Assistant Deputy Director - Business Ops. & Support Services - Economic Development Dpt. U2442 (UNC) - City of San Diego, CA

"If you are a mover and shaker, a problem solver, have been in a leadership role, and like all things financially related, including budgeting, general accounts payable (AP), and are familiar with SAP accounts payable and accounts receivable, then you’re what we are looking for in our next Business Operations & Support Services Assistant Deputy Director. Come join our exciting, fast-paced environment to make a direct impact on the community we serve!" 

The Assistant Deputy Director (ADD) is a newly created position in FY25 to provide adequate oversight necessary for the Department’s complex financial and operational needs due to the consolidation of the Real Estate and Airport Management functions into the Economic Development Department.  The Assistant Deputy Director position will be responsible for overseeing the Business Operations and Support Services (BOSS) division which includes but not limited to: development, administration, record keeping and monitoring of Department’s budget, including General Fund, Airport Fund, Concourse & Parking Garages Operating Fund, PETCO Park Fund, Long Range Property Management Fund, Low & Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund, and all state and federal entitlement grant funds that the department oversees; and internal operations support of administrative staff.  This position will develop and implement policies and procedures related to financial and business operations with the goal of creating operational efficiencies while delivering upon high customer service and records management needs.   The ADD will liaise with department divisions to deliver high-quality business and operational support while balancing the City’s key priority areas of focus: Create Homes for All of Us; Protect & Enrich Every Neighborhood; Advance Mobility & Infrastructure; Champion Sustainability; and Foster Regional Prosperity.  The ADD will work closely with the department’s Executive team to advise on areas of risk, implementation of best practices, and ensure all business operations and records management obligations and expectations are met.
 
Under the direction of the Assistant Director, the ADD will be responsible for taking a leadership role and directly supervising one (1) Program Manager and one (1) Information Systems Analyst and managing a division of approximately 25 full-time equivalent staff, who are engaged in a multitude of different financial management, records and operational functions. 
 
The individual must have excellent analytical, written and verbal communication, organizational, and project and program management skills. The individual must be able to work collaboratively, ensure deadlines are met, provide quality control, and think critically as a leader within the Department and within the City. A history of interfacing successfully with internal and external stakeholders/customers is necessary to be successful in this role. Extensive knowledge and experience managing departmental operations, staff administration and financial functions expected. 
 
Key Areas of Responsibilities:

• Participating with the Director and Department Executive Team to formulate the strategic direction of the department and the tactical plans, budgeting systems, and performance metrics required to successfully achieve departmental goals
• Direct oversight of fiscal and internal support activities including the coordination/liaise and management of accounting, treasury, records management and human resources functions within the Department with the City’s Finance, Clerk’s office, City Treasurer, Human Resources, Personnel, and Risk Management Departments
• Management of financial information into the City’s financial management systems, including but not limited to SAP, IDIS, etc.
• Direct oversight of risk mitigation strategies and audit compliance ensuring the Department is adhering to all regulatory and other legal requirements including the City’s Municipal Code and Administrative Regulations related to areas of responsibility managed by the Program Manager
• Direct responsibility and policy direction related to records management responsibilities with records management staff to ensure all records required to be held by the Department are in compliance with the City’s retention policies
• Provide supervision of BOSS division staff including hiring, evaluation, and discipline functions
• Anticipate conditions, plan ahead, establish priorities, and meet schedules
• Carry out additional duties and special projects as necessary

The Assistant Deputy Director position will be responsible for overseeing financial administration and internal operations support activities of the Economic Development Department which include:

• Manage the annual General Fund budget anticipated to be (however has at times exceeded) of $20 M; non-general fund budget of $33M; and a federal and state grant fund portfolio of approximately $200M
• Drive implementing policies and procedures related to financial operations, floor/space management, customer service activities/interface, and records management, including Public Records Act
• Manage the accounting, treasury, records management and human resources functions within the Department with the City’s Finance, Clerk’s office, City Treasurer, Human Resources, Personnel, and Risk Management Departments
• Oversee the proper execution and management of the City procurement process as it relates to contracts administered by the Department
• Direct all regulatory and other legal requirements including the City’s Municipal Code and Administrative Regulations related to areas of responsibility
• Oversee the proper execution and management of the City IT process as it relates to technology, software, and systems administered by the Department
• Coordinate and manage all local, state, and federal audits to ensure compliance of regulations
• Provide oversight to drive strategic recommendations related to expenditure eligibility monitoring and compliance of state and federal funding requirements including reprogramming of project balances and methods to assist the City in meeting HUD timeliness obligations
• Lead and develop BOSS division staff members by supporting professional development, training, and conducting succession planning for the future needs of the department and workforce
• Provide leadership and support for process improvements related to accounts payable, account receivable, budget, records management, IT support, etc and drive change management for BOSS
• Own reporting mechanisms to monitor the fiscal health of the Department and partner with Director and Department leadership team to implement strategies to drive success

Responsible leadership position that oversees a division of 25.00 FTE or more when including department interns 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Business Management, Finance, Economics, Accounting or closely related field, and
• Five (5) years of professional-level experience in the preparation, administration, analysis and development of budgets and/or work of comparable level and complexity in the areas of Accounting, Finance, and /or Economics as well as management experience would be a typical way to demonstrate these qualifications. Qualifying experience must include collecting and analyzing financial data for at least ONE or more of the following purposes: To make financial and economic projections; research to develop/justify budgets and/or long-term financial plans and/or to provide information for policy/business decisions.
• Master’s degree is highly desirable, however not required
• Any combination of education and professional experience that demonstrate these qualifications may be qualifying

