Organization Overview
La Paz Economic Development Corporation (La Paz EDC) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, member-supported regional economic development organization operating as a public/private partnership serving La Paz County, Arizona.
La Paz EDC collaborates with county and municipal governments, tribal leadership, private-sector investors, utility providers, and state and federal agencies to advance sustainable economic growth, infrastructure readiness, workforce alignment, and long-term regional competitiveness.
The organization focuses on business recruitment, business retention and expansion, infrastructure advocacy, regional marketing, and strategic economic planning to strengthen the economic vitality of La Paz County.
Position Overview
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of La Paz EDC and is responsible for carrying out the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors.
The Director leads regional economic development initiatives, manages public and private stakeholder relationships, supports infrastructure and site readiness efforts, oversees investor engagement, and ensures the financial and organizational stability of the corporation.
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and serves as the primary spokesperson and representative of La Paz EDC.
Primary Responsibilities
- Strategic Economic Development Leadership
- Develop and implement a strategic economic development plan aligned with regional priorities and applicable Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) goals.
- Identify and pursue targeted industry sectors appropriate for the region.
- Lead business attraction efforts and coordinate responses to prospective company and site selector inquiries.
- Maintain and update an inventory of commercial and industrial sites.
- Advance site readiness and development competitiveness initiatives.
- Business Retention & Expansion (BRE)
- Establish and maintain relationships with existing employers across the county.
- Conduct outreach to identify operational needs, workforce challenges, and expansion opportunities.
- Facilitate connections to workforce programs, financing tools, and regulatory resources.
- Support entrepreneurial and small business development where aligned with organizational mission.
- Public/Private Partnership Management
- Strengthen and maintain relationships between public entities and private-sector investors.
- Develop and manage investor membership programs.
- Conduct investor recruitment and retention outreach.
- Ensure consistent communication and reporting to public and private stakeholders.
- Foster collaboration across municipalities, county government, tribal leadership, and business partners.
- Infrastructure & Development Advocacy
- Collaborate with local governments, utilities, and regional partners to support infrastructure initiatives, including: water resource planning, power and energy capacity, transportation access, and broadband expansion.
- Advocate for infrastructure improvements that enhance economic competitiveness.
- Identify development barriers and coordinate solutions with appropriate agencies.
- Government & Regional Relations
- Serve as liaison between La Paz EDC and County and municipal governments, Tribal leadership, State agencies (including the Arizona Commerce Authority), and Federal economic development entities.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory matters impacting economic development.
- Advocate for policies supportive of rural economic growth and business investment.
- Marketing & Regional Branding
- Develop and maintain marketing materials highlighting regional assets and opportunities.
- Oversee website and digital communications.
- Coordinate participation in industry events, conferences, and professional associations.
- Promote La Paz County’s competitive advantages to prospective employers and investors.
- Organizational & Financial Management
- Develop and manage the annual operating budget.
- Oversee financial reporting and ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Maintain compliance with 501(c)(6) nonprofit requirements.
- Prepare Board meeting agendas, reports, and development updates.
- Implement Board-approved policies and strategic directives.
- Support governance best practices and long-term organizational sustainability.
- Grant Development & Resource Leveraging
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities aligned with regional economic development objectives.
- Collaborate with regional partners on joint funding initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with grant reporting and performance requirements.
Qualifications Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, Finance, or a related field preferred.
- Professional experience in economic development, public/private partnership leadership, nonprofit management, municipal or county government, infrastructure planning, business development, or a related field preferred.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in managing strategic initiatives, stakeholder relationships, and organizational operations.
- Equivalent combinations of education, professional experience, and demonstrated success in community or regional leadership roles will be considered.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Working knowledge of regional economic development principles and rural market dynamics.
- Understanding of infrastructure, land use, and development processes.
- Ability to build and maintain partnerships across public and private sectors.
- Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Financial literacy, including budget development and oversight.
- Ability to operate independently while maintaining accountability to governance structure.
- Professional judgment and discretion in politically sensitive environments.
How to Apply / Contact
Apply for the Executive Director position |
