Job Summary

Directs the staff, budget, resources, and operations of the Economic Development Department.

Essential Duties

• Manages the Economic Development department including staff, consultants, budgets, services, projects, and programs.
• Promotes business attraction, retention, expansion, and diversification.
• Works with City leadership to establish goals, strategies, and objectives for economic development. Plans, assigns, and oversees work to achieve established goals.
• Supervises, hires, trains, develops, and evaluates personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies and expand capabilities; and implements incentives and discipline in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Provides visionary, innovative leadership which encourages and recognizes creativity, innovation and flexibility at all levels of the department and programs.
• Provides advice and counsel.
• Plans, designs, operates, reviews, monitors and guides the continued improvement of departmental projects and programs. Seeks to improve return on investment, where appropriate.
• Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to employees and the general public as required; responds to public inquiries and coordinates regularly with appropriate internal staff with appropriate political sensitivity and respect for proprietary business information.
• Facilitates meetings with staff, internal departments, committees, and/or other applicable groups. May serve or participate on various committees, teams and/or with external agencies. Prepares and gives presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Works collaboratively to develop marketing plans, materials, and information to promote business attraction, retention, and expansion.
• Travels to recruitment, educational, and networking events to learn best practices and to keep Prescott in the mind of potential new businesses.
• Develops lasting relationships and partnerships.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Economic Development, or related field. Five (5) years of recent experience in economic development; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience.

Licensing, Certification, and Other Requirements:

Possess an Arizona driver’s license in good standing.

Employee Core Beliefs

City of Prescott employees should seek to uphold the City’s core beliefs throughout their day-to-day business and with every customer they come in contact with, both internal and external. Our core beliefs are: Act with Integrity, Work as a Team, Have Personal Commitment and Loyalty, Solve Problems, Take Pride In Excellent Results, High Level of Productivity and Being Nice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of leadership principles and managerial practices and techniques to successfully supervise, develop, and empower staff.
• Knowledge of key economic development principles and methods.
• Knowledge of marketing principles and public relations techniques.
• Knowledge of destination marketing organizations and their role in the community.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and City laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to gathering and disseminating public information.
• Knowledge of budgeting and finance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
• Skill in supervising, leading, and developing staff.
• Skill in directing, developing, managing, identifying, communicating and carrying out the objectives of the department.
• Skill in interpreting and applying complex principles, methods and practices related to economic development.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in interpreting and applying applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Skill in solving problems and proposing sound alternatives.
• Skill in communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, elected officials, and other interested parties.
• Ability to establish and maintain cohesive working relationships with public and private sector representatives, elected officials, department heads, employees, media representatives, professional groups, and the general public.
• Ability to analyze, develop, and conduct research and surveys.
• Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to develop professionally-targeted promotional material such as brochures, presentations, and materials utilizing computer software; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Desktop Publishing, Internet navigation, databases, social media platforms, and related programs.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a standard City office and sometimes out in the community.
• Safely and effectively performs required duties and safely operates required equipment and City vehicle as needed.
• Clearly, concisely, and effectively communicates, both in person and over the telephone.
• Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

How to Apply / Contact

Apply for the Director of Economic Development  position.