Qualifications: 
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Strong management and leadership skills with experience managing varying programs disciplines
• Experience in SAP with public budget formulation, business objects, reports, and other functionalities
• Experience directing and managing accounts payable and accounts receivable functions
• Experience developing and implementing process improvements that result in improved efficiencies
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Experience directly leading a professional team
• Ability to manage and motivate a team of professionals to ensure high performance
• Strong interpersonal skills and political acumen, with the ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to communicate effectively to different audiences, including elected officials, City management, other government agencies, and members of the public
• Ability to comprehend technical details in financial documents and understand how they relate to and impact larger policy goals and objectives and “big picture”
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high pressure environment with tight time constraints
• Interest in municipal activities and services and how they impact the community.
• Mentor team members by creating clarity in ambiguity, developing, motivating and unifying staff
• Commitment to customer service delivery, public service, fiscal responsibility, and innovation in government
• Highly ethical and objective, with the ability to navigate in a political environment without being political
• Energetic and motivated with the ability and desire to take initiative

Desirable Qualifications: 
The ideal candidate may possess the following qualifications: 

• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication, organizational, and project and program management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively, ensure deadlines are met, provide quality control and think critically
• Strong experience successfully interfacing with community-based organizations
• Experience interpreting and communicating federal, State and local regulations
• Experience leading and managing change efforts
• Experience establishing meaningful performance metrics to track and measure success
• Be a highly approachable leader, who can openly accept and work effectively in a climate of interaction, manage and motivate a diverse team of professionals to ensure high performance and communicate horizontally and vertically within the organization
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively identify and support creative and viable solutions within a complex regulatory framework
• Active and genuine commitment to managing diversity in the workplace and encouraging high-performing teams

Benefits:
The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:

• Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.)
• A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver
• 11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year
• Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service
• Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year
• Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child
• Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities
• Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services)
• Reduced-rate fitness center memberships
• City-paid life insurance

For additional details, please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees  (Download PDF reader) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924.
 
The Department: 
The Economic Development Department (Department) leads the City’s efforts in Real Estate services, Airport management, Community and Business Engagement, and Strategic Partnerships.   The Department implements four key goal areas as identified in the Economic Strategic Plan that 1.) Supports workers and families, 2.) Support small and local business, 3.) Bolster trade and innovation, and 4.) Strengthen neighborhoods through economic, business, and community development programs and initiatives that create and sustain a resilient and prosperous City of San Diego.  The Department’s Mission is to provide targeted resources and outreach to promote economic vibrancy, innovation, and opportunity in every neighborhood.  The Department’s Vision is San Diego is a global leader in tackling today’s toughest challenges, bringing shared prosperity and sustainable growth to residents and the broader community.  The Department operates with a staff of 134 full-time equivalent employees, 5 Americorps Vistas, and 8 Employ and Empower interns.  
 
The Department is a dynamic and rewarding place to work, with a complex portfolio that allows team members the ability to have transformative impact.  The City’s real estate portfolio is vast and includes all the facilities necessary to provide the basic functions of government, such as parks, police and fire stations, libraries, maintenance yards, and administrative space.   Additionally, the department manages a major league baseball stadium, a sports arena, an 8,000-acre Agricultural Preserve and nearly 60,000 acres of open space.  City properties support over 800 leases and agreements with third parties, generating tens of millions in income and providing cultural and community-based services including the iconic Balboa Park and San Diego’s water wonderland, Mission Bay.  The Department oversees two airports (Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport and Brown Field Municipal Airport) which combined supports more than 1,500 local jobs and generates $199.0 million in economic activity annually.  The Department’s Community & Business Engagement efforts support local businesses, nonprofits, and families through the administration of ongoing local, state, and federal grant programs, technical assistance, and policy advocacy driving business and community resiliency.  Strategic Partnership’s grow the City’s visibility through public-private partnerships with regional, national, and international entities strengthening the General Fund while contributing to regional and citywide economic development trends. Business Operations and Support Services (BOSS) oversees the Department’s financial administration, internal operations support activities, records management and a recurring federal and state grants portfolio.  BOSS develops and administers the Department’s annual budget, processes rents and maintains accounts for all agreements, creates and processes payments of purchase orders and assists staff with financial transactions.  BOSS ensures timely processing of payments to business owners, nonprofits, and partner agencies who positively impact quality of life for residents and communities.

The City:
With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.
 
The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".
 
As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 11,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2024 operating and capital budget of approximately $5 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.
 
Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information.  Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. 
 
Application Instructions: Kindly adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below, we regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered. 
 
Selection/Application Process:
To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at: HumanResources@sandiego.gov
1) Resume;
2) Letter of Interest, highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position; and
3) List of three professional references.
 
NOTE(S): 

1. Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format. 
2. Reference Recruitment Number U2442 in the Subject Line.
3. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.

Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.  If you have any questions, please email the City’s Human Resources Department at HumanResources@sandiego.gov.
 
The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.