Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Economic Development Specialist

Reports to: Senior Director of Economic Development

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $70,000 - $75,000

Tentative Start Date : July 1

Location : Downtown San Diego area

Why this job? – Total Rewards Package

• Salary: $70-$75K/year
• Hybrid Schedule: Mon - Friday, minimum of 3 days in office, based on operational needs
• Bi-Weekly Paychecks
• Medical Coverage; Dental Coverage; Vision Coverage
• Parking Allotment
• Earn up to 15 days of Paid Vacation annually.
• 5 days of Paid Sick Time annually
• 401K Plan + Employer Match (eligible after 6 months of employment)
• Employee Assistance Program

** In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position. If you are hired at the Downtown San Diego Partnership, your final base salary (within the pay range), will be determined based on factors such as education, knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members when determining any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer generous benefits and retirement plans. **

Position Summary:

The Economic Development Specialist will work with the Senior Director of Economic Development to conduct research, analyze data, create content, and correspond with diverse stakeholders in support of DSDP’s business retention and recruitment, strategic planning, and Downtown development support efforts.

We are looking for a dynamic, adaptable team member who is eager to contribute to enhancing the Downtown economic development ecosystem through intentional and strategic support. This Specialist role is a project-based, multidisciplinary opportunity intended to lead the data, research, and reporting efforts of the team.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Market Research (40%):

• Support the Economic Development team in executing wide array of programs, research projects, meetings, and data collection to help promote Downtown San Diego’s economic strengths.

• Staying informed about local, regional, and national trends, competitor markets, and demographics.

• Track relevant news related to economic and cultural vitality in Downtown San Diego.

• Facilitate data collection and inquiry requests, including the training and use of CoStar and Placer Ai software.

• Proactively engage with key stakeholders, including business owners, community organizations, and industry leaders, to foster strong relationships and promote the interests of downtown businesses.

Data Analysis & Reporting (30%):

• Assist with the maintenance of internal databases and business/real estate resources, including the Downtown Innovation Center.

• Facilitate data collection and inquiry requests, including the training and use of CoStar and Placer Ai software.

• Analyzing data related to key industry statistics, user behavior, and economic impact to identify trends and areas for improvement.

• Communicate updates and recommendations to the DSDP leadership and relevant stakeholders.

• Collaborate with community organizations, chambers of commerce, and industry associations to identify key trends.

Project Management & Business Support (20%):

• Develop and implement initiatives to provide support, resources, and educational opportunities to downtown stakeholders. This may include workshops, seminars, training programs, and networking events.

• Attend events, committee meetings, and community functions on behalf of the Downtown Partnership.

• Support the Economic Development team in the implementation of the DSDP Economic Development Framework.

Communication and Promotion (10%):

• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop and execute strategic collateral that promotes downtown San Diego as a vibrant business destination.

• Communicate research findings and recommendations effectively to internal and external stakeholders, including government officials, industry partners, and the public.

• Support projects and stakeholders by creating market data and research reports; including contributing content for the Create the Future branding initiatives.

• Help tell the story of Downtown as a market for investment and growth through data, case studies, and research.

**Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all the activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. **

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public policy, business, economics, real estate, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 1–3 years of professional experience in economic development, urban planning, data analysis, real estate, business development, or a related area.
  • Demonstrated interest and experience in cities, urban development, and community initiatives.
• Technical & Analytical Skills:
  • Strong analytical and research skills; able to synthesize and communicate complex data effectively.
  • Proficiency with Excel, GIS, CoStar, Placer.ai, or similar data tools.
  • Ability to create clear, engaging reports and visual presentations.
• Communication & Collaboration:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Collaborative, adaptable, and eager to build positive relationships with stakeholders.
• Personal Attributes
  • Highly organized, proactive, and self-motivated.
  • Creative, resourceful, and committed to driving community impact in Downtown San Diego.
• Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
  • Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.

Core Attributes

• Passion for Downtown and the San Diego community
• Collaborator & Community Impact focused
• Adaptable & Quick learner
• Have a go-getter proactive approach
• Detail-oriented
• Out of the box thinker
• Community Impact Focused

Pre-employment Requirements

This position is contingent on successfully passing:

• Reference Check
• Criminal Background Check,
• Pre-employment Drug Screening,
• Credit Check (if applicable)

About the Downtown San Diego Partnership

The Downtown San Diego Partnership (DSDP) is a nonprofit organization that serves as the principal voice and driving force behind the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of Downtown San Diego through membership, advocacy, public services, and community investment. The organization’s nearly 300 members, representing a variety of business sectors including real estate, technology, banking, law, defense, insurance, communications, energy, and tourism are committed to nurturing a Downtown that benefits the entire San Diego region.

The organization also serves as the managing organization for several special districts and charitable foundations including the Property and Business Improvement District – otherwise known as Clean & Safe – which provides enhanced services in 275 blocks of Downtown. Through these programs the organization has provided services in maintenance, safety, beautification, unhoused care, business promotion, and tenant retention to improve the quality of life on behalf of Downtown’s neighborhoods for more than 20 years.

In all, these programs provide an annual contractual budget of approximately $13 million annually.

To learn more about our work in these areas, please visit: downtownsandiego.org

Our Values

• Deliver excellent service: We strive to provide exceptional customer service through listening to our customers, providing efficient services, and innovative solutions resulting in value for our many stakeholders.
• Be fun and open-minded with a quirky sense of creativity : We work hard but take time to celebrate our collective achievements and realize there's always more than one perspective to consider when approaching a challenge.
• Pursue growth and learning : We invest in our people so they can continue to build skills and perspectives that enrich the work we do.
• Build honest relationships and communication : We believe honesty leads to strong relationships built on a foundation of trust.
• Nurture a safe work environment : We have a collective commitment to emphasize safety over competing goals to ensure the protection of people and our environment.
• Inclusiveness and diversity : We honor the inherent value of every individual’s unique story, experience, and perspective. We strive to amplify the voices of our staff, community, and stakeholders and to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can contribute one’s authentic self.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the Downtown San Diego Partnership, we are an organization that attracts and empowers diversity throughout our workplace and in the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the whole person and the lived experience that makes each of us unique. We strive to foster a safe environment, both internally within our organization and externally towards the communities we engage with, in which we encourage all voices to be heard and amplified as needed. We know our strengths come from championing our differences and acknowledge that each person deserves a voice and a seat at the table. Our ability to feel or be united through inclusion will result in better discussions, decisions, and outcomes that will allow us to advance the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of Downtown San Diego.

DSDP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Downtown San Diego Partnership provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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