Chief Economic Development Officer
THE OPPORTUNITY
Palm Springs has long been one of the world’s premier visitor destinations. Now, the City is focused on building the next chapter of its economy – one that leverages its globally recognized brand while expanding opportunity through business investment, redevelopment, innovation, and year-round economic vitality. As the Chief Economic Development Officer (CEDO), this is an exceptional opportunity to be a strategic, collaborative leader implementing an ambitious vision and helping shape the future of one of California’s most iconic communities.
ABOUT PALM SPRINGS
Nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, the City of Palm Springs is known for its crystal-blue skies, year-round sunshine, stunning landscape, and starry nights. Palm Springs’ rich history and gorgeous weather make it an ideal place to live and a preferred destination for travelers from all over the world. The City maintains the charm of a small town while offering the amenities of an urban center. Palm Springs lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley approximately 107 miles east of Los Angeles. The City is within the ecological area known as the Colorado Desert and encompasses 96 square miles with well-established neighborhoods. The permanent population is approximately 50,000 and has as many as 2 million visitors annually. The City is known for valuing the diversity of its people and neighborhoods, celebrating a population that includes active senior citizens and LGBTQ+ communities. Residents of Palm Springs have access to shopping, galleries, restaurants, parks, recreational facilities, hiking trails, bike routes, and horseback riding as well as the scenic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mt. San Jacinto. As the City enjoys 350 days of sunshine per year, Palm Springs’ community has year-round enjoyment of the outdoors.
THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Palm Springs aims to build an economic ecosystem that blends its legacy as a world-class tourism destination with emerging opportunities in technology, sustainability, and the creative sectors. By developing climate-resilient infrastructure, cultivating year-round economic activity, and promoting a business-friendly environment, Palm Springs will transform into a diverse, export-oriented economy where established local industries thrive alongside innovative clusters with global reach. This balanced approach will enhance the city's distinctive character while creating equitable opportunities and increased quality of life for residents of all ages, sustainable prosperity for businesses, and superlative experiences for visitors during both peak and off-peak seasons. Supporting this work are the Chief Economic Development Officer and a Business District Administrator. An Economic Development Strategic Plan was recently completed to guide the work of the Office.
THE POSITION
Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Chief Economic Development Officer provides strategic leadership for Palm Springs’ economic development, redevelopment, and business development efforts. The CEDO leads the City’s Office of Economic Development and works to strengthen economic vitality by capitalizing on existing assets, supporting the business community, attracting investment, and advancing development and redevelopment opportunities. Serving as a key advisor to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, and other City leaders, the CEDO builds productive partnerships with business owners, developers, public agencies, and community stakeholders to advance the City’s economic priorities. Key responsibilities include economic development strategy, department leadership, business development & retention, redevelopment & investment, financial & program stewardship, executive advisory leadership, citywide representation & partnerships, community engagement & issue resolution, and management of development agreements & complex negotiations.
The ideal candidate for the Chief Economic Development Officer in the City of Palm Springs will be a sophisticated economic development professional who can effectively serve as both a trusted advisor to the City Manager, as well as a capable executive who can work toward established goals. The following attributes are keys to success: deliberate execution, adaptability, teamwork, collaboration, communication, and savviness.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in economics, community development, public administration, or a related field.
Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible economic development experience including one year of management and administrative responsibility.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The hiring range for the Chief Economic Development Officer is $140,364 - $188,580 dependent on qualifications. An excellent executive benefit package includes retirement provided through CalPERS. Classic CalPERS members are eligible for the 2% @ 60 formula with an employee contribution of 7%, while PEPRA members are eligible for the 2% @ 62 formula with an employee contribution of 8.75%.
In addition, a modified work schedule of four 10-hour days, Monday-Thursday, is provided. Candidate must be willing and able to work various hours that may include early mornings, evenings, Fridays, weekends, and holidays.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates should apply no later than Monday, August 24, 2026. Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter online at:
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | [email protected] | (916) 581-1426
