to promote a unified vision for growth and prosperity.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, tenacious, and forward-thinking leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-opportunity environment. They will possess technical depth in real estate, land development, construction, and finance—skills that underpin sound decision-making and successful project delivery. A persuasive communicator and skilled negotiator, this individual will bring the confidence to represent Gilroy with distinction, the diplomacy to manage complex relationships, and the creativity to drive meaningful economic results.
Candidates who understand Gilroy’s unique position on the edge of Silicon Valley and can leverage that advantage to attract business investment and create jobs will find this role both exciting and rewarding. A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Marketing, Business or Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field is required, along with at least ten (10) years of increasingly responsible local government experience in economic or community development, including five (5) years in a management capacity. A Master’s degree (MBA or MPA) and certifications such as ACE, CEcD, or equivalent are highly desirable.
The salary range for this outstanding opportunity is $204,675 to $281,132. Placement within this range is dependent upon qualifications.
Filing Deadline: November 14, 2025
Resumes are acknowledged within 2 business days.
