Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.
Department:
GG_City Manager: City ManagerSalary Range Minimum:
$67,200.00Salary Range Maximum:
$109,069.58Closing Date:
11/14/2025Job Details:
This is managerial work assisting the City Manager or designee with structuring, coordinating, and implementing strategic initiatives aimed at promoting economic mobility and opportunity. The Economic Mobility Program Manager leads cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, and data-informed planning to address systemic barriers to economic advancement and improve equitable outcomes. The position develops and executes project work plans, schedules, budgets, and allocates resources to ensure the economic success of citywide mobility strategies.Job Description:
SUMMARY
This is managerial work assisting the City Manager or designee with structuring, coordinating, and implementing strategic initiatives aimed at promoting economic mobility and opportunity. The Economic Mobility Program Manager leads cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, and data-informed planning to address systemic barriers to economic advancement and improve equitable outcomes. The position develops and executes project work plans, schedules, budgets, and allocates resources to ensure the economic success of citywide mobility strategies.
Positions allocated to this classification report to the City Manager or designee and work under minimal supervision. Work in this class is distinguished by its emphasis on strategic initiatives spanning multiple departments and systems that influence workforce, housing, education, financial empowerment, and community development.
This position is funded by the Gates Foundation through a grant from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) as part of the Economic Mobility and Opportunity Special Assistants Program. Funding is provided from September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.
EXAMPLES OF WORK**
**This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower-level duties may be required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Serve as the City’s lead strategist on issues related to economic mobility, opportunity, and equity.
Identify strategic priorities and systemic barriers impacting residents’ ability to achieve financial security and economic advancement.
Develop and implement initiatives focused on workforce development, income growth, housing stability, education pathways, financial empowerment, and related factors.
Facilitate inclusive community engagement processes to co-design strategies with residents, community-based organizations, and institutions.
Build and maintain strong partnerships across City departments, public agencies, nonprofits, and the business community.
Develop and monitor metrics and performance dashboards to evaluate outcomes and ensure continuous improvement.
Draft and present reports, implementation plans, and policy recommendations to internal leadership, elected officials, and advisory bodies.
Collaborate with City leadership to integrate mobility and equity goals into planning, budgeting, and service delivery.
Research, propose, and implement innovative approaches to enhance program effectiveness and sustainability.
Prepare grant proposals and manage budgets for economic mobility and opportunity projects.
Attend required professional convenings (including travel to ICMA cohort meetings).
Attend work on a continuous and regular basis.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
May act in the absence of a supervisor.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with preference for public administration, economics, public policy, social sciences, business administration, urban planning, or a related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, community engagement, workforce development, or related fields, including at least one (1) year managing complex, cross-sector initiatives; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES
Licenses
Valid Florida Driver's License required.
Certifications
Preferred but not required:
Certified Economic Developer (IEDC - International Economic Development Council)
and/or
Certified Planner (AICP – American Institute of Certified Planners)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of systemic and structural factors impacting economic mobility, including income, education, housing, health, and workforce access.
Knowledge of governmental budget procedures, grants management, and performance evaluation frameworks.
Ability to design, implement, and evaluate community-centered initiatives.
Experience with participatory planning or community engagement strategies and ability to negotiate, resolve conflicts, and build consensus across diverse stakeholders.
Ability to analyze data and synthesize findings into clear reports and recommendations.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Skill in public speaking, facilitation, and written communication for diverse audiences.
Ability to work effectively with elected officials, department heads, partner agencies, and the general public.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for prolonged periods of time.
Depending on the assignment, tasks may require frequent walking, standing, some unassisted lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects up to 30 pounds.
May involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, kneeling, stooping, and/or working in confined spaces.
May be required to climb and descend ladders and/or stairs, and walk across scaffolding at redevelopment sites.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Required to work or attend meetings outside regular business hours.
Requires local travel to various redevelopment areas to conduct on-site visits with businesses, communities, and neighborhoods located within the Gainesville area.
Requires out-of-town travel periodically for cohort convenings and professional development.
Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.
Note:
May Require Assessment(s).
May fill multiple positions.
May establish an eligibility list.
Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.
Equal Opportunity
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.
Veterans' Preference
Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.