Economic Development Assistant

Description and Essential Functions

Connected By Amazing Employees

THE POSITION
The City of Murrieta is pleased to announce the creation of the Economic Development Assistant position within the Economic Development Department. This role has been established to enhance the department’s capacity to deliver high-quality services, support strategic initiatives, and strengthen engagement with regional partners and the business community. The Economic Development Assistant will play a key role in coordinating department events, representing the city at conferences and industry gatherings, developing marketing materials, and supporting daily office operations. This position reflects the City’s continued commitment to cultivating a vibrant local economy, advancing business development efforts, and ensuring that Murrieta remains a community where opportunity and innovation thrive.

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the Economic Development Assistant performs a wide variety of administrative, clerical, and program-support duties to advance the City’s strategic economic development priorities. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs, projects, events, and outreach efforts aimed at attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses, as well as promoting community economic vitality. The position will serve as a key liaison between the City, the business community, real-estate developers, property owners, and other external stakeholders. This role will also coordinate trade shows, conferences, business events, marketing/branding activities, and act as a representative for the City with exemplary customer service. The incumbent oversees the operations and functions of an assigned office or program area, ensures effective inter-departmental coordination, and supports the broader business community by delivering timely information and routing requests to appropriate City staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives supervision and direction from assigned lead, supervisor, or management staff. May provide technical and functional direction and training to lower-level staff. This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility for professional staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is an entry-level classification responsible for providing administrative, clerical, and analytical support to the Economic Development Department. Incumbents perform paraprofessional to entry-level professional analytical and operational support duties. They assist in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating economic development programs while gaining familiarity with City policies, procedures, and municipal operations. Assignments become more diversified as the incumbent demonstrates proficiency; incumbents are expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative in carrying out routine and some complex tasks while receiving oversight on strategic matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, or remove job duties as necessary and will make reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals to perform the position’s essential functions. The omission of a specific duty does not preclude it from being assigned if it is similar, related, or logically aligned with the role’s overall responsibilities.

• Plan, organize, and carry out assignments and special projects related to economic development, business retention/expansion, trade show participation, conferences, booth-hosting, and City representation
• Assisting with budget and/or contract preparation, planning, and monitoring; recommend organizational or procedural changes affecting support activities; recommend improvements in workflow, procedures, use of equipment, and forms
• Coordinates and participates in the preparation of department budget; monitors budget expenditures and revenues; initiates department purchases for office supplies and other items as assigned; submits and authorizes payment of invoices
• Performs other financial and accounting-related duties, including receiving payments and reconciling them with purchasing orders, tracking vendor and invoice information, assisting with bid requests, price quotes, purchase and expenditure requests, and purchase orders
• Consistently demonstrate a high level of professionalism and commitment to providing excellent customer service by responding promptly, courteously, and effectively to inquiries from the public, business community, and City staff
• Develop public outreach, marketing, and informational materials (e.g. brochures, newsletters, digital/social media content) and disseminate them through appropriate channels
• Collects and compiles material for review and analysis; provides recommendations for changes in programs, policies, or procedures to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness of operations
• Assists in the preparation of requests for proposals for hiring outside consultants, vendors, and contractors; assists in researching contract service and supply needs; monitors contract compliance
• Prepare reports, presentations, staff summaries, and correspondence
• Performs other program-support and administrative duties as assigned to include, but not limited to, budget, public records requests, service requests, internal requests for information, contracts, contract amendments/issues, completion of projects, proposals, and grant opportunities
• Verifies and reviews forms and reports for completeness and conformance with established regulations and procedures; applies departmental and program policies and procedures in determining completeness of applications, records, and files
• Performs a wide variety of clerical duties to support department operations, including filing, data entry, handling communication, and supporting department staff.
• Serve as the first point of contact for the business community (receives and screens visitors, telephone calls, emails, and regular mail); respond to inquiries and ensure resolution in line with departmental and City policies and procedures
• Assist in coordinating with other City departments and outside agencies to integrate economic development efforts.
• Assist with coordinating travel arrangements and accommodation for department personnel and submitting all related paperwork
• Maintains calendars, schedules meetings, and coordinates logistics for department staff
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications includes:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Economics, Marketing or a closely related field, and
• Two years of increasingly responsible administrative, programmatic, or economic development support experience.

Highly desirable

• The above-noted experience in a municipal government or closely related environment is highly desirable

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Ability to travel to meetings, trainings, site visits, and special events throughout the City may be required. Employee must have access to reliable transportation as needed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, which includes a state and federal fingerprint-based background check (Live Scan), driving records screening, and a non-safety pre-employment physical and drug screening exam.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Principles and practices of municipal government administration, organization, and operation
• Research and reporting methods, economic indicators, demographics, and data-analysis techniques
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies related to economic development
• Budget preparation and administration, contract development, and monitoring
• Application of critical thinking and analysis
• Record keeping principles and procedures
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and software applications

• English grammar, usage, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation, and composition
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contracts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations
• Techniques for promoting and marketing the City’s economic development programs and activities
• Techniques for providing excellent customer service and representing the City effectively

ABILITY TO

• Assist in the development of departmental goals, objectives, work standards, policies and procedures
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner
• Conduct research, analyze data, interpret and summarize findings, and prepare reports
• Establish and maintain effective record-keeping systems and manage multiple priorities
• Represent the department and the City in meetings, workshops, conferences, trade shows, and community groups
• Respond to routine questions from the public and City personnel regarding policies and procedures for assigned areas, including the collection and dissemination of various types of information
• Interpret, apply, and explain Federal, State, and City policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Properly interpret, ensure compliance with, and make recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies
• Build and sustain positive working relationships with staff, partners, and the public
• Provide excellent customer service and exercise sound judgment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment, as well as in the community and region, with moderate noise levels, varied temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with the business community and representatives from the public and private sectors involved in business/economic development.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov .

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interview, performance test, and writing exercise to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances, which may include a physical, drug screen, and Live Scan background screening.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the city of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Organization: MGEA

Adopted: December 16, 2025

MURRIETA GENERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding .

• RETIREMENT : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
    • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
    • Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
    • Formula: 2.7% at 55
  • Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 60
    • Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
  • Tier 3 (New Members)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 62
    • Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
• MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,891.28 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
• RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the unit's Memorandum of Understanding for details.
• DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• VISION INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for a $50,000 life insurance policy. Additional life insurance is available.
• SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City shall contribute a matching amount not to exceed $2,000 per year.
• SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Murrieta.

Closing Date/Time: 12/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Murrieta

• (951) 461-6087

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