The Pima County Economic Development Department is seeking an innovative and experienced professional to serve as our Deputy Director of Economic Development. This position offers an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping Pima County’s economic landscape by attracting new businesses, supporting business retention and expansion, and fostering job creation.

As Deputy Director, you will lead key initiatives in collaboration with a team of 4 full-time employees and diverse local, regional, and federal partners. The department focuses on sustainable economic development practices, driving investment, enhancing workforce development opportunities, and supporting upward economic mobility for our community.

With a broad scope of influence, the department leads efforts in business attraction, entrepreneurship support, workforce development partnerships, site selection, contract management, housing attainment, and more. You’ll help implement the priorities of the Pima County Board of Supervisors and advance the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.

This role is your chance to help transform Pima County into a thriving hub of economic growth and resilience.

Learn more about the department and this exceptional opportunity HERE.

Click Here to view the job brochure with more information about this position.

This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Represents the Director in formal and informal meetings when needed and acts on behalf of the Director in the Director’s absence;
• Maintains working relationships and represents the Department with Local, State, Regional and Federal agencies, organizations, community groups and private industry to promote inter-agency cooperation;
• Reviews and stays up to date on economic trends and proposed and adopted legislation and regulations that affect the County’s economic development operations and business operations within the region. Identifies and makes recommendations to the Director to optimize economic development efforts;
• Performs research and analysis projects when necessary;
• Helps develop, implement and administer business attraction programs and services to help attract national and international businesses to the region;
• Assists in the development of the department budget;
• Drafts and maintains administrative and operational procedures, subject to Director approval, to ensure compliance with County, state and federal ordinances, laws and regulations;
• Assists in development and implementation of staff training programs when necessary;
• Assists in preparation of department reports, memoranda correspondences, recommendations and studies;
• May represent the department with the media and the public;
• May supervise and evaluate staff when needed;
• Assists in planning, development and implementation of the general activities of the Economic Development Department; helps determine priorities and controls; supervises personnel when required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration or Business Administration (or related field) AND six (6) years’ experience in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Community Development, Workforce Development, Business Development and local/regional government, utility, or other related professional experience within area of responsibility of which at least two years were in a supervisory or managerial capacity.(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the “Education” and “Work Experience” sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write “see resume” on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

• Five (5) years experience in managing strategic business attraction and retention and expansion services.
• Five (5) years experience in grant application and management.
• Experience in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
• Experience with local and regional utilities.
• Active certification as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or Arizona Economic Development Professional (AZED Pro).

Selection Procedure:

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum/desired qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidates from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record. Failure to maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position.

EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.